What are the benefits of spirulina: A Brief Explanation

June 17th, 2012 by Mark Blakey

Arthrospira platensis, or known as Spirulina is a one-celled cyanobacterium made up of concentrated levels of proteins along with other nutrients and vitamins. Staying in alkaline freshwater bodies, the blue green algae has been seen to have lived billions of years ago and is accepted in the scientific community as one of the first species to have lived. Spirulina, due to its helix shaped strand, got its name from the Latin word for little spiral.

Then again, even if physically small, the same cannot be said to the huge amounts of nutrients and vitamins that it can provide for the human body. In reality, these days, people are applying Spirulina as vitamin supplements for their everyday consumption. At this time, due to the ample health benefits it offers, folks are now starting to completely understand what exactly Spirulina is. Yet before going to the discussion on these said advantages let us first move through the blue green famous beginnings.

Earliest records of the application of Spirulina can be traced to the Kanembu individuals in Chad in Africa. Scientists have discovered that as early as the 6th century, they have been applying Spirulina in their daily diet. They’d make hardened sundried cakes made of Spirulina, crumble them in tiny parts and then combine it with meats, fish and vegetables. They would then either store it for their home consumption or market it to the nearby industry. The fish ponds around Lake Chad were identified to have been the key source for their cakes that they call dih.

The concept of what Spirulina is was also comparable with the Aztecs plus some Mesoamericans. Study also implies that until the 16th century, before the Spanish conquest of these cultures, these civilizations also created Spirulina a part of their day-to-day diet. It was found that like the Kanembu folks, they even made cakes made out of Spirulina. If you would question them what are the health benefits of spirulina? They would instantly answer, techuitlatl. This was their local term for the blue-green algae. Nonetheless, because of their conquest plus the fast development and urbanization, these cakes were not part of their healthy way of life. Still, Lake Texcoco, the lake by which they harvested the Spirulina, remains around.

Knowing the history of Spirulina, let us now talk about the health benefits of Spirulina for us to fully answer the key problem of this article, which is: What are the health benefits of spirulina? Based on scientific research made, Spirulina, when consumed, serves to boost the human defense mechanisms, helps prevent cancers, controls high blood pressure and decreases bad cholesterol, among others. It has been discovered to help in curing arsenic poisoning caused by contaminated water. This research was made in Bangladesh where safe water is seen as a luxury. In addition, Spirulina is viewed by researchers as a treatment to autoimmune disorders such as, but not limited to Lupus, Aids and HIV. However, to know the most popular use of Spirulina click here for list of health benefits. A variety of health enthusiasts are now using Spirulina tablets and capsules as a reliable source of amino acids because it is made up of 60% protein containing all the essential proteins. According to these nutritional features, without doubt Spirulina deserves its being termed as a superfood.

Spirulina also known as “techuitlatl” among native Kanembu (16th Century) is rich in proteins and amino acids commonly used nowadays as a health supplement to improve the body’s defense mechanisms, regulates blood pressure levels, lowers blood cholesterol levels, cure for arsenic poisoning due to contaminated water and cure for autoimmune problems.

Mark Blakey is keen about health and establishing human potential. He’s a daily writer at www.SpirulinaSuperfoods.com which is a website dedicated to blue green algae like health benefits of Spirulina as well as other Superfoods.