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Today's Daily Health Tip
Spirulina: One of the Great Superfoods
by Jennifer Good     This week's featured health ingredient is spirulina, which is used for many reasons including: as a source of dietary protein, B-vitamins, iron, cleansing, not to mention protection from radiation. Spirulina has also been used for weight loss, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), hay fever, diabetes, stress, fatigue, anxiety, depression, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and other women's health issues.1
Spirulina is one of the great super foods. It is approximately 65 to 71 percent complete protein in its natural state and contains 18 out of 22 amino acids, including all of the essential amino acids, making it a great vegetarian source of complete protein. This is higher than virtually any other unprocessed food. (Note: whey protein, for example, has to be extracted and concentrated from dairy to reach higher levels.) And unlike most other forms of protein, the protein in spirulina is 85- 95% digestible; again, one of the highest levels available. And finally, since spirulina has no cellulose in its cell walls, it is extremely easy for the body to break it down. In fact, its amino acids are delivered to the body for almost instant absorption.
In addition, spirulina is an excellent source of B vitamins, vitamin E, highly bioavailable iron, and 14 naturally chelated minerals and numerous trace elements. Early research findings have shown that taking 1 gram of spirulina (Spirulina fusiformis) daily by mouth for 12 months reduces oral leukoplakia in people who chew tobacco.1 Based on a 2008 study, it also holds some promise in the treatment of nasal allergies. Patients in the study found improvement with nasal discharge, sneezing, congestion, and itching with spirulina consumption.3 Spirulina was also the focus in a 2008 study on type 2 diabetes. Those who completed the 12 weeks of spirulina supplementation experienced a significant reduction in blood-fat levels. Some of the other benefits included a decrease in inflammation and a decrease in blood pressure and cholesterol.4 And doctors even used spirulina to aid the child victims of Chernobyl radiation. It's use reduced urine radioactivity levels by 50% in only 20 days.5
The history of this algae supplement has been traced back to the Aztecs and even possibly as far back as the 9th century in Chad during the Kanem Empire, where even today it is in daily use.2 Today it is cultivated worldwide and used primarily as a dietary supplement and a whole food. You can find it in tablet, flake, and powder form.
For a breakdown of how much spirulina Jon Barron uses in his shake formula, click here.
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References:
(1) http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/923.html
(2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spirulina_(dietary_supplement)
(3) Cingi C, Conk-Dalay M, Cakli H, Bal C. "The effects of spirulina on allergic rhinitis." Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2008 265(10):1219-23.
(4) Lee EH, Park JE, Choi YJ, Huh KB, Kim WY. "A randomized study to establish the effects of spirulina in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients." Nutr Res Pract. 2008 2(4):295-300.
(5) Belookaya, T. Corres. from Chairman of Byelorussian Committee "Children of Chernobyl" May 31, 1991.
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