Viridian Organic Spirulina 500mg

What is Spirulina?

Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) is a simple, one celled form of algae that thrives in warm, alkaline fresh-water. The name ‘Spirulina’ is derived from the latin word for ‘helix’ or ‘spiral’, denoting the physical configuration of the organism when it forms swirling, microscopic strands.

Spirulina is 69 percent complete protein, with all the essential amino acids in perfect balance. In comparison beef is only 22 percent protein. In addition, Spirulina is one of the few plant sources of vitamin B12, usually found only in animal tissues.Spirulina also provides high concentrations of many other nutrients – amino acids, chelated minerals,pigments, rhamnose sugars (complex natural plant sugars), trace elements, enzymes (SOD), and essential fatty acids (both linoleic and linolenic acid) – that are all in an easily assimilable form. Spirulina is one of the blue-green algae due to the presence of both chlorophyll (green) and phycocyanin (blue) pigments in its cellular structure.

What does Organic Spirulina do?

WEIGHT LOSS – Spirulina is an excellent aid to helping weight loss by helping on two fronts.

Firstly, it is a rich source of protein that is quickly absorbed, and it is also low glycaemic index food.

Secondly, it is a valuable source of the amino acid phenylalanine which is believed to suppress the appetite by acting on the appetite centre of the brain. Taking Spirulina between meals is a powerful tool in reducing cravings whilst providing optimum nutrition, and is high nutrient dense with a low calorie content.

ALLERGIC RHINITIS (HAYFEVER) – A 2005 study conducted at the University of California revealed that 2g of Spirulina per day given over 12 weeks was sufficient to reduced the inflammatory cytokine, IL-4, by 32%. Spirulina consumption significantly improves hayfever symptoms, including, nasal discharge, sneezing, congestion and itching.

DIGESTIVE AID – research reveals that two grams of Spirulina is sufficient to cure all symptoms of gastric ulcers. The chlorophyll helps coat the irritated stomach lining, inhibits excess gastric and reduces tissue inflammation.

CARDIOVASCULAR SUPPORT – research reveals that Spirulina given to patients with ischaemic heart disease resulted in significant reductions in both blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Phycocyanin, the blue pigment found in Spirulina has shown positive effects in removing plaque from the arteries. The authors of the research ‘suggest potential therapeutic use for the plaque localisation and regression’.

ANAEMIA – experiments in Japan have demonstrated that Spirulina has a marked positive effect on anaemia, possibly due to the conversion of chlorophyll into haemoglobin. The high nutrient density of Spirulina, especially the blood-building vitamins B12 and folic acid are also useful in treating cases of anaemia.

IMMUNE FUNCTION – Spirulina has been shown to stimulate the immune system by stimulating  the production of antibodies and cytokines. It has found to be effective against herpes, cytomegalovirus, influenza virus etc. Spirulina is also effective in preserving healthy intestinal flora and in decreasing Candida albicans (yeast infections). Spirulina has also demonstrated effectiveness in enhancing IgA (an antibody playing a critical role in mucosal immunity) production, suggesting a pivotal role in enhancing mucosal immunity. Polysaccharides present in Spirulina are known to exert chemo-protective, radio-protective capability, and may prove to be a helpful adjunct to cancer therapy.

LIVER DISEASE - Japanese research has revealed that Spirulina boosts the liver’s recuperative powers in cases of acute and chronic hepatitis, as well as early liver damage through alcohol abuse.