What Is Spirulina

Spirulina, a blue-green algae, has been used for centuries.

Spirulina is a dietary supplement used in a wide range of ways for its nutritional value as well as its purported medical benefits.

Origin

Spirulina is a microscopic, one-celled blue-green algae that grows in warm, high-alkaline waters. Spanish explorers recorded Aztecs using Spirulina as a food source as early as the 16th century. It is now commercially grown in the United States.

Nutritional Uses

Spirulina is used as a protein and nutrition supplement. Natural Ways writes, "Spirulina is being developed as the 'food of the future' because of its amazing ability to synthesize high-quality concentrated food more efficiently than any other algae. Most notably, Spirulina is 65 to 71 percent complete protein, with all essential amino acids in perfect balance." Spirulina also contains high concentrations of minerals and nutrients including iron, calcium, magnesium and Vitamins A, B, C, D and K.

Medical Uses

Spirulina is used for weight loss, boosting the immune system, lowering cholesterol, heart health, diabetes treatment, wound healing, improving digestive health and as an antidote to depression and anxiety. According to Medline Plus, there is not enough scientific evidence to know if Spirulina is effective in treating medical conditions.

References

• Drugs.Com: "Spirulina"
• Natural Ways: "What Is Spirulina?"
• Medline Plus: "Blue-green algae"

Resources

• Spirulina for Nutrition