Growing Spirulina
Spirulina, a tiny blue-green algae, grows underwater and is sold in health food stores in capsules or powdered form. Spirulina is rich in protein, iron and vitamin A. Does this Spark an idea?
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Uses
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Spirulina is often touted as a super food. Many growers, including the Earthrise Nutritionals company in California, claim spirulina prevents aging, relieves symptoms of depression and wards off skeletal muscle damage. However, the Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated those statements.
Significance
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Spirulina can be grown and harvested without the use of pesticides or herbicides. One acre of spirulina can produce up to 100 pounds of protein every day during peak growing season.
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Fun Facts
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Single-celled spirulina, like other plants, absorbs carbon dioxide and produces oxygen. It grows in ponds over salty, clay-based soil that is generally unsuitable for other crops. In nature, spirulina thrives in alkaline lakes.
History
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Spirulina was discovered in South America and Africa, where it formed a major part of local diets. Since the 1970s, spirulina has been grown commercially and sold as a dietary supplement.
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References
- Earthrise Nutritionals: Ecological Farming of Spirulina
- Earthrise Nutritionals: A Randomized Double-Blind...; Park HJ; August 2008
- University of Florida Center for Precollegiate Education and Training: Health Food Supplements...; Aaron Hoover
- Australian Spirulina: Spirulina FAQs
- Nutrition Data: Nutrition Facts: Seaweed, spirulina, dried
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
