Spirulina ( Blue-Green Algae )

Spirulina is a familiar example of the blue-green algae, which is a collection of 1,500 species of minute marine plants. Among the most common varieties of blue-green algae that are consumed by the humans are Spirulina maxima and Spirulina platensis. Although the vitamin B12 enclosed in Spirulina is not fit for directed use by people, this variety of the blue-green algae are heavily loaded with protein content and also comprises carotenoids, essential fatty acids, minerals and other vitamins. Interestingly, the health benefits claimed from consuming spirulina or other blue-green algae are not owing to scientific findings, but tales passed down since the ages! Nevertheless, laboratory tests as well as researches on animals have shown that spirulina and the extracts from spirulina possess several therapeutic properties. These researches have demonstrated that large amounts of spirulina and extracts from the substance possess antioxidant, anti-viral, anti-cancer, anti-allergy, immune-enhancing, liver defensive, blood vessel comforting and blood lipid lessening consequences.

A restricted study conducted on humans have demonstrated that a blue-green algae variety Spirulina fusiformis has substantial potential to reverse the pre-cancerous lesions or wounds of the mouth known as leukoplakia. The study noted that 45 per cent of the subjects who were administered one gram of Spirulina fusiformis for a year every day witnessed improvement in their condition, compared to only seven per cent of the group who were administered the conventional placebo or panacea. According to another controlled study on humans, on an average overweight people who took 8.4 grams of Spirulina fusiformis every day shed three pounds in four weeks. On the other hand, people who were receiving placebo lost only 1.5 pounds during the same period. Moreover, although the disparity was found to be noteworthy and there was no adverse consequences on blood pressure or serum cholesterol owing to the consumption of spirulina. Another study conducted in a while observed that there was an insignificant cholesterol reducing effect on the individuals taking 4.2 grams of spirulina daily for around eight weeks. However, even in this case, the serum triglycerides, blood pressure and the body weight of the individuals given spirulina remained as before.

Uses

Oral leukoplakia, Weight loss and Obesity.

Sources of spirulina

The blue-green algae is native to Central and South America as well as Africa where they are found growing in abundance in lakes, especially the ones that have rich salt contents. Commercially, the blue-green algae are grown in open-air tanks and are harvested for their nutritional value. Blue-green algae are used as nutritional supplements, mostly as a substitute for other proteins.

Deficiencies and susceptibility

The blue-green algae are not an indispensable nourishing substance and hence it is never related to any deficit condition. Nevertheless, people who do not eat enough vegetables daily to fulfill the requirements of the body may gain by consuming the blue-green algae that comprised carotenoids and a number of nourishing substances. As the blue-green algae are a whole protein, it may be substituted for some protein elements in our diet to make it vigorous. Nonetheless, large quantities of blue-green algae need to be consumed in order to get enough of the nourishing substances contained in them.

Usual dosage

The blue-green algae may be taken in different forms - flakes, powder, capsules and even tablets. Normally green-algae supplement manufacturers recommend taking 2,000 mg to 3,000 mg of the substance daily. However, the entire dose is not to be taken at one time, but divided into several parts every day. Studies conducted on animals have shown that the best quantity to be taken is around 34 grams or a little more of the substance daily for a person weighing around 150 pounds.

Side effects and cautions

The use of blue-green algae as a supplement is relatively safe as there is no side effect from the nourishing substance. Nonetheless, it should be noted that the blue-green algae has the potential to build up heavy metals from unhygienic water. Although uncontaminated blue-green algae have been discovered, eating blue-green algae collected from such areas may alarmingly enhance the body’s stack of metals like lead, mercury and cadmium. In fact, animal hair and insect parts have been found to pollute some samples of spirulina. However, studies conducted on animals have shown that consuming spirulina is safe during pregnancies. On the other hand, another widely used species of the blue-green algae - Aphanizomenon flosaquae - is reported to manufacture toxins or poison. In addition, there are a few reports of allergic reactions owing to consumption of the blue-green algae.