Huge Health Benefits

As spirulina is a natural source of food packed with essential nutrients like no other, spirulina is literally teaming with potential health benefits. Studies show that spirulina increases phagocytic activity of macrophages and stimulate antibodies and cytokines production.  Spirulina may also facilitate lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. Studies demonstrate healthy benefits against several types of virus, toxicity and cancers. Spirulina is also thought to increase digestion and absorption of nutrients, prevent fatigue, support weight loss, prevent malnutrition and undernourishment, improve recovery after strenuous training, rejuvenate cells and reduce the effects of ageing. All these health benefits and many more are attributed to a near perfect combination of nutrients and antioxidants of extremely high bioavailability in spirulina.

Health against hunger

Almost 30 years ago founder of Florida whole-food nutrition company Re-Vita realized that spirulina is the perfect food to fight hunger. Bob Weatherly wanted to develop a nutrient dense natural food that would have profound health benefits, help prevent hunger and feed children suffering from malnutrition. The result came in 1986, a molecular nutrition whole-food product enriched with liquefied spirulina called Liqua Health. Re-Vita has since donated over 46 million servings to hungry and malnourished children all over the world. 

Immunity and spirulina  

In a 2002 Japanese study, 12 adult males were administered an oral hot water extract of spirulina, and the number and activity of their natural killer (NK) cells was measured before and after treatment. (NK cells destroy tumour cells by binding to them and delivering lethal chemicals that kill on contact.) At the study's end, there was a significant increase in the production and cancer-killing ability of these subjects' NK cells. When their NK cells were exposed to a bacterial product after treatment, production of interleukin-12 (IL-12), a measure of immune strength, was significantly increased in comparison to IL-12 production in NK cells without pre-exposure to spirulina. The authors concluded that spirulina acts directly and indirectly on NK cells in humans. This study suggests that the immune-enhancing effects of spirulina are persistent, as heightened immunity continued to be seen up to five weeks after the subjects stopped receiving spirulina.

Important spirulina health benefits 

 
"Health Benefits: spirulina lowers cholesterol, suppresses fatty accumulation in the liver, prevents tumor formation, enhances the immune system, and protects kidneys."

New Whole Foods Encyclopedia by Rebecca Wood, page 322
 

HEALTH BENEFITS OF SPIRULINA

Some of the health benefits of Spirulina are
• Encouraging weight loss
• Counteracting toxins in the body
• Helping purify the liver
• Increasing mental alertness
• Lowering blood cholesterol and excess triglycerides
• Helping fight viral infections
• Treating radiation sickness
• Enhancing ability to generate new blood cells
• Improving blood sugar problems
• Strengthening the nervous system
• Strengthening the immune system
• Removing toxic metals such as lead and mercury from the body
• Improving healing of wounds

READING REFERENCES

Amha Belay, Yoshimichi Ota (1993): Current knowledge on potential health benefits of Spirulina. Pub. in Journal of Appl. Phycology, 5:235-241.

Ayehunie S, Belay A, Baba TW, et al. (1998): Inhibition of HIV-1 replication by an aqueous extract of Spirulina platensis (Arthrospira platensis). J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr Hum Retrovirol, 18:7–12.

Becker EW, Jakober B, Luft D, et al.(1986): Clinical and biochemical evaluations of the alga Spirulina with regard to its application in the treatment of obesity. A double-blind crossover study. Nutr Rep Intl, 33:565–73.

Dagnelie PC, van Staveren WA, van den Berg H. (1991): Vitamin B-12 from algae appears not to be bioavailable. Am J Clin Nutr, 53:695–97.

Dillon JC, Phuc AP, Dubacq JP. (1995): Nutritional value of the alga Spirulina. World Rev Nutr Diet, 77:32–46.

Gonzalez de Rivera C, Miranda-Zamora? R, Diaz-Zagoya? JC, et al. (1993): Preventive effect of Spirulina maxima on the fatty liver induced by a fructose-rich diet in the rat, a preliminary report. Life Sci, 53:57–6

Hayashi K, Hayashi T, Kojima I. (1996): A natural sulfated polysaccharide, calcium spirulan, isolated from Spirulina platensis: in vitro and ex vivo evaluation of anti-herpes simplex virus and anti-human immunodeficiency virus activities. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses, 12:1463–71.

Hayashi O, Katoh T, Okuwaki Y. (1994): Enhancement of antibody production in mice by dietary Spirulina platensis. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo), 40:431–41.

Hongyan Wu, Kunshan Gao, Virginia E. Villafañe, Teruo Watanabe, E. Walter Helbling (2005): Effects of Solar UV Radiation on Morphology and Photosynthesis of Filamentous Cyanobacterium Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 71(9):                5004-5013.

Iwata K, Inayama T, Kato T. (1990): Effects of Spirulina platensis on plasma lipoprotein lipase activity in fructose-induced hyperlipidemic rats. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo), 36:165–71.

Johnson PE, Shubert LE. (1986): Accumulation of mercury and other elements by spirulina (cyanophyceae). Nutr Rep Intl, 34(6):1063–71.

Kapoor R, Mehta U. (1993): Effect of supplementation of blue green alga (Spirulina) on outcome of pregnancy in rats. Plant Foods Hum Nutr 1993; 43:29–35.

Kebede Elizabeth (1996): Phytoplankton in a Salinity-Alkalinity? Series of Lakes in the Ethiopian Rift Valley. Uppsala University (Sweden), 178 pp.

Kim HM, Lee EH, Cho HH, et al. (1998): Inhibitory effect of mast cell-mediated immediate-type allergic reactions in rats by spirulina. Biochem Pharmacol, 55:1071–76.

Mathew B, Sankaranarayanan R, Nair PP, et al. (1995): Evaluation of chemoprevention of oral cancer with Spirulina fusiformis. Nutr Cancer, 24:197–202.

Mishima T, Murata J, Toyoshima M, et al. (1998): Inhibition of tumor invasion and metastasis by calcium spirulan (Ca-SP), a novel sulfated polysaccharide derived from a blue-green alga, Spirulina platensis. Clin Exp Metastasis, 16:541–50.

Nakashima MJ, Angold S, Beavin BB, et al. (1989): Extraction of light filth from Spirulina powders and tablets: collaborative study. J Assoc Off Anal Chem, 72:451–53.
Nakaya N, Homma Y, Goto Y. (1988): Cholesterol lowering effect of Spirulina. Nutr Rep Intl 1988; 37:1329–37.

Orio Ciferri (1983): Spirulina, the edible organism. Microbiological Reviews, 47(4): 551–578.

Schwartz J, Shklar G, Reid S, Trickler D. (1988): Prevention of experimental oral cancer by extracts of Spirulina-Dunaliella? algae. Nutr Cancer, 11:127–34.

Susan M. Aubrey (2006): Spirulina: Answer for the hungry. Family Health News, www.familyhealthnews.com/articles-spirulina.html

Yang HN, Lee EH, Kim HM. (1997): Spirulina inhibits anaphylactic reaction. Life Sci, 61:1237–44

GREATEST SUPERFOOD ON EARTH

Spirulina platensis is a blue-green algae, which occurs naturally in the highly alkaline volcanic lakes of Africa and Mexico. This 3,5 billion-year-old organism has emerged as one of the most complete sources of nutrition on earth, because it has the remarkable ability to convert sun energy into vital substances!

Spirulina contains a phenomenal combination of protein, vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, phytonutrients and antioxidants. The name “Spirulina” is derived from the Latin word for “helix” or “spiral”, referring to the physical configuration of the organism when it forms swirling, microscopic strands.

What makes Spirulina such an amazing superfood?

The freshly harvested algae is dried at low temperature(below 42°C), which ensures that heat sensitive vitamins and carotenoids are well preserved.

* Protein - Spirulina has the highest protein content of any natural food. Our Spirulina contains between 65 and 70% protein. This is 270% more protein than fish, 334% more than beef and 556% more than tofu. Spirulina provides all the essential amino acids and is therefore considered a complete protein. With regards to usable protein (as a percentage of the food’s composition), Spirulina is second only to whole, dried eggs. Furthermore, protein from Spirulina is easily digestible due to the organism’s cell wall being free from cellulose and 85 – 95% digestible. This is especially beneficial to those individuals who have difficulty digesting complex proteins and those that suffer from intestinal malabsorption.

* Vitamins - Spirulina contains both water and fat soluble vitamins and is a rich source of Vitamin B12, containing 118% more than raw beef liver. The Vitamin-B complex consists of the following vitamins: B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12, all present in the Spirulina matrix. Most of these vitamins play a vital role in releasing energy from food and maintaining a healthy nervous system.

* Minerals - Superfood’s Spirulina contains various trace minerals and provides 475% more calcium than whole milk and 5756% more iron than spinach. Spirulina is the best natural iron supplement available and has been shown to correct anaemia, increase blood haemoglobin content and increase iron reserves. Iron from Spirulina is more than twice as absorbable as the form of iron found in most meats and vegetables.

* Healing Pigments - Chlorophyll is the green pigment in Spirulina, and aids in cleansing and detoxifying the body. It is referred to as “Green Blood” due to its striking resemblance to human haemoglobin. Our Spirulina provides 30 mg Chlorophyll per daily dosage of 3 grams. Phycocyanin is a naturally occurring, brilliant blue pigment in Spirulina, and stimulates blood production which in turn strengthens the immune system. It is also a potent antioxidant, protecting the body against DNA damage and premature aging. Our Spirulina provides 345 mg of Phycocyanin per daily dose of 3 grams.

* Essential fatty acids - Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is an essential fatty acid, part of the Omega-6 group, which can only be obtained by consumption of vegetarian foods like Spirulina. GLA promotes cholesterol normalization. Spirulina is concentrated in GLA. A daily dose of 3 grams Spirulina provides 55 mg of essential fatty acids, 30 mg in the form of Linoleic acid and 25 mg in the form of GLA. Other dietary sources of GLA include Mother’s milk and oil extracts of black current, borage seeds and evening primrose. GLA comprises up to 20% of the lipid fraction of Spirulina, compared to 9% for evening primrose oil.

* Polysaccharides - Calcium-Spirulan is a water-soluble polysaccharide unique to Spirulina. This polymerized sugar molecule contains both sulphur and calcium. Calcium-Spirulan has been shown to inhibit the replication of life-threatening viruses such as HIV-1. By inhibiting viral penetration of the cell it renders the virus vulnerable to the host’s immune system leaving it unable to replicate.

* Superoxide Dismutase - The enzyme Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) is a true natural antioxidant which removes excess superoxide free radicals, known to be responsible for cell oxidation which leads to DNA damage, cancer and premature aging. Our Spirulina contains large quantities of SOD, providing 10605 units per daily dose of 3 grams. 

* Antioxidants - Spirulina contains a powerful combination antioxidants. Its ORAC value of 61900 makes it one of the highest of any food!


The Scientific Research

There are various peer reviewed scientific studies regarding Spirulina’s ability to strengthen the immune system, inhibit viral replication and cause regression of cancers. These results highlight the potential of Spirulina as a therapeutic supplement in the modern diet. Spirulina has also been shown to play a role in lowering cholesterol levels, building blood cells and reversing anaemia. It has been effectively used to reverse malnutrition and reduce urine radioactivity levels of children at the Institute of Radiation Medicine in Minsk, Belarus.

Superfoods Spirulina

Unlike blue-green algae harvested from uncontrolled lakes, our Spirulina is cultivated under carefully controlled conditions.

The freshly harvested algae is rapidly dewatered before drying it in specially designed drying chambers, which ensures that heat sensitive vitamins and carotenoids are well preserved. The dry product is then granulated using a specially designed low-temperature milling process.

Superfoods Spirulina is grown and processed under the stricktest quality control standards(SABS 9001:2000 HACCP) and is free from pesticides, herbicides, preservatives, GMO’s and additives, and is processed RAW.

Our Spirulina is available in powder and tablet form through selected health shops or directly from our webshop.

Each tablet contains 300mg of 100% pure Spirulina - no binders or fillers are used.

How to use Spirulina

Spirulina has a unique, strong, salty taste, which some find unpleasant.The powder is therefore best mixed with your favourite smoothie or fresh juice. Start with 1/2 a teaspoon and gradually build up to 1-2 teaspoons of Spirulina powder daily.

Tablets can be taken at any time during the day with water.

A recommended minimum dose is 3g and should be eaten daily for maintenance.

DLA SPIRULINA WITH AMINO ACIDS

DLA SPIRULINA WITH AMINO ACIDS

This Overview and information on (ESSENTIAL) HISTIDINE
ISOLEUCINE, LEUCINE, LYSINE METHIONINE, PHENYLALANINE, THREONINE, TRYPTOPHAN VALINE (NON-ESSENTIAL) ALANINE ARGININE ASPARTIC ACID CYSTEINE & CYSTINE GLUTAMIC ACID GLUTAMINE GLYCINE ORNITHINE PROLINE SERINE TAURINE TYROSINE

AMINO ACIDS Overview
Amino Acids are the chemical units or "building blocks" of the body that make up proteins. Protein substances make up the muscles, tendons, organs, glands, nails, and hair. Growth, repair and maintenance of all cells are dependent upon them. Next to water, protein makes up the greatest portion of our body weight. Amino Acids that must be obtained from the diet are called "Essential Amino Acids" other Amino Acids that the body can manufacture from other sources are called "NonEssential Amino Acids."

HISTIDINE (ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID)
Is found abundantly in hemoglobin; has been used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, allergies, ulcers and anemia; is essential for the growth and repair of tissues; important for the maintenance of the myelin sheaths, which protect nerve cells; is needed for the production of both red and white blood cells; protects the body from radiation damage; lowers blood pressure, aids in the removal of heavy metals from the body; aids in sexual arousal.

ISOLEUCINE
(ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID)
Is needed for hemoglobin formation; stabilizes and regulates blood sugar and energy levels; is valuable to athletes because it aids in the healing and repair of muscle tissue, skin and bones; has been found to be deficient in people suffering from certain mental and physical disorders.

LEUCINE (ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID)
Works with Isoleucine and Valine to promote the healing of muscle tissue, skin, and bones; is recommended for those recovering from surgery; lowers blood sugar levels; aids in increasing growth hormone production.

LYSINE (ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID)
Ensures adequate calcium absorption and maintains a proper nitrogen balance in adults; helps form collagen (which makes up cartilage and connective tissue); aids in the production of antibodies which have the ability to fight cold sores and herpes outbreaks; lowers high serum triglyceride level

METHIONINE
(ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID)
A powerful anti-oxidant and a good source of sulfur, which prevents disorders of the hair, skin, and nails; assists the breakdown of fats, thus helping to prevent a buildup of fat in the liver and arteries, that might obstruct blood flow to the brain, heart, and kidneys; helps to detoxify harmful agents such as lead and other heavy metals; helps diminish muscle weakness; prevents brittle hair; protects against the affects of radiation; beneficial for women who take oral contraceptives because it promotes the excretion of estrogen; reduces the level of histamine in the body which can cause the brain to relay wrong messages; helpful to individuals suffering from schizophrenia.

PHENYLALANINE
(ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID)
Used by the brain to produce norepinephrine, a chemical that transmits signals between nerve cells in the brain; promotes alertness and vitality; elevates mood; decreases pain; aids memory and learning; used to treat arthritis, depression, menstrual cramps, migraines, obesity, Parkinson's disease, and schizophrenia.

THREONINE
(ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID)
Helps maintain proper protein balance in the body; is important for the formation of collagen, elastin and tooth enamel; aids liver and Lipotropic function when combined with Aspartic Acid and Methionine; prevents the buildup of fat in the liver; assists metabolism and assimilation.

TRYPTOPHAN
(ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID)
A natural relaxant, helps alleviate insomnia by inducing normal sleep; reduces anxiety and depression and stabilizes mood; helps in the treatment of migraine headaches helps the immune system function properly; aids in weight control by reducing appetite; enhances the release of growth hormones; helps control hyperactivity in children.

VALINE
(ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID)
Is needed for muscle metabolism and coordination, tissue repair, and for the maintenance of proper nitrogen balance in the body; used as an energy source by muscle tissue; helpful in treating liver and gallbladder disease; promotes mental vigor and calm emotions.

ALANINE
(NON-ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID)
Plays a major role in the transfer of nitrogen from peripheral tissue to the liver; aids in the metabolism of glucose, a simple carbohydrate that the body uses for energy; guards against the buildup of toxic substances that are released into muscle cells when muscle protein is broken down quickly to meet energy needs, such as what happens with aerobic exercise; strengthens the immune system by producing antibodies.

ARGININE
(NON-ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID)
Considered ''The Natural Viagra" by increasing blood flow to the penis; retards the growth of tumors and cancer by enhancing the immune system; increases the size and activity of the thymus gland, which manufactures T cells, crucial components of the immune system; aids in liver detoxification by neutralizing ammonia; reduces the effects of chronic alcohol toxicity; used in treating sterility in men by increasing sperm count; aids in weight loss because it facilitates an increase in muscle mass and a reduction of body fat; assists the release of growth hormones, which is crucial for "optimal" muscle growth and tissue repair; is a major component of collagen which is good for arthritis and connective tissue disorders; aids in stimulating the pancreas to release insulin

ASPARTIC ACID
(NON-ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID)
Increases stamina and is good for chronic fatigue and depression; rejuvenates cellular activity, cell formation and metabolism, which gives you a younger looking appearance; protects the liver by aiding the expulsion of ammonia; combines with other amino acids to form molecules that absorb toxins and remove them from the bloodstream; helps facilitate the movement of certain minerals across the intestinal lining and into the blood and cells; aids the function of RNA and DNA, which are carriers of genetic information.

CYSTEINE & CYSTINE
(NON-ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID)
Functions as a powerful anti-oxidant in detoxifying harmful toxins; protects the body from radiation damage; protects the liver and brain from damage due to alcohol, drugs, and toxic compounds found in cigarette smoke; has been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and hardening of the arteries; promotes the recovery from severe burns and surgery; promotes the burning of fat and the building of muscle; slows down the aging process. Skin and hair is made up of 10-14% Cystine.

GLUTAMIC ACID
(NON-ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID)
Is an excitatory neurotransmitter for the central nervous system, the brain and spinal cord; important in the metabolism of sugars and fats; aids in the transportation of potassium into the spinal fluid; acts as fuel for the brain; helps correct personality disorders, and is used in the treatment of epilepsy, mental retardation, muscular dystrophy, and ulcers.

GLUTAMINE
(NON-ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID)
The most abundant amino acid found in muscles; helps build and maintain muscle tissue; helps prevent muscle wasting that can accompany prolonged bed rest or diseases such as cancer and AIDS; a "brain fuel" that increases brain function and mental activity; assists in maintaining the proper acid/alkaline balance in the body; promotes a healthy digestive tract; shortens the healing time of ulcers and alleviates fatigue, depression and impotence; decreases sugar cravings and the desire for alcohol; recently used in the treatment of schizophrenia and senility.

GLYCINE
(NON-ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID)
Retards muscle degeneration; improves glycogen storage, thus freeing up glucose for energy needs; promotes a healthy prostate, central nervous system, and immune system; useful for repairing damaged tissue and promotes healing

ORNITHINE
(NON-ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID)
Helps to prompt the release of growth hormones, which promotes the metabolism of excess body fat (this effect is enhanced if combined with Arginine and Carnitine); is necessary for a healthy immune system; detoxifies ammonia and aids in liver regeneration; stimulates insulin secretion and helps insulin work as an anabolic (muscle building) hormone.

PROLINE
(NON-ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID)
Improves skin texture by aiding the production of collagen and reducing the loss of collagen through the aging process; helps in the healing of cartilage and the strengthening of joints, tendons, and heart muscle; works with Vitamin C to promote healthy connective tissues.

SERINE
(NON-ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID)
Needed for the proper metabolism of fats and fatty acids, the growth of muscle, and the maintenance of a healthy immune system; is a component of the protective myelin sheaths that cover nerve fibers; is important in RNA & DNA function and cell formation; aids in the production of immunoglobulins and antibodies.

TAURINE
(NON-ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID)
Strengthens the heart muscle, boosts vision, and helps prevent macular degeneration; is the key component of bile, which is needed for the digestion of fats; useful for people with atherosclerosis, edema, heart disorders, hypertension, or hypoglycemia; is vital for the proper utilization of sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium; helps prevent the development of potentially dangerous cardiac arrhythmias; has been used to treat anxiety, epilepsy, hyperactivity, poor brain function, and seizures.

TYROSINE
(NON-ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID)
Is important to overall metabolism; is a precursor of adrenaline, nor epinephrine, and dopamine, which regulate mood and stimulates metabolism and the nervous system; acts as a mood elevator, suppresses the appetite, and helps reduce body fat; aids in the production of melanin (the pigment responsible for hair and skin color) and in the functions of the adrenal, thyroid, and pituitary glands; has been used to help chronic fatigue, narcolepsy, anxiety, depression, low sex drive, allergies and headaches.


COMPILED BY ;

DELIO NERI QUIBLAT
DLA DISTRIBUTOR/CENTER


SHARED BY:
JEROME PAGALAN
DLA DISTRIBUTOR/ CENTER