Spirulina
Excerpts from "The How To Herb Book"
Micro-algae, which is highly nutritious and an excellent source of protein, chlorophyll, vitamins and minerals and amino acids. It has 26 times the calcium of milk, contains phosphorus, B12 . . . It is easily digested. It is a safe food with no side effects. It would be good for survival purposes as it is easy to store. Has sometimes been called “Manna of the future.” It has been tested in Japan and Europe and found to benefit people who suffer from many ailments including: anemia, cataracts, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, glaucoma, hepatitis, physical imbalances, aids weight loss.
Excerpts from "Nutritional Herbology"
Today, spirulina is consumed as a health food and nutritional supplement. It is a highly concentrated source of protein, vitamins and minerals but its price is commensurately high. It contains high quantities of bioavailable iron and all minerals generally. The drawback of spirulina supplements is that you have to consume 10 or more grams daily to get a reasonable amount of nutrients. Ten grams is only two teaspoonfuls, which makes spirulina a very concentrated food source.
Excerpts from "Herbs for Hepatitis C and the Liver"
Spirulina is an exceptionally potent nutrient substance that has shown strong activity in many areas. It is the source of one of the most easily digestible forms of protein; it is 85 percent protein, compared with 20 percent in beef. It contains all the essential amino acids and most of the nonessential ones. In addition, it is extremely high in vitamins and minerals.
Spirulina has been found to be hepatoprotective and antihepatotoxic in several in vivo studies, protecting the liver against CCl4 –– induced hepatoxicity. Spirulina also contains phycocyanin, a blue-pigment biliprotein that has been shown in scientific studies to inhibit formation of cancer cell colonies.
Preparation and Dosage: 1-2 tsp. (5-10ml) powdered Spirulina per day, more for chronic or acute disease. Suggested minimum dosage for hepatitis is 4 tsp (20ml) per day. Consume as much as desire; it may be used as the primary protein source in the diet.
Spirulina is a natural food source that has 58 times the iron of raw spinach and 28 times that of raw beef liver. This food was a significant part of the Aztec and Mayan diets. It contains more beta-carotene than any other whole food, and is very high in chlorophyll. It is 65% proteins and amino acids. This amazing food is the richest source of natural antioxidants of any whole food, containing every natural known antioxidant. NASA plans to grow this food on the space station, as it is one of the most efficient, oxygen generating foods in existence. It contains all the B vitamins, and is an extraordinary ““transport”” of other vitamins, allowing your body to actually benefit from all the other foods and vitamins you take.
It is a blue-green algae that produces all its nutrients by harvesting sunlight. Since Spirulina has become so popular the world over, it is now cultivated in carefully controlled organic ponds, eliminating any possible toxicity. Spirulina.com is a great website with simple yet complete information on each step of the process of growing, harvesting, drying, and preserving the algae. It would be a good homeschool project just going through the site.