Solgar Spirulina
Spirulina is a blue green algae (Arthrospira platensis, and Arthrospira maxima) that grows in salt lakes around Central and South America, and Africa. Spirulina has become hugely popular as a nutritional supplement, an is now also farmed in outdoor raceway-ponds.
Recognized as a whole food, spirulina is rich in protein, carotenoids, vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids.
Apparently the Aztecs and Mesoamericans used to harvest it, dry it into cakes, and eat them when embarking on long journeys that required endurance and stamina.
Spirulina;
• Is between 55 and 77% pure complete protein, providing all the essential amino acids. This makes it a remarkable food for vegans and vegetarians, since it typically surpasses other vegetarian sources of protein, such as legumes.
• Contains essential omega fats such as GLA (gamma-linolenic acid), ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), and DHA ( docosahexaenoic acid).
• Is rich in a variety of vitamins (vitamin B1, B2, B3, B6, folic acid, vitamin C, D, and E), minerals (potassium, calcium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, sodium, and zinc)
This fascinating algae can actually benefit anyone, especially those who do not eat enough vegetables. This is largely due to the fact that it is rich in phytosynthetic pigments such as chlorophyll, beta-carotene, zeaxanthin and canthaxanthin, to name but a few.
Spirulina is also a wonderful antioxidant, is a tonic for the undernourished, and has even been shown to have a positive effect on cholesterol and blood pressure.
Note that although spirulina is considered to be a very safe supplement, it does contain the amino acid phenylalanine, and so should be avoided by people with phenylketonuria
Similar Products:
Doctors Greens First, Organic Active Greens, and The Real Thing Green Powder are all rich in phytonutrients, and make wonderful 'green food' supplements.
