SPIRULINA Spirulina platensis
A microscopic spiral shaped blue-green ALGAE native to shallow brackish lakes. Also known as a cyanobacteria, 3.6 billion year old fossils attest to its longevity. Esteemed as a superfood for centuries by people inhabiting the regions surrounding Mexico’s Lake Texcoco and Africa’s Lake Chad, Lake Nakura and Lake Rudolf. It is one of the most heavily researched, nutritious, well rounded foods on earth. Spirulina complements and should not be confused with the other popular edible blue-green algae, Aphanizomenon flos-aquae -- a nutritive cerebral stimulant wildcrafted from Oregon’s Klamath Lake.
Spirulina contains 65-75% easily digested complete protein, the highest amount of any food. This is 3 to 4 times more than the poorly assimilable protein found in fish, chicken and beef. It has 18 amino acids including the essential 8, over 2000 enzymes, phytonutrients, and a vast array of minerals including zinc, iron, calcium, selenium, manganese, chromium, and iodine. It’s the richest known plant in vitamin B12, one of the top sources for the full spectrum of carotenoids, and is abundant in vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, D, E, K, chlorophyll, and RNA/DNA. It is the best natural source for the potent antioxidant evercetin. It contains sulfolipids that show promise for their anti-HIV action. A good source of essential fatty acids like DHA, and next to human breast milk, it’s thought to be the best whole food source for the rare fatty acid GLA. Spirulina contains the unique blue pigment phycocyanin -- shown to inhibit cancer, protect the kidneys and increase mental capacity. Spirulina’s cell wall is composed entirely of digestible mucopolysaccharides that are credited with strong antiinflammatory action and strengthening connective tissues while making them more elastic and resilient -- one of the reasons Spirulina is loved by yogis and olympic athletes.
Regular consumption of Spirulina is fortifying to immune-function and aids digestion. Many people report that after eating Spirulina for several months they sunburn less easily. Scores of scientific studies point to its usefulness in cases of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, hepatitis, candida, and a host of other disorders. A Russian patent has been awarded Spirulina as medicine for its effectiveness in treating radiation sickness in the children of Chernobyl. It is being used in many programs to combat malnutrition in third world countries. Spirulina is becoming increasingly popular in pet foods as its health benefits are seen as extending far outside the human realm.
Start with ingesting 1 tablespoon a day and work up to 4 or more over time. Larger amounts can be taken for cleansing, athletic performance and defending against specific illness. The favorite method of ingestion is mixing with honey, juice or smoothies. It also combines well with many other foods. Spirulina gives a great energy boost and is sustaining and detoxifying during fasts. We’ve found that consuming Spirulina daily for several months produces a subtle yet distinct shift in consciousness best described as a euphoric heightening of sensory awareness.
Acre for acre, Spirulina cultivation can produce 20 times more protein than soybeans and 2000 times more than beef cattle with practically no environmental impact. Our Spirulina is cultivated in shallow open ponds adjacent to the Pacific Ocean in Hawaii. The ponds are filled with fresh water and supplemented with ancient, mineral rich ocean water pulled from a depth of 2000 feet. To harvest, the spirulina is rinsed numerous times with fresh water, filtered and dried in a low oxygen environment by a unique patented process called Ocean Chilled Drying. This method completely eliminates any loss of nutrients, producing the finest grade dark green powder with a mild sea vegetable taste. It has the highest carotene, phytonutrient and enzyme content of any Spirulina. It is regularly tested by an independent laboratory to assure that it is of top quality and totally free from microbes, pesticides and other contaminants. It is certified Kosher.
To best preserve nutrients we suggest storing Spirulina in an air tight glass jar in the refrigerator. One pound fits into a one quart mason jar.
Please note that the grower of our Spirulina has chosen to drop their organic certification due to changes in regulations, they have not changed anything about their growing practices, all that has changed are the organic certification regulations. Grown Without Chemicals Hawaiian Spirulina powder