The Aztec and other native American peoples were found by a soldier serving with Hernan Cortes to be eating condiment cakes made from spirulina harvested from algae on the shores of Lake Texcoco. Even earlier than that however the residents of Chad in Africa were reported using spirulina in the ninth century, the source this time was Lake Chad.
In more recent years the properties of this alga and its benefits to health and nutrition have been exciting scientists. In 1974 the United Nations World Food Conference decided that spirulina was ‘the best food for the future.’
Spirulina is amongst the most advantageous of the natural dietary supplements available. It is an extremely rich source of iron and non-animal protein and contains all the amino acids we need plus chlorophyll and beta-carotene. Spirulina also aids the digestive process by encouraging the friendly bacteria in the gut. Many strains are also concentrates of antioxidants, phytonutrients and enzymes to help the body’s processes.
Also to be found is the GLA essential fatty acid, which may stimulate growth and help improve the strength and health of skin and hair. GLA also has anti-inflammatory properties so helping to minimise the symptoms of arthritis.
Anti-Viral Properties
Further research into this most interesting of the natural dietary supplements has revealed even more benefits. An ongoing study commenced in April 1996 and conducted jointly by the Laboratory of Vital Pathogenesis, Harvard Medical School and the Dana-Farber Institute discovered that extracts of spirulina inhibited the replication of HIV-1 (the AIDS virus) in human cells. High concentrations of the extract were needed but even these did not damage the cells. Another study in Japan announced that the Calcium-Spirulan extract they had used inhibited the operation of not only the HIV-1 virus but also the Measles virus, the Mumps virus, Human Cytomegalovirus (a cause of birth defects), Herpes Simplex and the Influenza A virus.
For a virus to do its destructive job it has to attach itself to the human cell and puncture the cell membrane. Spirulina prevents the puncturing so leaving the virus useless and exposed to the body’s natural defences.
Spirulina can also help AIDS sufferers further by increasing their body weight and combating anaemia.
Further Benefits
This amazing food has been found to inhibit some cancers and repair cells after radiotherapy. It also encourages the immune system by helping the creation of bone marrow, blood cells and stem cells among others. Children affected by anaemia and damaged bone marrow after eating radioactive fruit and vegetables in the region of Chernobyl are now given spirulina by Russian medical teams.
If this was not enough spirulina has been shown to give protection against hay fever and help in the treatment of victims of arsenic poisoning. A Mexican study carried out in 2007 also found the alga can reduce cholesterol and blood pressure.
There seems to be no doubt that spirulina is one of the most remarkable natural dietary supplements and it could even have more qualities to reveal.
To find out more and try an exciting range of natural dietary supplements and other natural health and beauty products, please visit BeRavishing.com
In more recent years the properties of this alga and its benefits to health and nutrition have been exciting scientists. In 1974 the United Nations World Food Conference decided that spirulina was ‘the best food for the future.’
Spirulina is amongst the most advantageous of the natural dietary supplements available. It is an extremely rich source of iron and non-animal protein and contains all the amino acids we need plus chlorophyll and beta-carotene. Spirulina also aids the digestive process by encouraging the friendly bacteria in the gut. Many strains are also concentrates of antioxidants, phytonutrients and enzymes to help the body’s processes.
Also to be found is the GLA essential fatty acid, which may stimulate growth and help improve the strength and health of skin and hair. GLA also has anti-inflammatory properties so helping to minimise the symptoms of arthritis.
Anti-Viral Properties
Further research into this most interesting of the natural dietary supplements has revealed even more benefits. An ongoing study commenced in April 1996 and conducted jointly by the Laboratory of Vital Pathogenesis, Harvard Medical School and the Dana-Farber Institute discovered that extracts of spirulina inhibited the replication of HIV-1 (the AIDS virus) in human cells. High concentrations of the extract were needed but even these did not damage the cells. Another study in Japan announced that the Calcium-Spirulan extract they had used inhibited the operation of not only the HIV-1 virus but also the Measles virus, the Mumps virus, Human Cytomegalovirus (a cause of birth defects), Herpes Simplex and the Influenza A virus.
For a virus to do its destructive job it has to attach itself to the human cell and puncture the cell membrane. Spirulina prevents the puncturing so leaving the virus useless and exposed to the body’s natural defences.
Spirulina can also help AIDS sufferers further by increasing their body weight and combating anaemia.
Further Benefits
This amazing food has been found to inhibit some cancers and repair cells after radiotherapy. It also encourages the immune system by helping the creation of bone marrow, blood cells and stem cells among others. Children affected by anaemia and damaged bone marrow after eating radioactive fruit and vegetables in the region of Chernobyl are now given spirulina by Russian medical teams.
If this was not enough spirulina has been shown to give protection against hay fever and help in the treatment of victims of arsenic poisoning. A Mexican study carried out in 2007 also found the alga can reduce cholesterol and blood pressure.
There seems to be no doubt that spirulina is one of the most remarkable natural dietary supplements and it could even have more qualities to reveal.
To find out more and try an exciting range of natural dietary supplements and other natural health and beauty products, please visit BeRavishing.com
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