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Natural Spirulina a highly nutritious micro salt water plant. It thrives in alkaline lakes where it is difficult or impossible for other microorganisms to survive. This spiral shaped algae is a rich food source. For a long time (centuries) this algae has constituted a significant part of the diet of many communities. Since the 1970's, Spirulina has been well known and widely used as a dietary supplement in some countries. Spirulina is rich in vegetable protein (60~ 63 %, 3~4 times higher than fish or beef ), multi Vitamins (Vitamin B12 is 3~4 times higher than animal liver), which is particularly lacking in a vegetarian diet. It contains a wide range of minerals (Iron, Potassium, Magnesium Sodium, Phosphorus, Calcium etc.), a high volume of Beta- carotene which protects cells (5 time more than carrots, 40 time more than spinach), high volumes of gamma-Linolein acid (which can reduce cholesterol and prevent heart disease). Further, Spirulina contains Phycocyanin which cannot be found in other plants. |
How does Spirulina grow?
There are four major conditions for growing Spirulina.
- Tropical weather
- Strong sunshine
- Pure water resource
- Pollution free environment
It is not possible to cultivate Commercial Spirulina in a cold or temperate area. Spirulina needs consistent high temperature for growth. This algae does not grow anywhere that has constant low temperature (under 25°C). Under 20°C Spirulina will stop reproducing and die in a short time.
Spirulina absorbs sunshine and then creates a reaction in it's cells. When this reaction starts, Spirulina will produce the nutrients in the cell while convert carbon dioxide into oxygen. Strong sunshine helps Spirulina produce more nutrients.
Spirulina grows in alkaline saline water. Which serves as its sole source of nutrients, if the water contains pollutants or heavy metals, these will be accumulated in the cells of Spirulina. Under such conditions, this kind of Spirulina is considered contaminated and no longer suitable for human consumption.