• Concentrated Green Superfood.
• Protein and Amino Acids.
• Vitamins - Protectors of Health.
• Naturally Colloidal Minerals.
• Essential Fatty Acids.
• Phytonutrients.
• Comparing Green Superfoods.
  

Natural beta carotene (provitamin A)

Spirulina is the richest food in beta carotene, ten times more concentrated than carrots. Ten grams provide a remarkable 23,000 IU (14 mg) of beta carotene, 460% of the U.S. Daily Value (DV) of Vitamin A. High doses of Vitamin A may be toxic, but beta carotene in spirulina and vegetables is safe, because human bodies convert beta carotene to Vitamin A only as needed. Vitamin A is important in maintaining mucous membranes and pigments necessary for vision. Vitamin A deficiency is one of the most serious malnutrition diseases in the developing world, leading to blindness.

Beta carotene has therapeutic effects, including reducing serum cholesterol and ever present cancer risks. Over the past 12 years, cancer health authorities have published dozens of studies showing beta carotene reduces the risks of all kinds of cancers, including lung, throat, stomach, colon, gastrointestinal tract, breast and cervix.

Since the increase in cancer rates seems to be caused by environmental factors, especially diet, scientists say these risks can be reduced by increasing protective factors, especially beta carotene, in the diet. Natural beta carotene is a combination of cis and trans isomers, whereas synthetic beta carotene has only the trans form, with lower antioxidant potential.

Although beta carotene is best known, spirulina contains an antioxidant rich complex of at least ten carotenoids. These mixed carotenes and xanthophylls function at different sites in the body and work synergistically with the other essential vitamins, Vitamin E, minerals and phytonutrients in spirulina. This is more effective than an isolated, synthetic beta carotene supplement.

Even if you don't eat the recommended 4 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables every day (most people eat only 1 to 2 including french fries), get your natural carotenoid antioxidant protection from spirulina tablets or powder every day.

Vitamin B-12 and B-complex vitamins

Spirulina is the richest source of B-12, higher than beef liver, chlorella or sea vegetables. B-12 is necessary for development of red blood cells, especially in the bone marrow and nervous system. Although primary B-12 deficiencies, pernicious anemia and nerve degeneration, are quite rare, because B-12 is the most difficult vitamin to get from plant sources, vegetarians have taken to spirulina.

Ten grams contain 20 mcg of Vitamin B-12, 330% DV, using the approved microbiological assay. Vitamin B-12 label content claims for foods and dietary supplements are based on the approved microbiological assay. This method is used for spirulina, because it is being compared with the B-12 content of other foods and vitamins.

An alternative method developed in the 1980s, radioassay, has measured the B-12 assumed to be bioavailable to humans. Radioassay found higher levels of B-12 analogs and lower levels of bioavailable B-12 in all foods and supplements, and shows spirulina has only 20% of the original B-12. Even using these lower levels, it is the best non-animal source of Vitamin B-12.

Some incomplete research has suggested B-12 analogs could block B-12 absorption, based on limited results with very few individuals, and did not consider B-12 non-absorption due to folic acid or other dietary deficiency. In nearly 20 years, there have been no complaints of a vitamin B-12 deficiency from spirulina consumers, including children and vegetarians.

One tablespoon provides significant quantities of thiamin (23% DV), required for functioning of nerve tissues, riboflavin (23% DV), needed to gain energy from carbohydrates and proteins, and niacin (7% DV) needed for healthy tissue cells. Spirulina is a richer source of these vitamins than common whole grains, fruits and vegetables and some seeds.

Other B vitamins, B-6, niacin, biotin, panthothenic acid, folic acid, inositol and Vitamin E are also present in smaller amounts.

Algae absorbs many trace elements while growing and these minerals are well assimilated by the human body. Its mineral content varies depending on where it is grown and the minerals in the water.

The best natural iron supplement

Iron is the most common mineral deficiency worldwide, especially for women, children and older people. Women on weight loss diets typically do not get enough iron, and can become anemic. Iron is essential for strong red blood cells and a healthy immune system. Spirulina is a rich iron food, 10 times higher than common iron foods. Ten grams supply up to 10 mg of iron, 55% of the Recommended Daily Value.

Spirulina iron is easily absorbed by the human body. It is theorized that its blue pigment, phycocyanin, forms soluble complexes with iron and other minerals during digestion making iron more bioavailable. Hence, iron in spirulina is over twice as absorbable as the form of iron found in vegetables and most meats.6

Typical iron supplements are not well absorbed. Studies show iron in spirulina is 60% better absorbed than iron supplements such as iron sulfate. For this research refer to Chapter 4. For all people who need iron supplements, spirulina is one of the best sources.

Calcium, magnesium, zinc and trace minerals

Spirulina is a concentrated calcium food, supplying more, gram for gram, than milk. Ten grams supply 7% DV for calcium. Calcium is important for bones and neural transmissions to the muscles. Deficiencies can lead to osteoporosis in older women. Ten grams supply 10% DV for magnesium, one of the most concentrated magnesium foods. Magnesium facilitates absorption of calcium and helps regulate blood pressure. Spirulina is low in iodine and sodium, and is no problem for those on salt-restricted diets.

Humans need dozens of essential trace minerals for the functioning of enzyme systems and many other physiological functions. Deficiency of trace minerals in the typical diet are thought to be widespread. Ten grams supply manganese (25% DV), chromium (21% DV), selenium (14% DV), copper (6% DV) and zinc (2% DV).