Arthrospira platensis, or typically called Spirulina is a one-celled cyanobacterium that contains concentrated levels of proteins and other vitamins and nutrients. Living in alkaline freshwater bodies, the blue green algae has been found to have lived billions of years back and is accepted in the scientific community as one of the first species to have existed. Spirulina, because of its helix shaped strand, got its name from the Latin word for little spiral. Even so, even if physically small, the same cannot be said to the huge amounts of nutrients and vitamins that it can provide for the human body. Indeed, today, people use Spirulina as vitamin supplements for their daily use. Today, with the abundant health improvements it offers, people are now starting to know what Spirulina is. However before you go to the discussion on these said advantages let us first go through the blue green’s historical start.
Earliest records of the application of Spirulina can be tracked from the Kanembu individuals in Chad in Africa. Scientists have discovered that as early as the 6th century, they have been applying Spirulina in their daily diet. They would make hard sundried cakes made from Spirulina, crumble them into small parts and then combine it with fish, vegetables and meats. They would then either keep it for their home use or market it to the nearby industry. The ponds around Lake Chad were found to have been the main source for their cakes which they call dihé. The idea of what Spirulina is also similar with the Aztecs and some Mesoamericans. Study also implies that before the 16th century, before the Spanish conquest of these civilizations, the previously mentioned communities also made Spirulina a part of their day-to-day nutrition. It was discovered that similar to the Kanembu folks, they also made cakes made from Spirulina. If you would ask them the question “what are the Spirulina benefits?” they would immediately answer, “techuitlatl.” This was their local term for the blue green algae. Even so, due to their conquest plus the fast growth and urbanization, these cakes were not part of their healthy lifestyle. Nevertheless, Lake Texcoco, the lake in which they gathered the Spirulina, stays in existence.
Knowing the history of Spirulina, let us now talk about the health advantages of Spirulina for us to totally answer the leading problem of this short article, and that is: “What are the Spirulina Benefits?” In accordance with scientific tests made, Spirulina, when taken, serves to improve the human body’s immune system, helps prevent cancer, regulates high blood pressure and lessens bad cholesterol, among others. It has been discovered to help in curing arsenic poisoning caused by contaminated water. This study was made in Bangladesh where safe drinking water is seen as a luxury. In addition, Spirulina is viewed by experts as a possible treatment to autoimmune disorders such as, but not limited to Lupus, HIV and AIDS. Yet, to know the most well-known use of Spirulina click here for list of health benefits. A number of health buffs are now taking Spirulina tablets and capsules as a reliable source of protein as it is composed of 60% amino acids that contains all the essential proteins. Based on these nutritional attributes, no doubt Spirulina deserves its being termed as a superfood.