Spirulina is a spiral-shaped algae that flourish in tropical and subtropical waters. It is one of Earth’s oldest recognised life forms and is considered to be one of the most complete foods we know of. It provides a huge range of amazing nutritional characteristics which have been enjoyed by many cultures for centuries. It is also well known for its huge antioxidant content, but also as a rich source of protein, Vitamins, Minerals and its amazing fatty acid profile.
Dried Spirulina contains about 60% (51–71%) protein, which contains all nine of the essential amino acids. Essential amino acids are the ones we can not make ourselves and we therefore must obtain from the food we consume. This extensive protein profile makes it one of the most superior plant proteins.
Spirulina also carries a huge range of important vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin B12, Vitamin A, B-1 (thiamine), B-2 (riboflavin), B3 (nicotinamide) and B-6 and B-9 (folic acid), Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin A and Vitamin E.
It is also a great source of Iron, Calcium, potassium, chromium, copper, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, zinc and sodium.
Spirulina is also rich in other important phytonutrients, enzymes and trace elements.
Spirulina’s Lipid content is thought to be about 7% by weight. It provides Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, including:
Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), Linoleic acid (LA), Stearidonic acid (SDA), Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), Arachidonic acid (AA).
Many of these Fatty Acids are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties which lack some of the common side-effects of other anti-inflammatory drugs.
Spirulina also contains many beneficial pigments such as:
Beta-carotene, Zeaxanthin, Chlorophyll-a,Xanthophyll, Echinenone, Myxoxanthophyll, Canthaxanthin, Diatoxanthin, 3′-hydroxyechinenone, Beta-cryptoxanthinOscillaxanthin, plus the Phycobiliproteins c-phycocyanin and Allophycocyanin.
Spirulina extracts its energy from light replicates itself by photosynthesis,. The bi-product of this is chlorophyll, the substance that makes plants green. It is referred to as a blue-green algae, thanks to the presence of chlorophyll and phycocyanin.
Production
Green Powder Spirulina is grown organically on an island in the South China Sea. Our Spirulina is harvested only when it has reached the required density, then it’s dried to create a powder. The process used is chosen to ensure we lose virtually none of it’s original nutritional value.
