Spirulina

[Andrew Gubb]

Thinking of adding a bit of spirulina to my diet.

I like the taste, and from what I've experienced with it (which isn't much) my body seems to have given good feedback on it. Intuitively speaking I think it's probably healthy. Such an intense colour... if colour is connected with nutrient content as some say then wow

I'm not into the idea of "superfoods" in general though. I think David Wolfe is nuts and an unscrupulous marketer. So I wanted to get some info on spirulina that didn't sound biased by marketing interests.

Anyone know of any? What do you think about this herb?

Any personal experiences with health effects, or lack of them? Or anyone can link to any interesting stories of experiences or lack of them?

[kat]

Originally Posted by Andrew Gubb

Thinking of adding a bit of spirulina to my diet.

I like the taste, and from what I've experienced with it (which isn't much) my body seems to have given good feedback on it. Intuitively speaking I think it's probably healthy. Such an intense colour... if colour is connected with nutrient content as some say then wow

I'm not into the idea of "superfoods" in general though. I think David Wolfe is nuts and an unscrupulous marketer. So I wanted to get some info on spirulina that didn't sound biased by marketing interests.

Anyone know of any? What do you think about this herb?

Any personal experiences with health effects, or lack of them? Or anyone can link to any interesting stories of experiences or lack of them?

I've always hated spirulina, regardless of what form it comes in. However, oddly enough, I love something similar, which is called chlorella (it's great in green smoothies, among other things). I'm not into the idea of superfoods either - I'm willing to try almost anything vegan, and like it or don't, regardless of what people call it.

I've heard plenty of interesting stories about both, but it's rather hard to separate out truth from marketing fluff. Both are over-promoted. Personally, I feel ill with spirulina, and somewhat energized with chlorella - more than with raw hemp powder, less than with chia seeds.

[Andrew Gubb]

Chlorella huh... I'll look for it. There seem to be several of such algas. The Dr. Cow vegan cheeses had one with some sort of blue-green algae which was great too.

I haven't tried chia seeds either, it's on my list (so-called health foods are so expensive ). You say it really works for you?

[AngelPsychic444]

Spirulina is considered a "food", not an herb or vitiamin. Taking it for a long while will give you great energy, I know it's great in the morning, you can take as much as you feel you need, starting off slowly and then increasing the amount.

[kat]

Originally Posted by Andrew Gubb

Chlorella huh... I'll look for it. There seem to be several of such algas. The Dr. Cow vegan cheeses had one with some sort of blue-green algae which was great too.

I haven't tried chia seeds either, it's on my list (so-called health foods are so expensive ). You say it really works for you?

I find both chlorella and chia seeds give me a bit of an energy boost. It's kind of similar to the energy-boosting effect of coffee in its intensity, though not in the details of how it feels (though I've never been a frequent coffee drinker, don't think I've had one this year, and probably maxed out at about 6/year at my peak, and it seemed to give me more energy than people who are accustomed to it). I don't eat either all that routinely, but I eat both occasionally, and enjoy them.

If I could never have either again, I'd probably shrug and not be particularly upset - but I do like them occasionally. They "work" like green smoothies work: they're something nice to be having, there are probably other alternatives which are just as good - but they're better than most options, and they're energizing and feel healthy. If I had to pick between plain green smoothies or chlorella and chia seeds, I'd pick the green smoothies; as it is, I occasionally add one or the other to my smoothies, and the smoothies are definitely better for it (for me).

People's reactions to a lot of 'superfoods' seem to vary a lot. My mom loves spirulina, for instance. I seem to dislike most 'superfoods' I've tried - goji berries seem overrated, maca powder keeps me awake for 24 hours and then gives me an awful headache, and even stevia gives me headaches. So I really can't predict whether you'll like chlorella or chia seeds, but I definitely do.

Edit: I've also always loved chocolate, and raw chocolate ingredients (raw cocoa powder, raw cocoa butter, raw cocoa nibs...) taste amazing, and I prefer them to cooked ones. They seem to be another thing that people have drastically different reactions to, though. I don't find them as energizing as chlorella or chia seeds.

[stanmrak]

I'm totally sold on spirulina and chlorella. I try to get at least a couple tablespoons a day somehow or another. This is the nutritional equivalent of 6-12 servings of vegetables, more or less. Almost every green superfood product has these 2 at the top of the list of ingredients just because there's no other food that's as nutrient-dense.

I add a rounded tablespoon to coconut milk for my morning smoothie along with a shot of pomegranate juice, a handful of cilantro, basil and/or parsley, maca powder, undenatured whey protein, 2 raw eggs, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg.

Chlorella and cilantro bind to mercury and remove it from your system. Spirulina has the highest quality protein of any food. There are too many other benefits to mention here.

Chlorella and Spirulina: The World's Healthiest Foods

Disclosure: I do offer products on my site, but that's not why I'm so enthusiastic about superfoods like spirulina. I was using them for years before I ever thought of having a website. Mike Adams at naturalnews.com is a big believer in spirulina and chlorella as well — but he sells product too. Some of us offer products because we believe in them, including Steve Pavlina — instead of just selling something for the purpose of making money.

And leave David Wolfe alone... you don't know how lucky we are to have him. Yes, he's over the top. But the world needs more people to promote healthy lifestyles, and David gets attention and inspires people. Get over your envy. You don't have to give him your money if you don't want to.

[Agota]

There are quite a few threads on chlorella and spirulina already, I suggest to search and take a look: many people seem to be very enthusiastic about it..

[Andrew Gubb]

Originally Posted by kat

I find both chlorella and chia seeds give me a bit of an energy boost. It's kind of similar to the energy-boosting effect of coffee in its intensity, though not in the details of how it feels (though I've never been a frequent coffee drinker, don't think I've had one this year, and probably maxed out at about 6/year at my peak, and it seemed to give me more energy than people who are accustomed to it). I don't eat either all that routinely, but I eat both occasionally, and enjoy them.

If I could never have either again, I'd probably shrug and not be particularly upset - but I do like them occasionally. They "work" like green smoothies work: they're something nice to be having, there are probably other alternatives which are just as good - but they're better than most options, and they're energizing and feel healthy. If I had to pick between plain green smoothies or chlorella and chia seeds, I'd pick the green smoothies; as it is, I occasionally add one or the other to my smoothies, and the smoothies are definitely better for it (for me).

People's reactions to a lot of 'superfoods' seem to vary a lot. My mom loves spirulina, for instance. I seem to dislike most 'superfoods' I've tried - goji berries seem overrated, maca powder keeps me awake for 24 hours and then gives me an awful headache, and even stevia gives me headaches. So I really can't predict whether you'll like chlorella or chia seeds, but I definitely do.

Edit: I've also always loved chocolate, and raw chocolate ingredients (raw cocoa powder, raw cocoa butter, raw cocoa nibs...) taste amazing, and I prefer them to cooked ones. They seem to be another thing that people have drastically different reactions to, though. I don't find them as energizing as chlorella or chia seeds.

Interesting, thanks for the input

[Andrew Gubb]

Originally Posted by stanmrak

I'm totally sold on spirulina and chlorella. I try to get at least a couple tablespoons a day somehow or another. This is the nutritional equivalent of 6-12 servings of vegetables, more or less. Almost every green superfood product has these 2 at the top of the list of ingredients just because there's no other food that's as nutrient-dense.

According to this site: Calories in Seaweed, Spirulina, Dried | Nutrition Facts and Information

2 tablespoons of spirulina has (in terms of daily requirement):

2% vitamin A
2% calcium
2% vitamin C
22% iron

1 NLEA serving of lettuce contains:

9% vitamin A
2% calcium
4% vitamin C
2% iron

6 NLEA servings of lettuce contain:

54% vitamin A
12% calcium
24% vitamin C
12% iron

12 NLEA servings of lettuce contain:

108% vitamin A
24% calcium
48% vitamin C
24% iron

(Not sure why this site focuses on these four nutrients, but it works for the example).

Or are you talking about some other sort of nutrient?

I'm not trying to humiliate you here, I'm just trying to resolve the inconsistencies that seem to be in what you're saying.

Chlorella and cilantro bind to mercury and remove it from your system. Spirulina has the highest quality protein of any food. There are too many other benefits to mention here.

Well I don't care about protein I suscribe to the views of e.g. Douglas Graham, who has lived for more than 30 years on a very low protein diet (mostly just fruit and vegetables) and has some excellent athletic ability to show for it. He points out in "The 80/10/10 diet" that the body recycles amino acids and that our requirements for protein are so low as to make getting enough practically a non-issue for anyone who eats enough food.

As for the mercury, that is interesting.

Disclosure: I do offer products on my site, but that's not why I'm so enthusiastic about superfoods like spirulina. I was using them for years before I ever thought of having a website. Mike Adams at naturalnews.com is a big believer in spirulina and chlorella as well — but he sells product too. Some of us offer products because we believe in them, including Steve Pavlina — instead of just selling something for the purpose of making money.

If you believe in the products you sell I think it's fine. I do wonder if your beliefs have come in part from people who were less scrupulous in the things they told people to get them to buy their products, though.

And leave David Wolfe alone... you don't know how lucky we are to have him. Yes, he's over the top. But the world needs more people to promote healthy lifestyles, and David gets attention and inspires people. Get over your envy. You don't have to give him your money if you don't want to.

Lol, that's pretty harsh. I don't envy him. I think he's nuts. I mean, he talks like an authority but what he says sounds like me when I was actually insane. He makes utterly random theories and seems to think that just because they sound good they are the truth. E.g. "cacao is energy from the sun!" -- okay... where do I begin with that?

And what's with him selling powdered deer antlers? I mean, really?

I like Wolfe if what he does is get people more interested in healthy living. However, most of what he does has been oriented towards getting people to buy expensive products, without realising that the true sources of health are not that expensive or exclusive. Raw fruit and vegetables, for instance, beat any other food hands down for health. (In my opinion at least - I hope I'm not being too forceful). But Wolfe can't sell them at much of a profit. So we need SUPERFOODS! There's always something more that money can buy to make you healthier!

Sounds rather similar to traditional medicine to me. The more money you spend, the more health you get, right? Well, that's what the industry wants you to believe.

[ButterflyWoman]

Originally Posted by Andrew Gubb

What do you think about this herb?

I can tell you it's not a herb. It's made from bacteria, but I think it's actually a bi-product of the bacteria, rather than the bacteria, itself (I could Google to find out, but I'm too lazy right now ).

[Andrew Gubb]

Originally Posted by CaterpillarWoman

I can tell you it's not a herb. It's made from bacteria, but I think it's actually a bi-product of the bacteria, rather than the bacteria, itself (I could Google to find out, but I'm too lazy right now ).

I knew people would say something like this! I don't care. It's a herb. I'm not trying to be a botanist now.

And if someone points out that algae are biologically distinct from land plants and don't enter into the realm of botany I will loudly reclassify THEM as a vegetable as I shove them into a psychiatric ward for retarded vegetarians.

[stanmrak]

Originally Posted by Andrew Gubb

According to this site: Calories in Seaweed, Spirulina, Dried | Nutrition Facts and Information

2 tablespoons of spirulina has (in terms of daily requirement):

2% vitamin A
2% calcium
2% vitamin C
22% iron

(Not sure why this site focuses on these four nutrients, but it works for the example).

Or are you talking about some other sort of nutrient?

Focusing on just 4 macronutrients doesn't tell you anything much. It seems there are lots of vegetables - cucumbers come to mind - that have virtually "no" macronutrients to speak of. Somewhere along the line, somebody decided that some nutrients are more important than others just because of the quantity they're found in I guess.

One teaspoon of my spirulina has 11,250 IU of vitamin A, or 230% of RDA.
Spirulina is not is not a great source for calcium or vitamin c, but iron, vitamin K, B12, manganese, chlorophyll, chromium, GLA, zeaxanthin and trace minerals - most excellent. Most of these aren't listed on your standard nutrition label. It doesn't happen to have a ton of protein, but the protein is said to be the most bioavailable.

If I get stuck on a desert island with you, I will let you eat the lettuce and I'll take the spirulina.

[stanmrak]

Originally Posted by Andrew Gubb

If you believe in the products you sell I think it's fine. I do wonder if your beliefs have come in part from people who were less scrupulous in the things they told people to get them to buy their products, though.

My personal beliefs come from years of using superfoods and supplements, and always getting more than one opinion... it works for me. I personally don't think there are a lot of hucksters in the alternative health field, and they're mostly pushing weight loss and MLM products (that's where the easiest money is). If you want to con people, there are much easier and lucrative ways to do it than selling nutritional supplements. David Wolfe has spent a lot more time researching things than I have and I find him useful for learning about new things, but I find other sources for the products if I want to try them. I love his enthusiasm, but I can get how it creates suspicion.[Quote]

[Andrew Gubb]

Originally Posted by stanmrak

One teaspoon of my spirulina has 11,250 IU of vitamin A, or 230% of RDA.

That's pretty disparate from the source I mentioned. Who should we trust and why?

If I get stuck on a desert island with you, I will let you eat the lettuce and I'll take the spirulina.

Sure!

[stanmrak]

Originally Posted by Andrew Gubb

That's pretty disparate from the source I mentioned. Who should we trust and why?

If you check the nutrition label on numerous brands of spirulina, you'll have some certainty. They're supposed to be accurate by law, and I doubt that all the manufacturers are in collusion to fabricate nutritional labels.

The vitamin A in spirulina is in the form of beta-carotene. Maybe the source you listed didn't officially count that as vitamin A, but it converts in the body to A.

[Andrew Gubb]

Originally Posted by stanmrak

If you check the nutrition label on numerous brands of spirulina, you'll have some certainty. They're supposed to be accurate by law, and I doubt that all the manufacturers are in collusion to fabricate nutritional labels.

The vitamin A in spirulina is in the form of beta-carotene. Maybe the source you listed didn't officially count that as vitamin A, but it converts in the body to A.

Ah, interesting. I'll check it out.

[ButterflyWoman]

Originally Posted by Andrew Gubb

It's a herb. I'm not trying to be a botanist now.

Bacteria are animals (kingdom animalia, anyway). Herbs are plants. I grow herbs in pots in my back yard, but to grow spirulina, I'd need a pond. You don't need to be a botanist to be interested in the difference between a plant and an animal byproduct.

I'm not trying to make your life unhappy by mentioning this, by the way. I thought you might actually want to know. But if you don't, it's okay with me. I won't mention it again.

(BTW, my trials of spirulina didn't do a thing for me, one way or the other. I tried it for several months, saw no changes or results, stoppped for a few months, saw no changes or results, and then took it up again for several months, still saw no changes or results, or nothing that I could detect, anyway. So I stopped. Your and other peoples' mileage may vary.)

[Andrew Gubb]

Originally Posted by CaterpillarWoman

I'm not trying to make your life unhappy by mentioning this, by the way. I thought you might actually want to know. But if you don't, it's okay with me. I won't mention it again.

I don't care really. I knew I was probably being inaccurate even as I wrote it. But I thought "whatever". And so it is.

[firenexx]

When it comes to algaes, as with anything else, there are quality issues. For instance are you buying one quality strain or a random assortment of strains? How was the cell wall cracked? High pressure, heat? This would all affect the nutritional quality.
As for B12, I believe that based on the nature of B12, only fresh algae (i.e. skimmed right out of your fish tank) would be a reliable source. The lab tests used for B12 content in dried algae are actually showing inactive B12 analogue content, and these inaccurate testing methods are legal and the results can be put on the food label. Kind of like how fortified milk products say "Vitamin D" when it actually has D2 which is worse than useless. Cyanocobalamin and other less active analogues of B12 are worse than useless.

I've only had spirulina or chlorella occasionally as part of other products, i.e. green powders or as an ingredient in some overpriced raw food bar. From what I've read, and not just by people trying to sell it, it has a great nutritional profile (provided it is a good single strain that hasn't been overly processed.) NASA has conducted research on it (feeding astronauts algae in space.)

Hopefully in the next year or so I'll acquire the aquarium equipment necessary to grow my own.

[alexgeo]

Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that is rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and carotenoids (a type of antioxidant that can help protect cells from damage). It contains nutrients, including B complex vitamins, beta-carotene, vitamin E, manganese, zinc, copper, iron, selenium, and gamma linolenic acid (an essential fatty acid).

Test tube and animal studies suggest spirulina may boost the immune system, help protect against allergic reactions, and have antiviral and anticancer properties. Spirulina also increases production of antibodies, cytokines (infection fighting proteins), and other cells that improve immunity and help ward off infection and chronic illnesses such as cancer.

Some of the health benefits of Spirulina are
• Encouraging weight loss
• Counteracting toxins in the body
• Helping purify the liver
• Increasing mental alertness
• Lowering blood cholesterol and excess triglycerides
• Helping fight viral infections
• Treating radiation sickness
• Enhancing ability to generate new blood cells
• Improving blood sugar problems
• Strengthening the nervous system
• Strengthening the immune system
• Removing toxic metals such as lead and mercury from the body
• Improving healing of wounds



Direction for use: As a food supplement - adults - 1 capsule daily per 10kg body weight with food or as directed by a healthcare professional.

there is a site here in greece that ships worldwide and its spirulina is acompanied with certificate of analysis. And what is more there are grate opportunities such as 1 bottle 180 v.tabs + 1 bottle gift at the price of 15 euros!!!! But you can still make a phone order

[stanmrak]

Originally Posted by ButterflyWoman

(BTW, my trials of spirulina didn't do a thing for me, one way or the other. I tried it for several months, saw no changes or results, stopped for a few months, saw no changes or results, and then took it up again for several months, still saw no changes or results, or nothing that I could detect, anyway. So I stopped.

I've been "experimenting" with dietary changes, superfoods and supplements for over 30 years. In all that time, I can't recall ever feeling a significant difference after adding any food or supplement to my daily routine - never. This did not dissuade me from continuing to follow this practice, and I continued to add more and more nutritious items to my diet. Today, I'm very glad I did it! I wish I had had done even more.

Sometimes it takes 20, 30 years or more to see the difference that improved nutrition makes.

[alexgeo]

Originally Posted by stanmrak

I've been "experimenting" with dietary changes, superfoods and supplements for over 30 years. In all that time, I can't recall ever feeling a significant difference after adding any food or supplement to my daily routine - never. This did not dissuade me from continuing to follow this practice, and I continued to add more and more nutritious items to my diet. Today, I'm very glad I did it! I wish I had had done even more.

Sometimes it takes 20, 30 years or more to see the difference that improved nutrition makes.

Just one thing i will say: if it hadn`t been the nutrition supplements i would have lost my baby..... even my doctor was stanished!

[elucidate]

Originally Posted by alexgeo

even my doctor was stanished!

I'm sorry, do you mean 'astonished'?

[superfoodist]

Spirulina and Chlorella are the BOMB!!

I also recommend doing some research on the following superfoods, because they're just as packed with nutrition..

Goji Berries
Raw Cocoa
Bee Pollen
Royal Jelly
Raw Honey
Macca Powder
AFA Blue-Green Algae
Marine Phytoplankton

That's all I can think of right now, but definitely check them all out. Make sure, if you buy ANY of these, to buy ONLY organic and raw.

[alexgeo]

Originally Posted by elucidate

I'm sorry, do you mean 'astonished'?

yes....