Spirulina in Battle Aganist Malnutrition

What's tiny, green and could feed the world? The answer is Spirulina. This super food is being touted as the next big thing in nutritional supplements. Originally recognized in 1974 by the United Nations World Food Conference as a wonderful food for the future, the U.N. again recommended Spirulina in 2008 as a way for governments to fulfill the nutritional needs of their populations. The U.N. also believes it is great for emergency response ventures.

The World Health Organization issued a statement in 1993 calling Spirulina an interesting food that is iron- and protein-rich and safe for children. They called Spirulina a “very suitable food.” IIMSAM, the Intergovernmental Institution for the Use of Micro-Algae Spirulina Against Malnutrition, champions Spirulina for cases of severe famine and malnutrition. Their efforts include providing advice and support to scientists and engineers from countries like the U.S., India, People's Republic of China, Chile and Switzerland. They also work with corporations like Earthrise Farms, Antenna-Technologies and Solarium Biotechnology.

Why are all these nations and companies so excited about this green micro-algae? Studies have shown Spirulina:

• Increases energy.
• Increases endurance.
• Reduces fatigue.
• Boosts the immune system.
• Benefits digestion.
• Detoxifies the body's systems.
• Helps regulate the appetite.
• Reduces allergic reactions.
• Decreases inflammation of joints.
• Nourishes the kidneys and liver.
• Improve cardio-vascular conditioning.

How can one little plant make such a difference? Spirulina is packed with all sorts of great things like vitamins, minerals, protein, Omega 6 fatty acids, chlorophyll and phytonutrients. Pound for pound, Spirulina is the undisputed champion. One kilogram has the same nutrients as one thousand kilograms of mixed vegetables.

Spirulina is 65 percent protein. It has high levels of 18 vitamins and minerals. When compared to other sources of nutrients, Spirulina has:

• Triple the iron found in beef.
• Six times the protein in eggs.
• Seven times the calcium in milk.
• Ten times the beta-carotene in carrots.
• Fifty times the iron in spinach.
• Ten times the Vitamin A in carrots.

Spirulina is also full of phytonutrients, antioxidants, chlorophyll and every amino acid. Clearly a supplement like this can go a long way toward improving the health of any individual. It also has terrific promise for famine relief.