Alga spirulina, it’s a kind of magic

Spirulina and its properties have been known for centuries by the tropical populations that cultivated it to produce super-nutritious foods. The Aztecs even consumed it during pregnancy. Today it’s grown above all near the artificial lakes of Mexico and China.

BUT WHAT IS SPIRULINA?

Spirulina is a green-blue spiral-shaped micro alga, and forms part of a category of extremely ancient microorganisms, the cyanobacteria, able to grow using the energy of the sun, consuming carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. It seems to grow naturally in very few areas of the world where unique characteristics must be present: high alkalinity, constant temperatures between 30 and 40 degrees and high concentrations of mineral salts.

THE COMPOSITION OF SPIRULINA

Spirulina has numerous nutritional and functional properties because it contains all the nutrients that an organism needs: essential amino-acids, essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, which contribute energy, tone and vitality. It’s an important source of vegetable proteins: it has a formidable protein content, easily exceeding eggs, powdered milk, meat, fish and soya. Spirulina’s proteins have a high biological value and all 8 essential amino-acid (that is, amino-acids that are not naturally produced by our body).

Spirulina contains essential amino-acids such as γ-linolenic acid (GLA) of the Omega-6 and Omega-3 series, which contrast levels of cholesterol and triglycerides; it possesses high quantities of vitamins B1, B2 and B3 and vitamin A; of iron, calcium and magnesium and potassium; it also provides many trace elements such as manganese, chrome, copper, zinc and selenium.

SPIRULINA’S PROPERTIES

It boosts the metabolism. It has a low-calorie content. The proteins and vitamins contained in spirulina perform a toning and energising action. It reduces a sense of hunger thanks to the content of phenylalanine which acts on the nervous system inducing a sense of satiety. Being a complete food, rich in vitamins and mineral salts, it provides the right contribution of nutrients also to women in pregnancy and when breastfeeding. It’s a perfect supplement for people practicing sports.

It acts as an antioxidant. Thanks to the presence of beta-carotene, ascorbic acid and tocopherol which together have a synergic effect in contrasting free radicals. It prevents signs of ageing, helping memory and concentration. Moreover, it’s recommended for face moisturising treatments, also for sensitive skins, and anti-age, revitalising, toning and firming treatments for the body.

Thanks to the high content of vitamin A, spirulina is also able to contrast acne. The vitamins of group B stimulate the metabolism of the skin. Vitamin E lends softness and tone to the skin, favouring the healing process.

It performs a preventive action regarding cardiovascular diseases. The presence of essential fatty acids from the omega 3 and omega 6 series plays a crucial role in reducing cardiovascular risk. In particular, alfa-linolenic acid is a powerful blood-thinning agent, is anti-inflammatory and boosts the immune system. Linolenic acid lowers values of LDL (“bad” cholesterol) and to a lesser extent those of HDL (“good” cholesterol), contributing to reducing overall levels of cholesterol and, therefore, of cardiovascular risk.