How about taking Spirulina (spin off)

Auburn

New Member
Both Chlorella and Spirulina are mega super foods.

Latin Names: Arthrospira platensis

Common Names: Macroalgae, Phytoplankton, Spirulina

Uses:
AIDS/HIV, arthritis, athletic nutrition, enhancing natural cleansing and detoxification, supporting cardiovascular function and healthy cholesterol, strengthening the immune system, improving gastrointestinal and digestive health, reducing cancer risks with antioxidant protection, general and long term health.

Spirulina is the richest beta carotene food, with a full spectrum of ten mixed carotenoids. About half are orange carotenes: alpha, beta and gamma and half are yellow xanthophylls. They work synergistically at different sites in our body to enhance antioxidant protection. Twenty years of research proves eating beta carotene rich fruits and vegetables gives us real anti-cancer protection. Synthetic beta carotene has not always shown these benefits. Research in Israel showed natural beta carotene from algae was far more effective. Natural is better assimilated and contains the key 9-cis isomer, lacking in synthetic. As suspected, natural carotenoids in algae and vegetables have the most antioxidant and anti-cancer power.

This tiny aquatic plant offers 60% all-vegetable protein, essential vitamins and phytonutrients such as the antioxidant beta carotene, the rare essential fatty acid GLA, sulfolipids, glycolipids and polysaccharides.

Spirulina is an ideal anti-aging food; concentrated nutrient value, easily digested and loaded with antioxidants. Beta carotene is good for healthy eyes and vision. This all vegetable, low fat protein means we can lighten up on a meat centered diet that can aggravate arthritis and raise cholesterol. When we choose to eat less meat, vegetables like spirulina are good sources of more iron and essential minerals.


World's highest beta carotene food reduces long term health risks

Spirulina beta carotene is ten times more concentrated than carrots. So even if you don't eat the recommended 4 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables every day (most people eat only 1-2, including french fries), get your natural beta carotene insurance from spirulina to help support your body's defenses.

60% easy-to-digest vegetable protein without the fat and cholesterol of meat

People are eating less meat and dairy protein because they want to lower fat, cholesterol, and chemicals in their diet. Spirulina is the highest protein food with all the essential amino acids and has only a few calories to keep your waistline where you want it.

A rare essential fatty acid is a key to health

Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) in mother's milk helps develop healthy babies. Studies show nutritional deficiencies can block GLA production in your body, so a good dietary source of GLA can be important. Spirulina is the only other whole food with GLA.

Iron for women and children's health

Iron is essential to build a strong system, yet is the most common mineral deficiency. Spirulina is rich in iron, magnesium and trace minerals, and is easier to absorb than iron supplements.

High in Vitamin B-12 and B Complex.

Spirulina is the highest source of B-12, essential for healthy nerves and tissue, especially for vegetarians.

Clean green energy is good for everyone

Spirulina is the most extensively researched food microalgae, well documented in numerous books, journal articles, and periodicals. Many people use Spirulina in their own self-care strategy for more energy, nutritional insurance, weight control and cleansing. Perfect in between or before meals for good nutrition without the heaviness of bulky food. Athletes discover more endurance and strength. Seniors find better nutrient absorption. Ideal and safe for children, pregnant and nursing mothers.


 
Strengthens the immune system

Over the years I've heard from so many people that they have fewer colds and flu, or if they get a cold, they escape more chronic symptoms. They say wounds heal faster and they recover more quickly from illness. They have more energy. Spirulina is a powerful tonic for the immune system.

Published studies from all over the world feeding mice, hamsters, chickens, turkeys, cats, fish and even humans, confirm spirulina improves immune system function. Medical scientists discovered it not only stimulates the immune system, it actually enhances the body's ability to generate new blood cells. Important parts of the immune system, bone marrow stem cells, macrophages, T-cells and natural killer cells, spleen and thymus glands - all show enhanced activity. Scientists observe it causes macrophages to increase in number, become activated and more effective killing germs.

Because spirulina increases disease resistance in animals, even in very small doses, the animal feed industry is studying its use as an new probiotic to help replace overused antibiotic drugs in animal feeds. Scientists in Japan have published new studies showing a purified extract unique to spirulina inhibits replication of HIV-1, Herpes, Influenza, Mumps and Measles virus in-vitro yet is very safe for human cells.

The National Cancer Institute found sulfolipids in blue-green algae were 'remarkably active' against the AIDS virus in vitro. Spirulina contains 5-8% lipids, and 40% of these are glycolipids and sulfolipids. These compounds seem to prevent viruses from either attaching to or penetrating cells, preventing viral infection. Meanwhile, the virus can be eliminated by the body's defenses. Exciting new research in Japan and the USA has confirmed spirulina extracts in vitro can inhibit replication of the HIV virus.

Supports cardiovascular function and healthy cholesterol

Many people are taking dietary supplements to support a healthy heart and lower cholesterol. One of these people, my father, was prescribed drugs to lower his cholesterol ten years ago. Instead he began taking spirulina and niacin. Now he's a vibrant 82, and his cholesterol level is still safe and under control.

Scientists have been confirming this too. Animal nutrition studies in Mexico, Argentina, Japan and India found the same cholesterol lowering benefits and an improvement in heart artery function for lower blood pressure. Published scientific studies with men in Japan and India showed several grams of spirulina daily can lower cholesterol. These studies suggest spirulina will reduce serum LDL (Low Density Lipoproteins - the bad cholesterol) and raise HDL (High Density Lipoproteins - the good guys).

Human studies in Germany and India found a weight reduction effect along with cholesterol reduction. All these studies indicate spirulina is a useful supplement for cardiovascular health and for lowering cholesterol.

Improves gastrointestinal and digestive health

When people take spirulina they often notice immediate change in regularity and elimination. Research confirms it does promote digestion and bowel function. It suppresses bad bacteria like e-coli and Candida yeast and stimulates beneficial flora like lactobacillus and bifidobacteria. Healthy flora is the foundation of good health and it increases absorption of nutrients from the foods we eat, and helps protect against infection.

As people age, many who don't eat enough, have restricted diets or poor digestion may experience low energy from being undernourished. Spirulina builds healthy lactobacillus, aiding assimilation and elimination and relieving constipation.

In a village clinic in Togo, West Africa, we provided a tablespoon a day to undernourished children. Their mothers praised this 'green medicine' for bringing rapid recovery and weight gain. Other studies with malnourished children in Mexico, India, Romania, Rwanda and Zaire, have shown easily digested spirulina is beneficial when intestines no longer absorb food effectively.

It's a great food for malnourished people precisely because it helps rebuild healthy intestinal flora, which are essential for the utilization of more complex foods. Because in AIDS patients, nutrient malabsorption associated with opportunistic infections can initiate full blown AIDS, we've been donating spirulina to health clinics for HIV positive people.

Enhances natural cleansing and detoxification

When spirulina was first introduced 20 years ago, people quickly discovered it accelerated detoxification during fasting and cleansing. Later, in Japan, researchers found spirulina significantly reduced kidney toxicity caused by the heavy metal mercury and three pharmaceutical drugs. This suggested it's beneficial for humans suffering from heavy metal poisoning. Other researchers found rats consuming spirulina or chlorella algae eliminated 7 times the dangerous chemical dioxin compared to a control diet.

In 1994, a Russian Patent was awarded for spirulina as a medical food to reduce allergic reactions from radiation sickness. 270 Children of Chernobyl consuming 5 grams a day for 45 days (donated by Earthrise Farms), lowered radionucleides by 50%, and normalized allergic sensitivities.

Today we are subject to an onslaught of toxic chemicals in our air, water, food and drugs. Our bodies need to continually eliminate these accumulated toxins. Spirulina has a completely unique combination of phytonutrients - including chlorophyll, phycocyanin and polysaccharides, that can help cleanse our bodies.

Reduces cancer risks with antioxidant protection

Free radical molecules damage our body's cells. They are caused by pollution, poor diet, stress and injury. Antioxidant nutrients fight these dangerous oxidizing free radicals. They also stimulate our immune system to guard against cancer and other diseases and even slow the aging process. Major antioxidant vitamins are beta carotene (provitamin A) C, and E. Antioxidant minerals selenium, maganese, zinc, copper, iron and chromium form our bodies antioxidant enzymes. Spirulina contains all these nutrients, and exceptionally high levels of beta carotene and iron, and zinc in super spirulina.

Research shows spirulina helps protect Vitamin C from potency loss. In the past 20 years, many studies have shown natural beta carotene from fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of many cancers. Spirulina's beta carotene has been widely studied in India with thousands of people. Just one gram a day for a year given to 5000 pre school children, significantly reduced the incidence of eye disease. One gram a day caused total regression of mouth cancer lesions in 44% of male tobacco chewers.

This reinforced an earlier Harvard study that showed a spirulina extract used topically, reversed oral cancer tumors in hamsters. Chinese scientists found the unique polysaccharides also have antioxidant properties. No doubt, spirulina is one of the most powerful antioxidant whole foods.
 
Are you currently takeing spirilina? If so how much a day, what brand, cost and where you ourchased. I am interested in both spirulina and chlorella and their potential for weight loss/control.:grin:

Im not currently but I will soon. I would like other who are users to chime in.
 
I just started taking NOW brand spirulina 500mg tablets yesterday. I haven't noticed anything yet... It says to take 3 per day but I'm working my way up. I've also been taking NOW brand chlorella, and I'm up to 3grams with that one. I'll update if I notice anything!
 
You ladies beat me to it! I remember that Isis is a big proponent of taking Spirulina and I also think she's a vegetarian. Needless to say, her hair is very pretty, thick, and healthy! I already ordered my spirulina about a week ago, just waiting on it to arrive. I've wanted to try it for a long time, just never did. We'll see how it works. I plan to take 500mg caps 1 or 2 a day. Spirulina is much cheaper than chlorella, but I also plan to take chlorella as soon as I can find the right deal (bargain shopper here)!
 
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I have spirulina I just hardly take it. :look:

I have a question about the first post and GLA though. Doesn't evening primrose oil have gla?
 
I've been taking Spirulina the Source Natural brand, 500mg , 6per day. I got them from whole foods and paid about $12. I've only been taking them for 5 days. I have noticed a lil more energy but as far as other benefits it's still to early to say.

I'm in the process of making a lifestyle change and spirulina and chlorella are something I want to take for the rest of my life.
 
I drink a Bolthouse Farms Green Goodness smoothie every morning (for a few weeks now). It has spirulina and chlorella, amongst other things.

Ingredients: Apple Juice from concentrate (apple juice concentrate, water), Pineapple Juice from concentrate (pineapple juice concentrate, water), Mango Puree from concentrate (mango puree concentrate, water), Banana Puree, Kiwi Juice, Natural Flavor, Spirulina, Open Cell Chlorella, Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), Lime Juice, Zinc Sulfate, Broccoli, Brewed Green Tea, Spinach, Barley Grass, Wheat Grass, Blue-Green Algae, Echinacea Purpurea Extract, Odorless Garlic, Tamarind Puree, Dragon Fruit Juice, Lemon Bioflavonoids, Jerusalem Artichoke and Nova Scotia Dulce.
 
I am taking both Chlorella and spirulina powders, about 9 grams each. the chlorella is easy to mix in just about anything, but the Spirulina is really chunky and tastes like sushi so I have made a point to mix it with salty things like V8. Surprisingly the taste is almost unnoticeable when I mix it with a peach tea single I get from Walmart, but I have to make sure the tea is just "luke warm" and not hot. As for the health benefits... hair, nails, energy, and going green..:grin: I know...TMI :lachen::lachen:
 
Is this an even tan or only certain areas?...anyone else experiencing this?
I notice after a few days of taking it my skin get really rich and darker. It's like a glowy tan look. As soon as I forget to take it for a few days, my skin goes back to normal.
 
Lets discuss SPIRULINA!

I have been taking Spirulina along side Chlorella for over a year now.

The correct ratio if you are going to take them both is 2:1, that means,
1 Chlorella = 2 Spirulina.

I take Earthrise Spirulina. I chose Earthrise because they are a specialty company and manufacture their own Spirulina. (I use their Chlorella as well)
I purchase mine from www.luckyvitamin.com, this is the cheapest I have found earthrise being sold for, they are more costly than the other brands.
For more info on Earthrise go to: www.earthrise.com

I have as a result of adding Spirulina experienced increased energy, great skin, faster healing of scars (recent hand surgery), and vibrant hair. My health overall feels great. I am glad to be GREEN and intend to be for life!
 
I have been taking Spirulina along side Chlorella for over a year now.

The correct ratio if you are going to take them both is 2:1, that means,
1 Chlorella = 2 Spirulina.

I take Earthrise Spirulina. I chose Earthrise because they are a specialty company and manufacture their own Spirulina. (I use their Chlorella as well)
I purchase mine from www.luckyvitamin.com, this is the cheapest I have found earthrise being sold for, they are more costly than the other brands.
For more info on Earthrise go to: www.earthrise.com

I have as a result of adding Spirulina experienced increased energy, great skin, faster healing of scars (recent hand surgery), and vibrant hair. My health overall feels great. I am glad to be GREEN and intend to be for life!

I Agree and echo this post :)

I've been taking spirulina and chlorella for a little over a year, I am experiencing more energy, glowing skin,faster nail growth, my appetite is lower, it is a great detoxer and it purifys your blood. :)
 
I just started taking both about 2 weeks ago, definitely noticed increased energy from spirulina, I started off with Vitamin Shoppe brand, bought Earthrise the other day but waiting to finish first bottle before I start taking it. I plan to keep taking it for all the health benefits.
 
I've been taking chlorella and spirulina since the Thursday before last Both bottles suggest 3 g each per day but Ive started small (1- 1.5g chlorella and 500mg a day)I'll increase this to twice
 
I Agree and echo this post :)

I've been taking spirulina and chlorella for a little over a year, I am experiencing more energy, glowing skin,faster nail growth, my appetite is lower, it is a great detoxer and it purifys your blood. :)

I've been taking it the other way around 2= chlorella and 1= spirulina :ohwell: I'll do it the other way as from tomorrow
 
Been taking Spirulina now regularly for 4 months! It does reduce your appetite and give more energy (because my latest job needs it!)
I noticed that I got 1 inch of NG in 5 weeks whilst in a weave when I first took spirulina in October 2009! :grin: It was in combo with MSM and biotin regularly.
I take 500mg tablets by Holland and Barrett and I take four every morning. i'd take it more often but I forget later in the day. :blush:
 
Spirulina is great, energywise, but it constipates me. I hate that! I wonder if there is another green I can take for energy, minus the constipation.
 
On days that I juice I use a couple tbs of spirulina. I do notice that I am fuller for a little bit longer. I havent really seen a change in things as my skin stays pretty clear and my hair grows normal for me. I just use it because I know of the benefits and maybe it is working on something I just dont realize it...lol!!! Its nasty and Ive tried it w/ just water and will never do that again. SO its ok when I put it in w/ my raw juices
 
I've taken both spirulina and chlorella and love it all! The supergreens do wonders! From my understanding chlorella is suppose to be more potent but I switched over to spirulina per the cost savings!

I've seen great results with both - great skin, brighter eyes, hair growth, etc. I can't say that chlorella is any better than spirulina. IMHO, the results are the same! With chlorella my hair/nails aren't growing twice as fast, my skin isnt that much brighter...you get the point!

Spirulina is my cheaper fix :grin:
 
@ Mane Event, Spirulina has higher amounts of protein than Chlorella, and has other components that Chlorella does not have, but they compliment each other very well, helps to maintain a balance of the digestive system. It's okay to take one and not the other as you have experienced. I agree Green is GREAT!
 
Thanks for the tips on constipation. Prune juice and things like that don't work for me. I really have to focus on getting a lot of fiber in (40g's) per day. I just get tired of taking fiber supplements, etc.

Does spirulina replace the need for iron and B-complex supplements?
 
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