Spirulina

Spirulina is the common name for human and animal food supplements similar to Chlorella and Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (Blue Green Algae.) Spirulina comes from two different species of cyanobacteria: Arthrospira platensis, and Arthrospira maxima. These and other Arthrospira species were once classified in the genus Spirulina. There is now agreement that they are a distinct genera, and that the food species belong to Arthrospira; nonetheless, the older term Spirulina remains the popular name. Spirulina is cultivated around the world, and is used as a human dietary supplement as well as a whole food and is available in tablet, flake, and powder form. It is also used as a feed supplement in the aquaculture, aquarium, and poultry industries.

Nutrients and other chemicals

* Protein
* Vitamins
* Minerals

Spirulina is a rich source of potassium, and also contains calcium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, sodium, and zinc

In study found that 36 volunteers taking 4.5 grams of spirulina per day, over a six week period, exhibited significant changes in :
-cholesterol and blood pressure:
- lowered total cholesterol
- increased HDL cholesterol
- lowered triglycerides; and
- lowered systolic and diastolic blood pressure