Alternative health supplements are in high demand as more and more people search for the next wonder cure all. This often has people turning to unusual sources of nutrition to ensure overall good health. One such unusual source is blue-green algae. Commonly called spirulina, blue-green algae has been used for centuries around the world as a health supplement but only recently has made its way to mainstream supermarkets. Here are a few questions answered about blue-green algae health benefits.
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A: Like any form of algae, blue-green is a form of water based bacteria that grows on the surface of stagnant bodies of water with sufficient nutrients, sunlight and heat. Cultivated around the world, most deposits of this bacteria form in open commercial ponds in the United States, Thailand, India, Pakistan, China and Chile.
Q: How was blue-green algae first cultivated?
A: Some of the earliest cultivators of blue-green algae were ancient Aztecs and other Central American indigenous peoples. However, cultivation of spirulina has appeared in Africa as well. The algae would be allowed to grow on the surface of lakes and ponds and then scooped together and formed into cakes. These cakes would then bake in the sun and turn into powdery, wafer like cookies that would be consumed as an easy source of vitamins and nutrients.
Q: When did blue-green algae start to catch on for the rest of the world?
A: Commercial blue-green algae tablets were first marketed in the late 1970s as a form of alternative medicine. They began to grow in popularity over time and spread across the globe, touted for their restorative benefits.
Q: What are the health benefits of blue-green algae?
A: Blue-green algae is high in vitamins C and E and beta carotene and also contains significant sources of protein. It is a more complete protein than many meats because it contains all essential dietary amino acids and is comprised of very few calories or carbohydrates and virtually devoid of fat. There are also a number of health benefits that are scientifically unproven, such as blue-green algae’s ability to improve the immune system, help with weight loss, fight off heart disease and improve memory.
Q: What are the risks of taking blue-green algae supplements?
A: As with all health supplements, blue-green algae is not regulated by any governmental authority. There is no standard for manufacturers of blue-green algae to adhere to and potentially harmful additives may be present in these supplements. Furthermore, due to the growing conditions of blue-green algae, the risk of infections and illness are also increased due to the brackish waters this algae grows in. Heightened levels of vitamin K may also interfere with some medications.
Q: Is blue-green algae a superior source of protein?
A: While marketed as a good source of protein, a typical dose of spirulina contains around the same amount of protein as an equivalent amount of meat or dairy. However, spirulina is far costlier than these cheaper protein sources. Therefore, while you may count protein as one of the blue green algae health benefits it should not be the main reason you decide to take it.
