Spirulina
Arthrospira spp.
Spirulina has a history of human consumption in Mexico and in Africa. In Mexico circa 1300 AD the Aztecs harvested Arthrospira from Lake Texcoco and used it to make a sort of dry cake called "tecuitlatl". Very likely the use of Spirulina as food in Chad dates back to the same period, or even earlier, to the Kanem Empire (ninth century AD). It is very interesting that two populations independently discovered the food properties of Spirulina in spite of the differences and the distance. In Chad it is still harvested and processed by hand into cakes known locally as "dihe" for use in a sauce for meat and fish called "la souce". It is an important part of their local economy, allowing the women of the village who harvest and process the dihe a certain amount of independence.
What is Spirulina Used For?
Spirulina contains about 60 percent protein. Spirulina’s lipid content is about 5% by weight and is rich in gammo linolenic acid (GLA) and linoleic acid (LA). Spirulina contains vitamins B1 (Thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 , B6 , B9 (folic acid) as well as vitamins A and C. It is also a source of potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and several other minerals and micronutrients. This amazing “superfood” also contains many pigments which may be beneficial as antioxidants, including zeaxanthin, phycocyanins, beta carotene, and other carotenoids. In humans, small studies have been undertaken evaluating spirulina in undernourished children, and several other clinical studies have been conducted on the carotenoids in spirulina.
Traditional Health Benefits of Spirulina
Additional Information on this Herb
Protein, Vitamins B1, B2, B6, B9, B12, A, C, K, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Copper, Zinc, Selenium, Manganese, Iron, GLA.
Algae
Bjørkelo AJ, “State and Society in Three Central Sudanic Kingdoms: Kanem-Bornu, Bagirmi, and Wadai”. MA thesis (1976), University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway, 201 pp. Ciferri O, “Spirulina, the edible microorganism”. Microbiol.Rev. 47: 551-578. Farrar WV, “Tecuitlatl: a glimpse of Aztec food technology”. Nature 211: 341-342.
Not for use during pregnancy. If you have a medical condition or take pharmaceutical drugs please consult your doctor prior to use.
- This information in our Herbal Reference Guide is intended only as a general reference for further exploration, and is not a replacement for professional health advice. This content does not provide dosage information, format recommendations, toxicity levels, or possible interactions with prescription drugs. Accordingly, this information should be used only under the direct supervision of a qualified health practitioner such as a naturopathic physician.
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