Spirulina Powder 

Also Known As - Arthrospira platensis (Nordst.) Gomont

Certified Organic - Kona Coast of Hawaii, USA

Overview - Spirulina is a natural “algae” (cyanbacteria) powder that is incredibly high in protein and a good source of antioxidants, B-vitamins and other nutrients. When harvested correctly from non-contaminated ponds and bodies of water, it is one of the most potent nutrient sources available. It is largely made up of protein and essential amino acids, and is typically recommended to vegetarians for its high natural iron content. It is often touted for its high B-12 content, though there is a lot of debate about if this particular form is a complete and absorbable form of B-12 and I don’t recommend it completely in place of animal products.

The high concentration of protein and iron also makes it ideal during pregnancy, after surgery, or anytime the immune system needs a boost.

Spirulina, in its natural algae form, can be found in many freshwater lakes, rivers, and ponds. It grows best in environments that have moderate temperatures, and very high levels of sunlight. We grow our spirulina in a specially-designed BioSecure Zone on the Kona coast of Hawaii, because this environment is perfect for cultivating this powerful superfood. 

Spirulina grows in ponds fed with 100% fresh potable water from Hawaiian aquifers, and pure, deep ocean water that's pumped from 2,000 feet below the surface of the Pacific Ocean. 

The unique combination of the ultra-pure, deep ocean water and the fresh potable water enriches this particular strain of spirulina with trace minerals, making it the most potent form of the superfood available.

Spirulina is cultivated on the Kona coast of Hawaii, in conditions similar to how the algae first grew on the planet, 3,500 million years ago. The Kona coast is the sunniest coastal location in the United States, with moderate year-round temperatures. This allows our spirulina to continuously grow all 12 months of the year. This critical difference results in our spirulina being a superior strain of the algae with the highest concentration of key nutrients and carotenoids. 

Spirulina is harvested and dried using a patented process called Ocean Chill Drying™. The closed system process takes just three to seven seconds, and dries at relatively low heat while using less than one percent oxygen to preserve the phytonutrients. Ocean Chill Drying eliminates the oxidation of carotenes, enzymes, and fatty acids that often occurs in standard dryers. Unlike conventional drying processes, our system relies on very cold deep ocean water to provide dehumidification.

Once the drying process is complete, the spirulina is then converted to powder form, and either packaged as a powder supplement for adding into smoothies, drinks, or meals. In either case, the spirulina supplement is 100% pure spirulina, and the most potent superfood in the world.

Parts Used - Dried and processed algae

Medicinal Uses - Spirulina has some great health-boosting qualities:

• Spirulina is 65% protein and amino acids including the essential fatty acid gamma linolenic acid (GLA) which has gotten a lot of attention for its anti-inflammatory properties, especially when taken with other quality Omega-3 supplements like Fermented Cod Liver Oil. (I suspect that the benefits of GLA in Spirulina are even more than what the studies have found since these studies often use vegetable oils for their GLA source, and the other inflammatory compounds in vegetable oils can interfere with the anti-inflammatory ability.) It contains all essential amino acids. GLA is difficult to find in a food source and normally has to be created by the body. Spirulina is one of the few foods with a natural GLA content.
• Spirulina contains Omega 3-,6 and 9s and is especially high in Omega-3s.
• Spirulina is extremely high in Chlorophyll, which helps remove toxins from the blood and boost the immune system.
• Spirulina has a very high concentration of bio-available iron and is excellent during pregnancy and for those with anemia and will not cause constipation. The proteins and nutrients in Spirulina are very bioavailable and easy to absorb.
•  Spirulina is a great source of other nutrients including (according to Wikipedia): “Spirulina contains vitamins B-1(thiamine), B-2 (riboflavin), B-3(nicotinamide), B-6 (pyridoxine), B-9 (folic acid), vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin A and vitamin E. It is also a source of potassium, calcium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium,  manganese, phosphorus,  selenium, sodium and zinc. Spirulina contains many pigments which may be beneficial and bioavailable”.
• This Spirulina was tested by an independent laboratory and found to have an ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) of over 24,000 which is 4x the ORAC score of blueberries. The ORAC score is generally used to measure antioxidant ability and concentration in different foods.
• Spirulina is also incredibly high in calcium with over 26 times the calcium in milk, making it excellent for children, the elderly and during pregnancy.
• Some research has suggested that Spirulina may be helpful for those with allergies and allergic reactions.
• Spirulina’s phosphorus content makes it helpful as part of a tooth remineralization regimen.
• Emerging evidence suggests that it binds with radioactive isotopes and may be useful for radioactivity exposure or radiation therapy.
• The protein in Spirulina is highly usable and has a net protein utilization rate of between 50-61%
• Spirulina can bind with heavy metals in the body and help remove them.
• Spirulina can increase fat burning during exercise.

Preparations - Powdered and taken as a capsule, incorporated into drinks and smoothies, and sometimes as a liquid herbal extract.

Precautions - Specific: Not for use during pregnancy or if breastfeeding except under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner. Some individuals experience nausea or stomach discomfort. If this occurs, discontinue use and consult your healthcare practitioner.
General: We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

Disclaimer - The information presented herein by Mountain Maus’ Remedies is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.