Spirulina is an algae, and one of the most complete foods on the planet. It is well known for its huge antioxidant content, but is also a rich source of protein. This protein is abundant in all nine of the essential amino acids (those we cannot make for ourselves and so have to obtain from food). Spirulina also provides several highly-concentrated vitamins and minerals. Centuries ago the Aztec civilisation cultivated it as a staple food, and today it is regarded as central to some Asian diets. Although it can grow in natural conditions, most Spirulina today is produced commercially.

Spirulina replicates itself by photosynthesis, extracting energy from light. The product of this is chlorophyll, the substance that makes plants green. In nutrition terms however, chlorophyll is exceptionally useful. It is a significant aid to the absorption of many vitamins and minerals, it is antioxidant and it aids the growth and repair of tissue. Another pigment in Spirulina is Phycocyanin, which is believed to help optimise blood health and is antioxidant.

The protein content of Spirulina makes it popular with people following fitness regimes. Of equal value is the vitamins it provides. It is rich in Vitamin A, which aids our reproductive systems, is required by our retinas and is essential for basic body maintenance. It has more Vitamin B1 than cows’ milk, required for proper function of the nervous system and muscles. Its Vitamin B2 helps us extract energy from carbohydrates and produce healthy red blood cells. Vitamin B6 is required for the absorption of amino acids and chemicals involved in brain function. It also helps muscle function, enabling blood haemoglobin to bind oxygen. B9 (folic acid) is essential for women before and during pregnancy, as well as being beneficial to blood health. Vitamin C helps heal wounds and regulate blood flow, but is also highly antioxidant. Vitamin D helps us absorb calcium, promotes general cellular health, boosts our immune system and helps regulate both insulin levels and blood pressure. Vitamin E is a range of elements believed to be important antioxidant agents, preventing disease and helping wounds heal.

Spirulina’s minerals are of vital importance. Calcium promotes the growth and maintenance of healthy, strong bones and teeth, as well as good circulatory and nerve health. Iron aids red blood cell production, preventing anaemia. Powerfully antioxidant, Spirulina is also anti-inflammatory, anti-allergenic, helps us avoid infection and strengthens our immune system. It is a detoxification agent, and forms the core of many detoxification programmes.

Production
Rainforest Foods Spirulina is grown organically on an island in the South China Sea. Production starts with batches cultivated in a laboratory, which are grown on by photosynthesis in cultivation ponds containing filtered natural water. Once it has reached the required density the Spirulina is harvested, then dried using a process of spray evaporation to create a powder while losing virtually none of the nutritional value.

Organic Certification
Rainforest Foods Spirulina powder is certified by the Soil Association, one of a handful of organic certification bodies in the UK. These are regulated in their turn by DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs). The role of the Soil Association is to ensure that all foods sold as organic are definably so. It does this by auditing every stage of the supply chain, through growth, export and processing. Soil Association certification – indicated by the Soil Association logo and the EU organic leaf symbol on our packaging – is a guarantee that our customers are purchasing an organic product. All organically-certified products must also carry a certification code on their packaging. For UK companies such as Rainforest Foods this has the format GB-ORG-XX, XX indicating the certifying body. If this is not present, a product is not organic. The Soil Association code on our products is GB-ORG-05.

Ingredients
Organic Spirulina powder.

Suggested Use
We recommend that you take one heaped teaspoon (3 grams) mixed with water, once or twice a day. It should ideally be taken 30 minutes before meals. Store your Spirulina in a cool, dry place.

Nutritional Analysis
For details on nutritional content, please click on the back label image above.  For further information about Spirulina, please visit the Spirulina overview and read Spirulina articles on our blog.

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