Spirulina
These and other Arthrospira species were once classified in the genus Spirulina. However, there now appears to be general agreement that they are a distinct genus, and that the food species belong to Arthrospira. Many of us still prefer to use the older name. This algae has been used since ancient times as a source of nutrients and has been said to possess a variety of medical uses, including as an antioxidant, antiviral, antineoplastic, weight loss aid, and lipid-lowering agent. In the Spanish Florentine Codex which are records of conversations and interviews with Aztecs there is an illustration showing how the Aztecs harvested the organisms from lakes by skimming the surface with ropes and then drying the algae into nourishing square cakes. On another matter entirely, it is interesting to note that the Spanish in the 16th century observed what is known a the "red tide" or algal bloom.
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. Waste from the production can even be used to make bioplastics. Arthrospira platensis contains an unusually high amount of protein, containing up to 70% (by dry weight) protein, B-complex vitamins, phycocyanin, chlorophyll, beta-carotene, vitamin E, and numerous minerals. When compared to the proteins of meat, eggs, and milk it has reduced amounts of methionine, cysteine, and lysine. However, it is superior to typical plant protein, such as that from legumes and some claim it contains more beta-carotene than carrots. In terms of verification of nutrient value, NASA and the European Space Agency have both proposed it as one of the primary foods to be cultivated during long-term space missions. Arthrospira platensis is naturally found in tropical regions inhabiting alkaline lakes (pH 11) with high concentration of NaCl and bicarbonates. These limiting conditions for other microorganisms allow cultivation of this microalga in opened reactors. Although if grown under controlled conditions they are subject to less contamination than those that are harvested naturally. Like any
blue-green algae
it can be contaminated with toxic substances called microcystins, and can also absorb heavy metals if any are present in the water where it is grown. For these reasons, it is important to buy your product from a trusted brand name, or better still grown your own in a
photobioreactor.
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