RAW Blog

 I was surfing around on the web today for more information on my new raw diet lifestyle, when I came across a thread of people discussing something they called spirulina.  I wasn't exactly sure what they were talking about, but it seemed that they were trading recipe secrets on how to implement spirulina on a daily basis without gagging yourself.  Instantly, I was curious.

I did a little research and found out not only why they were using spirulina, but also why it sounded like something that tasted horrible: it's algae.

Yup, that's right.  Spirulina is a bacteria which forms in lakes abundant in carbonate and bicarbonate while high in pH.  This little spiral shaped bacteria seems to reproduce and form on acidic, carbonated lake surfaces.  How cool is that?

If you thought that was cool, listen to this.  Spirulina is naturally formed and has been used as far back as the 9th century for holistic wellness purposes.  Specifically, it was reportedly used by the Aztecs and Mesoamericans as a stable food source.  How, you might ask, could one live off of bacteria??  It's simple, actually.  Especially with this type of bacteria.

You see, spirulina contains twelve highly digestible proteins, a host of minerals including calcium, potassium, magnesium, manganese and zinc, along with a half dozen B vitamins.  The Aztecs were smart; they utilized this bacteria as part of their staple food source, recognizing even then that the protein and vitamins would not only sustain them, but grant them immunity from many different diseases as well as recovery from those through which they'd suffered.

So if this "spirulina" is so good for you, why haven't you heard of it before?  Well, I wondered the same thing.  Apparently, many countries all over the world are aware of the benefits of spirulina, but only one (our country) seems hell bent on avoiding its use altogether. 

Apparently, if one should recognize that spirulina is a superfood and begin taking it, there would be no further need for many types of over the counter vitamins, medicines and other supplemental drugs.  Since Spirulina assists highly in the digestive tract to calm IBS symptoms and aid the passing of waste, many companies would see a hard hit to their revenue pockets.  The good ol' boys at the pharmaceutical companies couldn't allow that to happen!

So, as it were, spirulina is a hush-hush item.  Many advocates would say that spirulina hadn't been tested enough, or the tests weren't accurate enough to provide solid evidence, but in my opinion the evidence rests in itself: many cases of lowered cholesterol, blood pressure and diabetes symptoms.  Weight loss and digestive tract regulation were also among the outcomes listed.  And what bad could it to do for you?  It's a tiny bacteria full of good, naturally produced vitamins and minerals.  It's worth a shot.

Since I am dedicated to trying new things and providing my responses here, I'm going to find some of this and give it a go.  If anyone knows where to buy some spirulina by recommendation, feel free to contact me here or leave a comment below!

More information:

Superfoods For Optimum Health: Chlorella and Spirulina

Wiki definition, explanation and details