What is spirulina? Origin and composition
Spirulina is a cyanobacterium
Spirulina has been present on earth for 3.5 billion years. This micro-algae is a member of the cyanobacteria family. Thanks to photosynthesis, these plants have made the planet’s air breathable for life…
It measures between 0.3 and 0.5 mm and owes its blue-green color to
phycocyanin
and chlorophyll it contains. It is a consistent source of nutrients (proteins, iron, trace elements, minerals, vitamins, pigments, etc….).
Spirulina grows best in slightly salty, alkaline water at 35-37°C, and is most often found in spiral form, but there are many different varieties.
First found naturally in lakes near the Equator, in India, Chad, Burma and Mexico, it has been a major foodstuff for the peoples of the Andes and certain African tribes for several centuries.
Today (in the last 50 years or so), it is cultivated by craftsmen and industrialists on every continent.
The different forms of spirulina
Spirulina under the microscope
To observe spirulina spirals, you need a microscope, as they are invisible to the naked eye... It measures around 300 microns.
Fresh Spirulina
When spirulina is removed from its culture water, it is called "biomass". Fresh spirulina is excellent, but it doesn't keep for long in this form.
Spirulina twigs
Spirulina twigs are the crudest form of dry spirulina. Once the spirulina has been extruded (forming spaghetti) and dried, it is coarsely crushed.
Spirulina powder
Our spirulina twigs are reduced to powder by gentle grinding before being formed into tablets. There are too many poor-quality powders on the market. We advise you to make your own powder from twigs to guarantee its origin and purity.
Spirulina tablets
Spirulina tablets are made from our own twigs without any excipients. The compression is so gentle that they can practically be crunched. This form is ideal for people who don't like the taste of spirulina.
The main benefits of spirulina
Since 1996, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the FAO have been recommending Spirulina as a ” superfood ” to combat malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies.
The WHO has created IIMSAM, an intergovernmental service for the use of spirulina to combat malnutrition.
IIMSAM has estimated that 17.5g of spirulina would feed a 70kg person, and 5g a child.
Spiruline Vibratoire®
High assimilable protein content
Its high protein concentration (around 60%), proportionally higher than the protein content of meat, makes it a very interesting food.
Its proteins are easily assimilated by the body and contain the 8 essential amino acids that the body cannot synthesize itself.
Spirulina also contains 10 of the 12 non-essential amino acids.
Proteins contribute to :
-
- increase muscle mass
- a maintenance of muscle mass
- a maintenance of normal bone structure
- Protein is necessary for normal growth and bone development in children.
Exceptional source of Iron
Spirulina contains about 3 mg in 5 grams of spirulina.
Iron contributes to :
- cell division process
- reduce fatigue
- normal functioning of the immune system
- normal transport of oxygen in the body
- the
normal formation of red blood cells and hemoglobin
- a
normal energy metabolism
- a
normal cognitive function
- normal cognitive development of children.
Contains numerous pigments
It contains various carotenoids (mainly beta-carotene, but also cryptoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, etc.).
Spirulina contains 30 times more beta-carotene than carrots! Spirulina Vibratoire® is also rich in phycocyanin, a powerful stimulant.
Spirulina is also a source of chlorophyll (120 mg in 5 g / day):
- In our bodies, chlorophyll
combines with iron to help produce hemoglobin
playing an essential role in the functioning of the heart, muscles and nerves. - Detoxifying properties for the body and anti-fatigue properties.
- It promotes
blood regeneration
. - It helps maintain healthy intestinal flora.
Rich in vitamin D
Very rich in micronutrients, its nutritional qualities are well proven. Spirulina is the subject of numerous programs run by official bodies.
Vibratory Spirulina® is an excellent source of trace elements, with all the vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K that make it a highly nutritious and complete superfood. It is a source of vitamin D (100% of RDA with 5 g / day) which contributes to :
- lnormal absorption and utilization of calcium and phosphorus
- a
normal calcemia
- maintenance ofnormal bone structure
- maintaining normal
normal muscle function
- a maintenance of normal dentition
- normal functioning of the
immune system
- play a role in the
cell division process.
Source of vitamin K and B12
Spirulina has excellent levels of vitamin K and vitamin B12.
Spirulina is a source of vitamin K (200% of RDA in 5 g / day) which contributes to :
- normal blood coagulation
- maintenance of normal bone structure
Spirulina is a source of vitamin B12 (75% of RDA in 5 g / day) which contributes to :
- normal energy metabolism
- normal functioning of the nervous system
- normal homocysteine metabolism
- normal psychological functions
- normal red blood cell formation
- normal functioning of the immune system
- reduce fatigue
- play a role in the cell division process.
Supports metabolism
Its nutritional richness makes it an essential source of cofactors for the body's proper functioning.
- It is a source of ofantioxidants which help the body protect itself from the consequences of oxidative stress.
- It maintains
correct blood sugar levels
. - It helps to improve tone and vitality, helps with fatigue, helps support the body’s vitality, helps you feel more energetic.
Helps regulate appetite
Spirulina is an invaluable aid for people seeking to lose or regulate their weight.
- For weight control, spirulina prevents starch degradation.
- It is an amino acid supplementationfor the preservation of lean massin low-protein weight-loss diets, recommended during slimming diets to help maintain muscle mass.
With fewer calories, 1 handful of spirulina contains the same amount of :
- protein than 35 g of beef
- calcium than 3 glasses of milk
- 3 bowls of spinach
- beta-carotene than 18 carrots
Spirulina is a source of phenylalanine, an amino acid precursor of cholecystokinin (CCK), a hormone produced by the brain to signal satiety. Consumption of spirulina is thought to increase CCK concentrations, thereby reducing appetite.
Supports the immune system
Thanks to its immuno-stimulant potential, Vibratory Spirulina® is particularly suitable for people weakened by the stresses of daily life (stress, fatigue, etc.).
- Spirulina helps support the immune system, phycocyanin (one of spirulina’s phyto nutrients) is a powerful stimulant.
- It strengthens the body’s natural defenses – promotes resistance.
In addition to the powerful pigmentary antioxidants it contains, spirulina’s fatty acids are 40% gamma-linolenic acid, a precursor of chemical mediators of inflammatory and immune reactions.
Who can take spirulina?
Sick/convalescent people
Its immunostimulant properties and micro-nutritional virtues support the weakened, sick and convalescent.
Sportsmen
Its high natural protein and nutrient content, as well as its alkalinity, are highly beneficial to athletes.
Children
Spirulina offers nutrients that help support the body's nutritional needs.
Vegetarian / Vegan
Spirulina's essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and proteins are ideal for people on diets that may lead to deficiencies.
Femininity
Its high iron and micronutrient content makes it a real support for women at every stage of their lives (cyclicity, maternity, breastfeeding, menopause, etc.).
Seniors
Spirulina is a daily ally for seniors and those who want to stay in shape.
They tried our spirulina ...
Super happy with my tablets and especially with the results!
I received excellent advice and felt really supported. What's more, the products are of excellent quality. Since I've been taking the spirulina cure (twigs, delicious), I no longer have any iron deficiency.
A spirulina that I love (after testing many). Very good taste and excellent quality. I recommend it +++.
How to eat spirulina
Which shape to choose?
Twigs, tablets or powder? The best form of spirulina is the one you can take over the long term. The one that best fits your daily routine. The basic twig is the crudest form, but our tablets are made at low pressure and without any excipients. If you wish to obtain powder, we advise you to make your own powder by blending twigs.
Dosage
The recommended dose of Vibratory Spirulina® is 3 to 5 g a day (1 teaspoonful of twigs), sprinkled on your dishes, salads, compote, yoghurt or incorporated into your smoothies. It should be eaten cold to preserve its nutritional qualities. In case of intensive effort, pregnancy or extreme fatigue, the dosage may be doubled.
Side effects
Due to its detoxifying effect, which can accelerate transit or in rare cases cause nausea, it's best to start very gradually, reaching the full dose within 10 days. Spirulina can have a stimulating effect, so take it in the morning and at lunchtime.
Contraindications
Taking spirulina in excess of recommended daily doses is contraindicated for people with severe renal insufficiency, high uricemia or phenylketonuria. What's more, high doses of beta-carotene (if spirulina is over-consumed) can be harmful to smokers. The information and indications given on this site are for health and lifestyle purposes only and are in no way intended as therapeutic indications for medical purposes.
Mandatory information
Spirulina (in tablet form) is a superfood considered by the DGCCRF to be a dietary supplement. It is not a substitute for a varied, balanced diet, nor is it a replacement for medical treatment. If you have any doubts about your state of health and about taking spirulina, it is advisable to seek the advice of your doctor. Our Vibratory Spirulina® Life's Code is a food supplement authorized by the DGCCRF n° 2019-6-932.
How to recognize a good spirulina?
The essentials for quality production:
Respect for spirulina and the environment
Producing Vibratory Spirulina® in a greenhouse keeps the heat in (ecology) and isolates the crop from insects, animals and external pollutants (hygiene). There are large-scale open-air spirulina production operations whose sole aim is profitability. These crops cover hundreds of hectares, use up a lot of resources and cannot offer spirulina of the same quality as artisanal production. Life's Producers are all deeply touched by the power of spirulina, and treat it with great love and respect. The Life's Code charter chooses its sites away from areas of atmospheric, electrical, electromagnetic, soil or water pollution.
Quality water for the growing medium
Water is the basis of life... It records everything, it keeps the memory... (Cf. Dr Masaru Emoto's work). The quality of the water used to make up the culture medium is the most important factor in producing high-quality spirulina. Life's Producteurs use top-quality, filtered, pure drinking water, tested by independent laboratories. The water in the basins is free from any trace of undesirable bacteria or micro-organisms, heavy metals or pesticides. According to the Life's Code charter, the water in the basins is energized = by the vortex effect. This process gives water back all its vitality by mimicking the life of rivers, rainwater or whirlpools.
Transparent analysis
In line with the Life's Code charter, several times a day, pond parameters are checked (pH, water and air temperature, concentration, brightness, etc.). Spirulina is examined under a microscope and compositional analyses are carried out. We carry out a bacteriological analysis on every batch of finished product. The presence of heavy metals and pesticides is also frequently sought in farming environments. Each analysis report appears on the website in full transparency.
Low drying temperature
In accordance with the Life's Code charter, spirulina is dried at low temperature (around 37°C) to preserve all its virtues, and the twigs are made from 100% spirulina and contain no preservatives, colorants or other additives.
Reasoned cultivation
After daily analysis of its culture medium, spirulina receives only what it needs to grow. We take care not to "overfeed" spirulina in order to preserve the quality of its culture medium and avoid the development of undesirable micro-organisms. This requires a great deal of control over its needs and development.
Our selection of spirulina products
Pack Booster Intensif : Spiruline + Phyco-Éléments + Phycocyanine nature
References
- Anses https://www.anses.fr/fr/system/files/NUT2009sa0099.pdf
- Blinkova et al, 2001
- Brennan P, Hsu CC, et al. Effect of cruciferous vegetables on lung cancer in patients stratified by genetic status: a mendelian randomisation approach. Lancet 2005 October 29;366(9496):1558-60.
- Campanella L, Crescentini G, Avino P (1999) Chemical composition and nutritional evaluation of some natural and commercial food products based on Spirulina. Analusis 27: 533-540.
- Ciferri O (1983) Spirulina, the Edible Microorganism. Microbiological Reviews 47: 551-578.
- Cohen Z, Reungjitchachawali M, Siangdung W, Tanticharoen M (1993) Production and partial purification of γ-linolenic acid and some pigments from Spirulina platensis. Journal of Applied Phycology 5: 109-115.
- Falquet J, Hurni JP (2006) Spiruline, Aspects Nutritionnels. Antenna Technologies, Geneva.
- Fukino H., et al (1990), “Effect of spirulina on the renal toxicity induced by inorganic mercury and cisplatin” Eisei Kagaku, 36:5.
- WHO (World Health Organization) – IIMSAM http://iimsam.org/en/iimsam-spirulina-resource-centre/
- Pan SY, Ugnat AM, et al. A case-control study of diet and the risk of ovarian cancer.Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2004 September;13(9):1521-7.
- Planes P, Rouanet J-M, Laurent C, Baccou J-C, Besancon P, Caporiccio B (2002) Magnesium bioavailability from magnesium-fortified spirulina in cultured human intestinal Caco-2 cells. Food Chemistry 77: 213-218.