| Soldiers travelling with Hernan Cortes reported the | | | | The high concentrations used affected the viruses |
| native American tribes, including the Aztec, using | | | | but did not seem to be detrimental to human cells. In |
| condiment cakes made from spirulina, algae found on | | | | Japan a similar project used Calcium-Spirulan extract |
| the shores of Lake Texcoco. In Africa the food has | | | | and discovered that the growth of not only the |
| been recorded in use from the ninth century, | | | | HIV-1 virus was inhibited but also that of the Mumps |
| harvested from Lake Chad. | | | | virus, Influenza A virus, Measles virus, Herpes Simplex |
| Research over the last twenty years has started to | | | | and Human Cytomegalovirus (a cause of birth |
| discover some startling features and benefits to | | | | defects). |
| health and nutrition. In 1974 the United Nations World | | | | A virus depends on attaching itself to a cell and then |
| Food Conference announced spirulina as 'the best | | | | puncturing the cell membrane. The spirulina extract |
| food for the future.' | | | | prevents this puncture, so rendering the virus useless |
| Nutrition | | | | and open to destruction by the body's natural |
| Spirulina is one of the most incredibly concentrated | | | | defences. AIDS sufferers also benefit from spirulina |
| natural dietary supplements known. It is very rich in | | | | as it increases their body weight and combats |
| iron and non-animal protein and contains all the | | | | anaemia. |
| required amino acids as well as beta-carotene and | | | | Other Benefits |
| chlorophyll. The useful bacteria in the gut are | | | | Spirulina has also proved useful in the prevention of |
| encouraged by spirulina so improving the digestion | | | | hay fever and in the treatment of arsenic poisoning. |
| operation. Spirulina also helps the body's processes by | | | | In 2007 a Mexican study even found the alga has a |
| providing enzymes, antioxidants and phytonutrients. | | | | positive effect in the reduction of blood pressure and |
| Also included is the GLA important fatty acid, which | | | | cholesterol. |
| may stimulate growth and help ensure the health and | | | | Even some cancers seem to be inhibited by spirulina |
| strength of skin and hair. Arthritis sufferers may also | | | | and it also helps to repair cells damaged by |
| be helped by spirulina's anti-inflammatory properties. | | | | radiotherapy as well as boost the immune system by |
| Anti-Viral Features | | | | promoting the manufacture of bone marrow, blood |
| Excitement about this natural dietary supplement has | | | | cells and stem cells among others. In the Chernobyl |
| been increased by recent research; in April 1996, an | | | | region Russian medical staff are giving spirulina to |
| ongoing study was announced jointly by Harvard | | | | children suffering from damaged bone marrow and |
| Medical School, the Dana-Farber Institute and the | | | | anaemia from eating radioactive fruit and vegetables. |
| Laboratory of Vital Pathogenesis. The results of this | | | | Spirulina is proving to have many remarkable benefits |
| project show that an extract from spirulina inhibits | | | | as one of the more effective natural dietary |
| the growth of the AIDS virus HIV-1 in human cells. | | | | supplements but may have more to reveal yet. |