Question: from Leila
1st question - Warren's insight on Spirulina? 2nd question - chlorine - should we install filters...what's the best way to protect our family?
Answer: from Joanna (Medical Nutritionist for Xtend-Life)
Blue-green algae such as Spirulina are a mixture of single celled organisms that have biochemical and cellular similarities to both plant and animal species. While these organisms have the ability to perform photosynthesis like plants, they lack a cell wall. Like animal species, they form many complex glycoproteins. Spirulina and aphanizomenon are the species that have been studied most extensively. Spirulina blue-green algae consists of approximately 65% crude protein, B vitamins, phenylalanine, iron and other minerals.
Preclinical testing suggests it may have immunological and antiviral properties. Research has taken place in Japan, India and Germany to suggest benefits in areas of cancer, heart disease, immunity, weight loss, and detoxification.
Pure Spirulina certainly does have a good balance of amino acids that bolster the immune system, but the nutrients in blue-green algae are generally more plentiful and cheaper in foods or good quality multi-supplements. For example, all these ingredients, and much more, can be found in our Total Balance formula.
There’s no scientific evidence that blue-green algae can cure any illness, only that it has general nutritional support, much the same as eating lots of other vegetables (upon which it is based). There have been many unscrupulous companies claiming unrealistic benefits of this ingredient that in the States have faced court action to curb such claims.
The purity is the major difficulty and issue with this ingredient. Blue-green algae, especially AFA (which is the main active element) harvested from natural lakes, are easily contaminated with toxins such as microcystins and heavy metals. Because Health Canada, the equivalent of the U.S. FDA, found that some blue-green algae supplements (but not spirulina, in this case, although it pertains to the same risk category) contained high levels of microcystin, it warned consumers about potential contamination.
Most commercial products contain Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, Spirulina maxima, or Spirulina platensis. The altitude, temperature, and sun exposure where the blue-green algae are grown dramatically influence the constituents and the species mixture, to in turn influence this purity and contamination issue, so it is a good idea to ensure this information is forthcoming from the company if you consider taking a single Spirulina product.
While blue-green algae products are promoted as an excellent source of dietary protein, there benefits remember are similar to good food sources, and more complex dietary supplement sources such as Total Balance (at better value for money too!)
Regarding the Chlorine issue.....yes, I certainly believe that you should install a good filter to remove Chlorine from your drinking water. You can see some more comments about chlorine at one of Warren’s blog entries by clicking here.