Dr Mercola Dr Mercola Organic Spirulina (previously Spiru-Blue) | 120 Tablets

Produced by a world-class supplier with over 40 years of experience growing spirulina, USDA Certified Organic Spirulina offers many potential health benefits, including support of:

• Normal immune and inflammatory responses.
• Normal detoxification processes.
• Optimal cardiovascular health.
• Brain and nervous system health.
• Healthy bones and marrow.
• Growth of beneficial gut bacteria for healthy digestion.
• Muscle strength, endurance and energy.
• Improved cellular recovery post exercise.
• Triglyceride and cholesterol levels already in the normal range.
• Blood pressure levels already within the normal range.
• Blood sugar levels already within the normal range.

The use of spirulina as a food source dates back to Chad (Africa) in the ninth century.

It’s also believed spirulina was used by the Aztecs in 16th-century Mexico. Spanish conquistador and explorer, Hernan Cortes, was said to have bought dried cakes, called “dihe,” for his soldiers that were made from spirulina harvested in the Lake Texcoco region of Mexico.

However, spirulina didn't come into commercial production until the 1970s, when a French company began the first large-scale spirulina production plant. Within a few years, America and Japan began producing their own.

Today, due to its nutritional profile and unique ability to withstand extreme temperatures and neglect, spirulina is considered a sustainable food source with the potential to curb world hunger.

In fact, the United Nations has identified spirulina as a primary ingredient in the fight against malnutrition worldwide.

Spirulina is so nutritionally dense, NASA and the European Space Agency have been researching the benefits of incorporating spirulina into astronauts' diets on spaceships and possible missions to Mars. It’s no wonder spirulina is one superfood we all should pay attention to.

The Nearly Perfect Whole Food With Protein and Healthy Phytonutrients

One of spirulina’s special traits is its protein content. It’s one of the highest, most digestible sources of “complete” protein. When compared to red meat, the protein content of which is about 27% of its total weight, spirulina’s is 50 to 70%, containing all essential amino acids. It’s also a source of carbohydrates, which make up 15 to 20% of the alga’s weight.

In addition, within spirulina’s deep, dark color lies an impressive array of phytonutrients:

• 18 different amino acids, including all essential ones
• Vitamins A, B and K
• Minerals, including calcium, iron, magnesium, selenium, potassium and zinc
• Sulfolipids and antioxidant enzyme Superoxide dismutase (SOD)
• Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an important fatty acid
• Metallothionein compounds, metal-binding proteins
• Antioxidant chlorophyll and carotenoids
• Phycocyanin, a pigment protein complex from the phycobiliprotein family
• Spirulina is one of the highest sources for phytopigments, such as phycocyanin and beta-carotene. Of all the phytopigments found in spirulina, there’s one in particular generating much interest among scientists…

Deep Within Raw Spirulina’s Rich Blue-Green Color Lies Potent Health-Supporting Nutrients

Spirulina is especially recognized among scientists for its notable phycocyanin content, the vibrant phytopigment that gives raw spirulina its natural bluish tint.

Studies show that phycocyanin may have multiple health benefits, such as support for brain and heart health, protection against oxidative stress and promotion of a healthy immune system.

Phycocyanin is found exclusively in spirulina – and it's plentiful, making up about 16% of the plant’s total weight.

Plus, phycocyanin supports stem cell regeneration, especially in bone marrow, the spongy tissue inside some of your bones, and blood cells. It supports the creation of the red blood cells that oxygenate your body and the white blood cells that make up your cellular immune system.