It´s so jam packed with nutritional goodness that over the last few weeks and months scientists and Heads of State have been discussing the serious potential of it to solve the World's hunger and malnutrition problems. Whilst it might not look like much the blue-green algae Spirulina might be one of the most nutritious food stuffs on the planet and whilst we might not need it to make the difference between life and death in this country it could certainly help boost our health...

Spirulina is an ancient blue-green algae that has been present on the earth for millions of years, but recent research, now with backing from the World Health Organisations and European Union, has created huge interest in how this simply organism can help with the problem of world hunger.

Just last month it has been reported that projects funded by the European Union in countries such as Chad are producing spirulina on a commercial scale (1), and this week the Jordan Times (2) reported how the Princess of the country, Princess Basma, is backing the opening of a regional centre for the promotion of Spirulina to help with hunger. So what is all the fuss about?

The idea is not a new one, but is only now coming to fruition. As far back as 1993 a spokesperson for the WHO stated "Spirulina represents an interesting food for multiple reasons, rich in iron and protein, and is able to be administered to children without any risk. We at WHO consider it a very suitable food” and Spirulina was also declared by the United Nations World Food Conference as the best food for the future.

How can Spirulina benefit YOUR health?

Many people in the west are now taking Spirulina as a daily supplement due to its nutritional and health benefits. Spirulina has been found to contain high levels of these vitamins and minerals as well as unusually high amount of protein (between 55 and 77%), all the essential amino acids, essential fatty-acids, 4 other B vitamins as well as vitamin C, D and E, and 11 important minerals, including high levels of potassium.

Furthermore spirulina has been shown to help improve exercise performance and enable you to burn more fat when exercising, so has real potential to help with weight loss (2).

Which Spirulina?

More and more health food shops and nutritional supplement companies are cottoning onto the benefits of Spirulina, but my searches have taken me to Natural Greens, a natural foods specialist, who are committed to making spirulina accessible as everyday supplements in the UK. Their range of spirulina powder and capsules is not only great for you, but it is good for the environment and the charity YES TO LIFE too.

Packaged in stylish recyclable packaging, their products come in easy to use powders, which can be added to water, smoothies or juice, or as capsules.

They're 100% pure and natural (with no fillers, like some other products), are non GM, gluten-free, and registered with both the Vegan and Vegetarian societies. Natural Green also offer a 7 day return and money back policy if you are not happy. That shows how confident they are with their product.

Furthermore a percentage of the company’s profits go to the charity YES TO LIFE, which helps support people with cancer in the UK in accessing Complementary & Alternative Medicine (see below for more details).

Visit www.naturalgreens.co.uk for more details or call them on 0844 567 0547

Yes to Life

Furthermore Natural Greens are donating a % of their profits to the charity YES TO LIFE

YES TO LIFE is a new charitable initiative looking to open up a positive future for people with cancer in the UK by supporting an integrated approach to cancer care. An integrated approach is one which seeks to combine orthodox medicine with complementary & alternative medicine (CAM), to extend care, widen choice and improve results. YES TO LIFE offer a vital and unique initiative to directly support people with cancer in the UK in accessing Complementary & Alternative Medicine.

Natural Greens would like to encourage other companies within the natural health trade, and further afield, to join them in supporting the important work carried out by YES TO LIFE.

For more information, or to show your support for this vital work please visit (www.yestolife.org.uk)

References

1. http://www.nutraingredients.com/Industry/EU-project-produces-low-cost-sp...
2. http://www.jordantimes.com/?news=28855
3. United Nations World Health Organization (WHO), Geneva, Switzerland June 8Th, 1993.
4. Ergogenic and antioxidant effects of spirulina supplementation in humans. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2010 Jan;42(1):142-51. Kalafati M, Jamurtas AZ, Nikolaidis MG et al.