FAQ about Spirulina What is spirulina? It's a microscopic algae in the shape of a perfect sp iral coil.

This first photosynthetic life form, our immortal ancestor, was designed by nature 3.5 billion years ago. Blue-green algae like spirulina produced the oxygen in our atmosphere allowing all higher life fo rms to evolve. It has renewed itself with billions of years of successful evolutionary wisdom coded in its DNA. Why has spirulina been called a super food? Because it contains the most remarkable concentration of nutrients known in any food, plant, grain or herb. Its the highest protein food- over 60% all digestible vegetable protein. It has the highest concentration of beta carotene, vitamin B-12, iron an d trace minerals and the rare essential fatty acid GLA. These make spirulina a great whole food alternative to isolated vitamin and minerals. I've been reading about nutraceuticals and phytonutrients. What does spirulina contain? Scientists are identifying whole foods and plants with special life enhancing compounds, called phytonutrients. They are the leading edge of the health revolution. Spirulina is loaded with unique phytonutrients like phycocyanin, polysaccharides and sulfolipids that enhance the immune system, possibly reducing risks of infection, cancer and auto immune disease. Rich in natural carotenoid antioxidants that promote cellular health and reduce the risk of cancer. It has cleansing chlorophyll which helps detoxify our bodies of ever present pollution. Spirulina is a safe algae, right? Spirulina is unique among blue-green algae because it has a long history of safe use. The Aztecs consumed spirulina in Mexico over five centuries ago. Indigenous people consume spirulina growing in African Lakes today. For the past 20 years, millions of people around the world have enjoyed it as a safe food supplement. In fact, the United Nations and the World Health Organization recommend spirulina as safe and nutritious for children. Isnt some wild blue green algae may be toxic.? Just like mushrooms and plants, some kinds of algae are toxic. Wild algae harvested from lakes may be contaminated by other toxi c algae. Unlike algae growing wild in an uncontrolled environment, spirulina has a huge advantage. It can be safely cultivated in a pure culture. At Earthrise Farms, spirulina is scientifically cultivated using ecological farming methods. Isn't spirulina one of the most productive foods in the world? Spirulina offers more nutrition per acre than any other food. Spirulina delivers 20 times more protein per acre than soybeans, 200 times more than beef. By growing more spirulina, we can help stop cutting the last original forests to grow food. By bringing it into our personal lives, we become part of the solution to improve the health of our planet. What do people say about spirulina's health benefits? For the past 20 years, people around the world have told such amazing stories about their re sults from spirulina. They 've experienced increased energy and alertness, reduced weight, enhanced cl eansing and fasting, and increased resistance to disease. Spirulina is great for people of all ages, including children. Older people find it easy-to-digest. Athletes find it provides energy and endurance and speeds recovery.

A lot of people take herbs and botanicals. Does spirulina do the same things they do? Herbs have specialized active ingredients that correct a health condition when we are out of balance or depleted. For example, echinacea and golden seal can help fight off colds or flu. Some herbs should only be taken for a limited time because of possible side effects. However, spirulina is a safe whole food, and can be enjoyed every day. It works in many ways to strengthen and balance our health, offering a rich nutrient profile to deeply nourish our bodies. It builds a strong foundation, so we are less vulnerable to invading bacteria and viruses. It's so potent, only a few grams a day are needed. Does spirulina contain colloidal and ionic forms of minerals? Essential minerals may be missing from conventional foods grown in depleted soils. But most isolated mineral supplements aren't well absorbed or utilized by our bodies. Spirulina grows in water supplemented with trace minerals in ionic form. These are absorbed and chelated by spirulina. Calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, selenium and other trace minerals now in natural colloidal plant form are well utilized by our bodies. They nourish and power our critical enzyme systems. How does spirulina balance and strengthen our immune system? Scientific theory explains the prime directive of our body's metabolism is to support our immune system. When our immune system is stressed or suffering, it draws on our body's metabolic energy. People with immune system imbalance often feel chronic fatigue and low energy. Both scientific research and the experience of thousands of people indicate spirulina is an immune regulating food. Small amounts can help balance and stabilize the immune system, freeing up more of our metabolic energy for vitality, healing and assimilation of nutrients. It enhances the body's cellular communication process and its ability to read and repair DNA, like a kind of cellular tune up. This is why people taking spirulina often report they have more energy. Is there actual scientific evidence for all these claims? Yes. An international detective hunt has been underway for over 20 years. Scientists around the world - in Japan, China, India, Europe, Russia and the USA - are discovering how and why spirulina is so effective for human and animal health. Hundreds of published scientific studies reveal how spirulina and its unique phytonutrients boost the immune system and improve health. No other algae has been the subject of such intense research. How does spirulina work to strengthen our health? Scientific discoveries show how spirulina benefits five of the most important health issues today: 1. Strengthening the immune system. 2. Supporting cardiovascular health and lowering cholesterol. 3. Improving gastrointestinal and dige stive health. 4. Enhancing natural cleansing and detoxification. 5. Reducing cancer risks with better antioxidant protection. How does spirulina strengthen the immune system? Over the years people have said that they have fewer colds and flu, or if they get a cold, they escape more chronic symptoms. They say wounds heal faster and they recover more quickly from illness. They have more energy. Spirulina is a powerful tonic for the immune system. Published studies from all over the world feeding mice, hamsters, chickens, turkeys, cats, fish and even

humans, confirm spirulina improves immune system function. Medical scientists discovered it not only stimulates the immune system, it actually enhances the body's ability to generate new blood cells. Important parts of the immune system, bone marrow stem cells, macrophages, T-cells and natural killer cells, spleen and thymus glands - all show enhanced ac tivity. Scientists observe it causes macrophages to increase in number, become activated and more effective killing germs. Because spirulina increases disease resistance in animals, even in very small doses, the animal feed industry is studying its use as an new probiotic to help replace overused antibiotic drugs in animal feeds. Scientists in Japan have published new studies showing a purified extract unique to spirulina inhibits replication of HIV-1, Herpes, Influenza, Mumps and Measles virus in-vitro yet is very safe for human cells. The phytonutrients responsible for strengthening the immune system are beta carotene, phycocyanin and polysaccharides. Of course, scientists are confirming what people have been experiencing all along. How does spirulina enhance cardiovascular health and help lower cholesterol? Many people are taking dietary supplements to support a healthy heart and lower cholesterol. Scientists have been confirming this. Animal nutrition studies in Mexico, Argentina, Japan and India found the same cholesterol lowering benefits and an improvement in heart artery function for lower blood pressure. Published scientific studies with men in Japan and India showed several grams of spirulina daily can lower cholesterol. These studies suggest spirulina will reduce serum LDL (Low Density Lipoproteins - the bad cholesterol) and raise HDL (High Density Lipoproteins - the good guys). Human studies in Germany and India found a weight reduction effect along with cholesterol reduction. All these studies indicate spirulina is a useful supplement for cardiovascular health and for lowering cholesterol. How does it improve gastrointestinal and digestive health? When people take spirulina they often notice immediate change in regularity and elimination. Research confirms it does promote digestio n and bowel function. It suppresses bad bacteria like e-coli and Candida yeast and stimulates beneficial flora like lactobacillus and bifidobacteria. Healthy flora is the foundation of good health and it increases absorption of nutrients from the foods we eat, and helps protect against infection. In a village clinic in Togo, West Africa , a tablespoon a day was provided to undernourished children. Their mothers praised this 'green medicine' for bringing rapid recovery and weight gain. Other studies with malnourished children in Mexico, India, Romania, Rwanda and Zaire, have shown easily digested spirulina is beneficial when intestines no longer absorb food effectively. It's a great food for malnourished people precisely because it helps rebuild healthy intestinal flora, which are essential for the utilization of more complex foods. How does spirulina enhance natural cleansing and detoxification? When spirulina was first introduced 20 years ago, people quickly discovered it accelerated detoxification during fasting and cleansing. Later, in Japan, researchers found spirulina significantly reduced kidney toxicity caused by the heavy metal mercury and three ph armaceutical drugs. This suggested it's beneficial for humans suffering from heavy metal poisoning. Other researchers found rats consuming spirulina or chlorella algae eliminated 7 times the dangerous chemical dioxin compared to a control diet. In 1994, a Russian Patent was awarded for spirulina as a medical food to reduce allergic reactions from radiation sickness. 270 Children of Chernobyl consuming 5 grams a day for 45 days (donated by Earthrise

Farms), lowered radionucleides by 50%, and normalized allergic sensitivities. Today we are subject to an onslaught of toxic chemicals in our air, water, food and drugs. Our bodies need to continually eliminate these accumulated toxins. Spirulina has a completely unique combination of phytonutrients including chlorophyll, phycocyanin and polysaccharid es, that can help cleanse our bodies. How does spirulina increase antioxidant protection and reduce cancer risks? Free radical molecules damage our body's cells. They are caused by pollu tion, poor diet, stress and injury. Antioxidant nutrients fight these dangerous oxidizing fr ee radicals. They also stimulate our immune system to guard against cancer and other diseases and even slow the aging process. Major antioxidant vitamins are beta carotene (provitamin A) C, and E. Antioxidant minerals selenium, maganese, zinc, copper, iron and chromium form our bodies antioxidant enzyme s. Spirulina contains all these nutrients, and exceptionally high levels of beta carotene and iron, and zinc in super spirulina. Research shows spirulina helps protect Vitamin C from potency loss. In the past 20 years, many studies have shown natural beta carotene from fruits and vegeta bles reduces the risk of many cancers. Spirulina's beta carotene has been widely studied in India with thousands of people. Just one gram a day for a year given to 5000 pre school children, significantly reduced the incidence of eye disease. One gram a day caused total regression of mouth cancer lesions in 44% of male tobacco chewers. This reinforced an earlier Harvard study that showed a spirulina extract used topically, reversed oral cancer tumors in hamsters. Chinese scientists found the unique polysaccharides also have antioxidant properties. No doubt, spirulina is one of the most powerful antioxidant whole foods. Does all spirulina have the same quality, purity and potency? First, there's a wide range in quality, because it can come from many countries. Customers should check the label - does it say exactly where it's grown? Is the cultivation controlled for a pure culture? With the growing concern about contaminated algae harvested fro m lakes, the source is important. Many people now prefer certified organic foods. Second, there's a wide variety in potency. Maintaining the highest levels of the carotenoids, phycocyanin and po lysaccharides is very important. How are phytonutrients important for health, and why are they called the next step beyond vitamins and minerals? In the cover story "Better than Vitamins," Newsweek asserted: It is whole foods...that pack the disease preventing wallop. That's because they harbor a whole ratatouille of compounds that have never seen the inside of a vitamin bottle... The compounds are called phytochemicals... In the world where science merges with health, phytochemicals are the next big thing. The new stars of the health revolution are probiotics, antioxidants, nutraceutical s and phytonutrients loaded with disease preventing nutrients. Even the U.S. Congress joined the bandwagon. The 1994 Dietary Supplement Act states: "There is a link between the ingestion of certain nutri ents or dietary supplements and th e prevention of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease and osteoporosis." You've probably noticed the growing popularity of herbs

and botanicals. People aren't looking for megadoses of poorly absorbed isolated vitamins and minerals. They want health from functional nutrients in foods and plants. The scientific research with spirulina identifies some unusual health giving phytonutrients. What are they? Spirulina's dark color comes from a rainbow of natural pigments. They harvest sunlight at different wavelengths and protect from too much sun. These pigments offer unusual health benefits and help synthesize many enzymes necessary for regulating body metabolism. They are chlorophyll (green), carotenoids (yellow and orange) and phycocyanin (blue), the dominant color. Not all spirulina is grown, processed and packaged the same way. Levels of these sensitive pigments vary widely. Spirulina needs high levels of all three to provide optimum health benefits. At Earthrise Farms, all three are tested on every day's production to assure potency. I know beta carotene is an anti-cancer antioxidant nutrient. Is natural different than synthetic beta carotene? Spirulina is the richest beta carotene food, with a full spectrum of ten mixed carotenoids. About half are orange carotenes: alpha, beta and gamma and half are yellow xanthophylls. They work synergistically at different sites in our body to enhance antioxidant protection. Twenty years of research proves eating beta carotene rich fruits and vegetables gives us real anticancer protection. Synthetic beta carotene has not always shown these benefits. Research in Israel showed natural beta carotene from algae was far more effective. Natural is better assimilated and contains the key 9-cis isomer, lacking in synthetic. As suspected, natu ral carotenoids in algae and vegetables have the most antioxidant and anti-cancer power. I'm not familiar with chlorophyll. Is is in all green plants.? Yes. Spirulina has one of nature's highest levels - about 1%. Chlorophyll is known for cleansing and detoxifying. It's sometimes called 'green blood' because it looks like the blood hemoglobin molecule. Blood has iron at its core, giving it a red color, and chlorophyll has magnesium, making it green. Spirulina's beneficial effect on anemia could be due to this si milarity combined with its high bioavailable iron. I don't know much about phycocyanin. What is it? This protein complex is about 14% of spirulina. Phycocyanin means 'algae-blue', and is found only in blue-green algae. It evolved a billion years before chlorophyll. It may be the precursor to chlorophyll and hemoglobin, because it has both magnesium and iron at its core. Phycocyanin may be the origin of life common to both plants and animals. Research shows it stimulates the immune system, builds both red and white blood cells and assists detoxification. Chinese scientists claim phycocya nin regulates production of white blood cells even when bone marrow cells are damaged by toxic chem icals or radiation. I'd like to know more about the other phytonut rients. Why are polysaccharides often mentioned in research? Spirulina contains about 20% carbohydrates and sugars, making up its soft cell walls. The primary forms are rhamnose and glycogen, two polysaccharides eas ily absorbed by the body. Spirulina offers quick energy, without taxing the pancreas or triggering hypoglycemia. As early as 1979, the Russians were first to discover spirulina polysaccharides stimulated the immune system of rabbits. The rest of the world didn't hear about this until 1994! Meanwhile, scientists in China, Japan and the USA found spirulina and its

polysaccharide extract supercharged the immune system against viruses and germs. It acts much like a broad spectrum vaccine against invading bacteria. Based on studies with hamsters and fish, rabbits and rats, chickens and cats, as little as 3 gr ams a day may be effective for humans. How about sulfolipids and glycolipids? The National Cancer Institute found sulfolipids in bl ue-green algae were 'remarkably active' against the AIDS virus in vitro. Spirulina contains 5-8% lipids, and 40% of these are glycolipids and sulfolipids. These compounds seem to prevent viruse s from either attaching to or penetrating cells, preventing viral infection. Meanwhile, the virus can be eliminated by the body's defenses. Exciting new research in Japan and the USA has confirmed spirulina extracts in vitro can inhibit replication of the HIV virus. What is so unique about spirulina as a source of GLA? We need a dietary source of essential fatty acids. One is gamma-linolenic acid - a precursor to the body's prostaglandins - master hormones that control many functions. But poor diet, saturated fats and alcohol can cause GLA deficiency leading to conditions like heart disease and premenstrual stress. A food source of GLA is important, especially for women. Known GLA foods are mothers milk and oil extracts of evening primrose, black currant and borage seeds. Spirulina is a potent source, an astonishing 1% by weight! Eight spirulina tablets contain equivalent GLA to a capsul e of primrose oil. I've heard from many women who have appreciated spirulina's benefits fo r PMS and for healthy, beautiful skin. How digestible is spirulina? It's 95% digestible. It existed a billion years before plants even evolved indigestible cellulose to protect their cells. Spirulina builds soft cell walls from a network of proteins, polysaccharides and enzymes. It just melts away inside your body. This is important for those who suffer from poor digestion or malabsorption, or for older people with restricted diets. Enzymes are important. How can spirulina build our body's enzyme systems? Enzymes in our bodies digest our food, cut, paste and repair our DNA and power our critical body systems. It's always good to enhance our diet with raw foods lik e fresh fruit, vegetables and juices, which are rich in natural living enzymes. Dehydrated superfoods like spirulina still have some natural enzymes present. More importantly, spirulina has building blocks such as minerals, phytonutrients, antioxidants and polysaccharides that trigger our bodies own enzyme sy stems to flourish and perform their many tasks. I've heard about balancing body pH for good health. Can spirulina do this? It grows in very alkaline waters above pH 8. It's considered an alkaline food, and will help your body toward more alkalinity. Its a great balancer for any diet filled with acidic foods like sugar, coffee, soda, alcohol or meat. A balanced system will strengthen your health and increase resistance to disease. How much should people take and when should they take it? Long time consumers and scientific evidence both suggest 2-5 grams a day bring significant health benefits. This is a teaspoon of powder or 6 to 20 ta blets. Take it every day for best results. Because spirulina is a whole food, you can take it alone or with meals. Take convenient tablets anytime. Or, mix spirulina powder in a fruit juice smoothie as an instant breakfast, or in a vegetable juice smoothie in the

afternoon. Is spirulina recommended for pregnant mothers, infants and children? Yes, its a perfect supplement. Iron deficiency anemia in mothers an d children is the most prevalent nutritional disorder. Pregnant women can use spirulina's vegetable prot ein and bioavailable iron. In India and Vietnam, doctors prescribe spir ulina for pregnant and nursing mothers and their infants. Parents are often surprised how much their children enjoy this gr een food. Kids like to suck on tablets and munch spirulina covered popcorn. What are the benefits for an aging population? Spirulina is an ideal anti-aging food: concentrated nutrient value, easily digested and loaded with antioxidants. Beta carotene is good for healthy eyes and vision. This all vegetable, low fat protein means we can lighten up on a meat centered diet that can aggravate arthritis and ra ise cholesterol. When we choose to eat less meat, vegetables like spirulina are good sources of more iron and essential minerals. As people age, many who don't eat enough, have restricted diets or poor digestion may experience low energy from being undernourished. Spirulina builds healthy lactobacillus, aiding assimilation and elimination and relieving constipation. Older people rea lly notice an energy boost. In Japan, 73% of those taking spirulina are over 50 years old! What will spirulina do for athletes? Athletes need extra nutrition. Spiru lina is a high intensity superfood for a high intensity workout. Taken before jogging or competition, it delivers energy an d improves stamina. Bikers , backpackers and mountain climbers will appreciate this lightweight survival food. For bodybuilders, it offers 60% protein and amino acids, low in fat. It's helpful for reducing caloric intake, essential for maintaining competitive weight. World Class athletes use spirulina to improve performance. The Cuban Ministry of Sports gave it to their athletes to intensify training before the 1996 Olympic games. Cuban track stars have consumed it for many years. They say it helps create and mend muscle mass and helps iron retention. It improves endurance and wards off cramping for marathoners. When training increases appetite , spirulina curbs hunger. When I was invited to the largest Chinese training center for 2000 athletes, I thought I was going to introduce them to spirulina. But, I soon found out it was their secret ingredient they'd been using for five years. The trainers said they prescribed it for athletes for all sports. It boosts the immune system and improves recovery, so their athletes can intensify training , for which they are famous. Where does their spirulina come from? I found out this Chinese training center has its own, private and exclusive spirulina farm. Can a person lose weight taking spirulina? It's not an appetite suppressant. It contains no drugs that trick the body . Yet, many people find taking a few tablets or a spirulina drink an hour before mealti me can help satisfy appetite, so they eat less. We know when we're going to be hungry, so just plan ah ead. Because it's rich in iron, often deficient in women on low calorie diets, spirulina is ideal support for any diet. Best of all, it helps us to lighten up and make the switch from a bulky diet to lighter, more powerful foods.

How about fasting? Can a person live on spirulina alone? I don't suggest living on one food, not even spirulina. I believe a biodiverse diet is best for good health. There are times when I take only spirulina with water or juice - when I fast 3 to 7 days once or twice a year. Fasting one day a week is common practice in traditional societies and religions. Going without food for three days or longer allows the body to cleanse and renew itself. In the late 1970s, one of the first discoveries was spirulina's value in fasting. This easy -to-digest food provides en ergy and stamina for work and play, while making cleansing much easier and more effective. Is spirulina good for pets and other animals? Yes. Walk into any pet store and you'll find it's a po pular supplement for fish, birds and pets. In fact, much of the global spirulina production is consumed by aquaculture raised fish and prawns, tropical fish, ornamental birds, horses and even cats and dogs. In the 1970s, the first use was enhancing the beautiful colors in fancy koi carp. Then fish and prawn farmers discovered it increased growth rates, survival, color, and reduced medications. Today, spirulina is in most premium aquarium feeds. Zoos feed their flamingos a spirulina diet, like the millions of pink flamingos living on it in East African lakes. Ornamental bird breeders use it to enhance co lor, health and fertility. Tiny amounts in diets of young turkeys and chickens builds disease resistance, reducing the need for antibiotics. In reptiles, it improves skin gloss and disease resi stance. For thoroughbred racehorses, it improves speed and recovery. If you give spirulina to your dog or cat, you'll notice healthier skin, lustrous coat and fresher breath. Older animals may regain their flexibility. It 's not unusual for a pet owner to ask: "Is spirulina good for me, too?" What's the difference between spirulina, chlorella and wild blue green algae? There are hundreds of kinds of micro scopic algae. Chlorella is a green al gae. Spirulina (scientifically known as Arthrospira platensis) is a blue -green algae. Both are known to be safe and nutritious whole foods, consumed by millions of people over the past 20 years. Their safety is backed by hundreds of scientific studies. Both are cultivated in pure cultures at sp ecially designed algaefarms. Many other kinds of algae grow wild and uncontrolled in lakes and waterways, such as the blue-green algae aphanizomenon and microcystis. They bloom on whatever nutrients or pollutants are available. Some algae, like microcystis, are toxic, just like some land plants and mushrooms. One problem harvesting wild algae like aphanizomenon, popularly called blue-green algae, is that it can be contaminated with toxic algae like microcystis. It's important to realize the big advantage in growing a pure culture of safe spirulina in a controlled environment. You can be assured it's pure and safe all the way from the living ponds to the consumer. How can spirulina claim to be ecologically cultivated, certified pesticide free and certified organic? Cultivation of spirulina is Earth-friendly: it does not cause pollution, soil erosion or water contamination. No preservatives, no stabilizers, no irradiation. People are concerned about pesticides in their fruits and vegetables. Spirulina is grown free of pesticides. Every lot is tested. Independent labs have not detected any of 66 environmental pesticide residues, so it is certified pesticide free. How does growing Spirulina it save fertile land and soil? Spirulina is more than 60% protein, yielding 20 times more protein per acre than soybeans and over 200

times more than beef. One kilo of corn protein causes 22 kilos of topsoil loss. One kilo of beef protein causes 145 kilos loss. Growing spirulina causes no soil erosion, and does not even need fertile land. And what about spirulina cultivation's energy efficiency? Water is recycled back to the ponds after harvesting. Growing ponds are sealed, so very little water seeps through the ground. The only significant water loss is through evaporation. Spirulina protein uses 25% the water as soy, 17% as corn and only 2% the water required for beef protein. And energy efficiency? Spirulina requires less energy input per kilo than soy, corn or beef, including solar and generated energy. Its energy efficiency is 5 times higher than soy, 2 times higher than corn, and over 100 times higher than beef. How much carbon dioxide does spirulina consume, and how much oxygen does it produce? Trees are the best land plants for absorbing atmospheric carbon dioxide. They fix from one to four tons of carbon per hectare per year. Spirulina is even more efficient. In the California desert, spirulina fixes 6.3 tons of carbon per hectare per year, and produces 16.8 tons of oxygen. So these are the reasons why you believe algae is both good for you and good for our planet. Spirulina can help restore our lives. It's the next best thing to eating sunlight! Eat algae and bring light into your own cells. Take a few tablets a day and embark on a new path. Eat less and get more from nutrient dense food. Consume less and live lighter on the Earth. Magnified by millions of people, life begins to change. This is a magnificent legacy for our next generations. However, simply eating wild algae won't transform our planet. There are only a few lakes in the world where wild algae can be harvested safely for food. But cultivating algae will make a difference. Algae harvests sunlight, transforming light to living matte r more efficiently. By growing algae, less of our planet's fertile surface is needed to convert sunlight into food. We can help stop cutting the last forests to grow food. By using spirulina for our personal health, we become part of the solution to improve our planetary health. From Robert Henrikson, author of Earth Food Spirulina and obtained from www.spirulina.com You found this information at www.wholefoodvitaminsandsupplements.com