Found some  interesting factoids about Spirulina and its use as a protein source  from http://www.spirulina.company/portal/facts/spirulina_facts.html . Some of the facts and factoids from the website has been highlighted below:

• An excellent summary study of Spirulina was done in 2002. The authors summarized the many potential benefits of Spirulina: “Spirulina has been exper- imentally proven, in vivo and in vitro that it is effective to treat certain allergies, anemia, cancer, hepatotoxicity [toxicity of the liver], viral and cardiovascu- lar diseases, hyperglycemia [high blood sugar], hyperlipidemia [high choles- terol and triglycerides], immunodeficiency, and inflammatory processes, among others. Several of these activities are attributed to Spirulina itself or to some of its components including fatty acids omega-3 or omega-6, beta-carotene, alpha-tocopherol, phycocyanin, phenol compounds and a recently isolated com- plex, Calcium Spirulan.” (Chamorro et al, 2002)
• Another summary study in 2001 analyzed some of the benefits mentioned above as well as some additional potential benefits. The authors pointed out that Spirulina was proven to stimulate the immune system and augment resistance in humans as well as animals (including mammals, poultry and fish) by stimulating the production of antibodies and cytokines. It went on to point out that “Spirulina sulfolipids have proved to be effective against HIV.
• Preparations obtained from Spirulina biomass have also been found active against herpes virus, cytomegalovirus, influenza virus, etc. Spirulina extracts are capable in inhibiting carcinogenesis [production of cancer].” The study went on to point out that Spirulina is also effective in preserving intestinal flora and in decreas- ing Candida albicans (yeast infections)
• A very important clinical trial was done on tobacco chewers that had pre-cancerous lesions in their mouths. The group taking Spirulina (at a remark- ably low dose of only one gram per day) had complete regression of the lesions in 20 of 44 cases (45%). In the placebo group, only 3 of 43 (7%) showed regres- sion. Within one year of discontinuing Spirulina consumption 9 out of 20 (45%) of the subjects that had complete regression developed new lesions! (Mathew et al, 1995)
• In a study done in Europe that examined the effect that Spirulina has on patients with multiple sclerosis, the researchers said “It has been established that intake of Spirulina makes for lengthening of remission in those patients with dis- seminated sclerosis (Buletsa et al, 1996).
• Spirulina has been shown to help the liver and to help people already suffering from liver disease. A study was done on 60 patients with chronic dif- fuse disorders of the liver as well as 70 animals with toxic affection of the liver. They found that Spirulina was effective for both the people and the animals. They attributed the hepatoprotective (liver-protecting) properties of Spirulina to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, membrane-stabilizing and immunocorrecting actions.

Read More – http://www.spirulina.company/portal/facts/spirulina_facts.html 

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