Lifestream Bioactive Spirulina
Spirulina, a spiral shaped microscopic fresh water plant, contains one of the richest concentrations of nutrients known in any food, plant, grain or herb. It has an excellent balance of nutrients including chlorophyll, carotenoids, vitamins, minerals, unique phytonutrients and all the essential amino acids. Spirulina is low in calories and fat and is one of the highest protein vegetarian foods. Lifestream Spirulina is a genuine health food.
Lifestream Spirulina and Glycogen. The body’s principal source of both immediate and long-term energy is a substance called glycogen. Glycogen is stored in the muscles and liver and is not ordinarily available directly through our diet. Glycogen forms an energy reserve that can be quickly mobilized to meet a sudden need for glucose. Spirulina is the only plant source of glycogen available and the more glycogen available during intense or sustained exercise, the greater the potential for improved muscle functioning. Athletes can take 5 grams (10 tablets) of Lifestream Spirulina half an hour before training to concentrate the nutrients in the blood, making them available to the muscles when and where they are needed most.
Lifestream Spirulina helps keep you energized! Do you wish you had more up’n’go and more energy? Many people find that they are tired, especially around mid afternoon. This may be because your diet is lacking in certain nutrients. Lifestream Spirulina contains a powerhouse of nutrients including iron, phycocyanin, GLA and carotenoids and when used in conjunction with a healthy balanced diet, helps to help keep you energized all day.
Lifestream Spirulina contains complete protein. Spirulina contains unusually high amounts of protein and the composition of proteins in Spirulina are absolutely unique. Spirulina is a complete protein, containing all essential amino acids. The protein in spirulina is superior to all standard plant protein, such as that from legumes.
The carotenoids in Lifestream Spirulina. Carotenoids are a class of natural pigments found principally in plants and algae. Animals and humans are incapable of synthesizing carotenoids, and must obtain them through their diet. Carotenoids play an important role in humans by acting as biological antioxidants; protecting cells and tissues from the damaging effects of free radicals and singlet oxygen.
The carotenoid family encompasses carotenes and xanthophylls. Lifestream Spirulina contains high levels of carotenes (including beta carotene) and xanthophylls (including zeaxanthin and cryptoxanthin).
Phycocyanin – the unique protein pigment in Spirulina. Phycocyanin is one of the most important plant pigments in spirulina. This powerful blue protein pigment,found only in spirulina, forms soluble complexes with iron and other minerals, increasing their bioavailability in the body. Phycocyanin is about 15% of the entire weight of spirulina and is thought to have developed a billion years before chlorophyll and may be the precursor to chlorophyll and haemoglobin. Phycocyanin has antioxidant activity and is a valuable immune supporting pigment.
Spirulina and the Immune system. Studies show that spirulina, due to its high concentration of natural nutrients, has immune supporting functions and supports healthy liver and kidneys.
Spirulina contains essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, and is rich in (GLA) gamma-linolenic acid, an important Omega 6 fatty acid which is also found commonly in Evening Primrose Oil and Borage Oil. Spirulina also contains the co-factors zinc and vitamins B6 and B3 that are required for the conversion of GLA into the beneficial prostaglandins in the body, and also contains vitamins B1 and B2 and important minerals including Iron, Calcium, Zinc and Chromium and Iodine.
Spirulina and Iron. Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional problems worldwide -especially amongst children, the elderly and women (who have lower iron levels than men due to blood loss during menstruation). It is estimated that 70% of women at some stage suffer from iron deficiency. Spirulina is an excellent natural source of iron and the reason why the iron in Spirulina appears to be so bioavailable is because the iron forms soluble complexes with Phycocyanin. This iron-phycocyanin complex allows easier absorption by the body of this important mineral.
The table below shows the New Zealand Recommended Dietary Intakes (RDI) of Iron for men and women.
Gender
Age Group
RDI for Iron
mg/day
Men >19yrs 8
Women 19-50yrs 18
Women >51yrs 8
Pregnancy 14-50yrs 27
Breastfeeding 14-18yrs 10
Breastfeeding 19-50yrs 9
A 3 gram serving of Lifestream Spirulina provides up to 16% of the RDI of Iron for Women aged 19-50 years, whilst a 5 gram serving of Spirulina will provide up to 27% of the RDI of iron for women aged 19-50 years.
Lifestream Spirulina is an excellent natural iron source especially when combined with a healthy, well balanced diet of other iron-rich foods such as green leafy vegetables, seeds, molasses, beans and pulses, dried fruits, eggs and lean meats.
For maximum iron absorption, we recommend 10 grams (20 tablets) of Lifestream Spirulina daily for one month followed up by a maintenance dose of 3-6 grams (6-12 tablets) daily. People with on-going iron deficiency symptoms should seek professional healthcare advice for specific treatment. Some people can experience problems associated with taking synthetic iron supplements - such as constipation and intestinal pain. Lifestream Spirulina produces none of these side effects and provides a natural source of bioavailable iron.
Lifestream Spirulina during Pregnancy and Breast Feeding: Motherhood is one of the most important times in a woman’s life. While pregnant or breastfeeding, optimum nutrition is important for mother and child. In the womb, babies are 100% dependent on the nutrients provided by their mothers, so quality nutrition for ‘Mum’ is essential for a strong, healthy start to life. When combined with a well balanced diet, the range of vitamins, minerals and important plant nutrients in Spirulina make it a good addition to the diet whilst pregnant and breastfeeding. One tablespoon (10 grams) or 20 tablets of Lifestream Spirulina per day will provide approximately 30-35% of your Iron needs during pregnancy..
Lifestream Spirulina Recipes
Kick-Start Tonic. Serves 1
1/3 cup Acidophilus Yoghurt
1 banana
1 cup Grapefruit Juice
1 teaspoon Lifestream Bioactive or Certified Organic Spirulina Powder
1 Tablespoon Lifestream Biogenic Aloe Vera Juice
Place all ingredients into the blender. Blend until smooth. Pour into a tall glass. Breakfast is served. *Gluten Free/Vegetarian
Essential Dressing. To Dress a Salad for 2
2 tablespoons Flax Oil
Juice of a Lemon
1 teaspoon Balsamic Vinegar
Dash Tamari Soy Sauce
½ teaspoon Lifestream Bioactive or Certified Organic Spirulina Powder
Freshly ground Black Pepper
Place all ingredients together into a jar with a tight fitting lid. Shake vigorously to combine the ingredients. Pour over your salad and toss the dressing through. *Gluten Free/Vegetarian/Dairy Free
Very Green Guacamole. Serves 2
A delicious, healthy snack. Quick and easy to prepare.
1 large ripe Avocado
1 Tomato
Pinch Sea Salt
Juice of a Lemon
2/3 teaspoon Lifestream Bioactive or Certified Organic Spirulina Powder
Remove the skin and pip from the avocado, and mash it in a bowl along with the salt and lemon juice. Finely chop the tomato. Stir the Spirulina Powder and the tomato into the mashed avocado. Serve with rice crackers or vegetable sticks for dipping. Serve immediately. Gluten Free/Vegetarian/Dairy Free
Breakfast Special. Serves 1
A satisfying superfood breakfast to get you kick started.
1 cup Apple or Apple & Feijoa Juice
1 Banana
1 Golden Kiwifruit
1/3 cup fresh or frozen Blueberries
1 heaped teaspoon Lifestream Bioactive or Certified Organic Spirulina Powder
1 tablespoon LSA (ground Linseeds, Sunflower seeds and Almonds)
1 tablespoon Pumpkin Seeds
Put all ingredients together into the blender. Blend until smooth. Serve in a tall glass. Gluten Free/Vegetarian/Dairy Free
Lifestream Bioactive Spirulina
Lifestream is 100% committed to the supply of the world’s best Spirulina and Green Superfoods. We are proud to offer two types of Spirulina.
What are the basic differences between them?
Lifestream Certified Organic Spirulina is richer in phytonutrients, carotenoids xanthophylls and chlorophyll and is perfect for those with a wanting a strong healthy immune system or for people recuperating, run down or under the weather.
Lifestream Bioactive Spirulina is richer in iron and GLA and is perfect for people feeling worn out, run down, tired or exhausted.
Who can benefit from Lifestream Bioactive Spirulina?
• People feeling run down or exhausted
• People who are iron deficient
• Sports or fitness people exercising regularly
• Anybody looking for more energy
Lifestream Bioactive Spirulina was hand picked for its purity and nutritional potency from 35 varieties worldwide, it is richer in Iron and GLA and is perfect for people feeling worn out, run down, tired or exhausted. Lifestream Bioactive Spirulina is 100% unconditionally guaranteed. Lifestream Bioactive Spirulina is free of herbicides, pesticides, and irradiation, it is G.E. free and suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Who can benefit from LIfestream Certified Organic Spirulina?
• People recuperating, run down or under the weather
• Susceptible people during the ills and chills season
• Those looking for higher levels of immune supporting nutrients
• Pregnant or breastfeeding mothers
•Those who prefer Certified Organic products
Lifestream Certified Organic Spirulina is unique in that it delivers a much higher antioxidant level than any other spirulina. It is a powerful immune system support food due to its high levels of phytonutrients including carotenoids, xanthophylls and chlorophyll. It also contains the powerful enzyme Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD).
LIFESTREAM CERTIFIED ORGANIC SPIRULINA CERTIFICATION
Lifestream Certified Organic Spirulina is certified organic to the vegan standard by Naturland in Germany. This also guarantees that no animal products or animal by-products of any type are used at any stage of the cultivation process.
Lifestream Certified Organic Spirulina is also certified as per IFOAM standards (International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements). Lifestream Certified Organic Spirulina is the only fully certified organic Spirulina available in the world certified by IMO (Institute for Market-ecology), Switzerland as per USDA NOP (National Organic Program) standards.
Lifestream Certified Organic Spirulina is also the only Spirulina in the world to get the prestigious US Pharmacopoeia (USP) Ingredient Verified mark, assuring that the entire cultivation and processing is carried out under cGMP and that the product is of consistent quality and meets the label claim on purity and strength.
Manufacturing of Spirulina is according to ISO 9001 (quality management) and ISO 14001 (environmental management) procedures. It is grown in a facility certified HACCP (Food safety Management). Irradiation/fumigation are not allowed and heavy metals are either absent or below detectable limits.
Lifestream Certified Organic Spirulina powder, tablets and capsules are 100% pure spirulina with no additives, tableting aids or binders.
We recommend Lifestream Spirulina to be part of and not a replacement for a healthy and balanced diet. Please follow all label instructions and remember, these foods may be new to your diet so you may want to start off with small amounts such as a ¼ of a teaspoon of powder or one to two tablets or capsules (per day for the first week) before building to a suitable level for your own personal needs. If you have a very sensitive digestive system or may be one of the very few people who have an algae allergy, please check with your Healthcare Practitioner before using Lifestream Spirulina. Lifestream Spirulina is a natural whole food and is not meant to prevent, diagnose or cure any disease condition. People with specific nutrient deficiencies may also need professional advice and should consult their Healthcare Practitioner. For more information see our website.
© Lifestream International Ltd. 2007
References:
Khan Z, Bhadouria P, Bisen PS. Nutritional and therapeutic potential of Spirulina. Curr Pharm Biotechnol. 2005 Oct;6(5):373-9.
Blinkova LP, Gorobets OB, Baturo AP. Biological activity of Spirulina (Article in Russian). Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol. 2001 Mar-Apr;(2):114-8.
Hirahashi T, Matsumoto M, Hazeki K, Saeki Y, Ui M, Seya T. Activation of the human innate immune system by Spirulina: augmentation of interferon production and NK cytotoxicity by oral administration of hot water extract of Spirulina platensis. Int Immunopharmacol. 2002 Mar;2(4):423-34.
Pugh N, Ross SA, ElSohly HN, ElSohly MA, Pasco DS. Isolation of three high molecular weight polysaccharide preparations with potent immunostimulatory activity from Spirulina platensis, aphanizomenon flos-aquae and Chlorella pyrenoidosa. Planta Med. 2001 Nov;67(8):737-42.