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What is Hawaiian Spirulina?

J.S. Metzker Erdemir
J.S. Metzker Erdemir

Hawaiian spirulina is a type of blue-green algae farmed in Hawaii. This algae is used as a food supplement because of its high vitamin and mineral content. Spirulina has been used as a food for centuries, and its advocates claim that it can help with a number of health disorders, including malnutrition, vision problems, high cholesterol, and immune deficiencies.

Spirulina grows in both fresh and salt water. Hawaiian spirulina farms generally use brackish water that is a mixture of deep sea water and fresh water pumped into shallow ponds. Exposure to intense equatorial sunlight makes spirulina production more bountiful, and producers claim that the Hawaiian sunshine makes it more nutritious because of increased chlorophyll.

Spirulina can be taken as a dietary supplement in powder form.
Spirulina can be taken as a dietary supplement in powder form.

Spirulina is named for its spiral-shaped strands, and Hawaiian spirulina is made from the species Spirulina platensis. This strain, patented under the name of Spirulina Pacifica®, has been cultivated since 1984 for specific enzymes, particularly carotenoids, which are a type of anti-oxidant that helps prevent cell damage. Additionally, the deep sea water used in Hawaiian production facilities is free of heavy metals, which algae can easily absorb.

Spirulina powder may be used as a supplement to animal feeds for aquariums.
Spirulina powder may be used as a supplement to animal feeds for aquariums.

Spirulina food supplements are generally sold as tablets, flakes, or powder. Most Hawaiian spirulina is dried with a cold process to preserve the algae's nutritional content that might be deteriorated by heat-drying. The tablets are formed by compression, and are taken as a dietary supplement. Spirulina powder or flakes might be sprinkled on food as a condiment, or used to fortify juice and smoothies.

Spirulina is named for its spiral shaped strands.
Spirulina is named for its spiral shaped strands.

Blue-green algae is a valuable food source because it is very high in protein and fatty acids. It is also rich in vitamins B, E, and beta carotene as well as selenium, zinc, manganese, iron, and copper. Spirulina is easily digested, and is often referred to as a “superfood” because of its highly concentrated nutrition. Nutrex, a company that produces Hawaiian spirulina, claims that it contains 2,300 percent more iron than spinach, 300 percent more calcium than milk, and 3,900 percent more beta carotene than carrots.

Hawaiian and other types of spirulina can be a rich source of protein and nutrients for malnourished people worldwide.
Hawaiian and other types of spirulina can be a rich source of protein and nutrients for malnourished people worldwide.

Blue-green algae has been shown in clinical trials to reduce anemia and weight loss in under-nourished children. Spirulina advocates are vocal in their claims that Hawaiian spirulina can cure cancer, allergies, and viruses such as HIV and herpes. Early test-tube and animal trials suggest that these assertions might be true, however there have not been enough controlled clinical trials on humans to give conclusive evidence of the health benefits of this dietary supplement.

Discussion Comments

anon339616

I get a massive reaction from even a trace amount of Spirulina. I'm very sick and vomit for hours with a cold sweat. The last time was when I accidentally ate some candy that had it as natural coloring.

anon324846

My friend took Hawaiian Spirulina for her acne, and apparently it went away like really quickly. She hasn't had any problems since. I'm not sure if it would work for me or anyone else, but that's what I've heard.

anon283066

Apparently if your blood type is A, you'll be able to absorb the nutriment of the spirulina a lot better than any other blood type. I suggest reading "Eat Right for Your Blood Type." It's very interesting.

anon275775

What about the B12? I have read in many web pages that it is some sort of pseudo-B12, that the human body cannot absorb. Is there a difference in Hawaiian Spirulina and Spirulina?

wander

After reading this article I am curious about learning more about Hawaiian spirulina and was surprised to find after some research that it can also have some side effects.

Hawaiian spirulina apparently can do a lot of good, but it can also cause your body temperature to elevate. This is usually a mild fever. Other people have reported things like getting dizzy, having stomach issues, itchiness, more headaches, sweating and muscle aches after taking Hawaiian spirulina.

I guess with any supplement there are always dangers. I suppose like with any new additive to your diet, you just have to follow the directions and hope for the best.

lonelygod

Has anyone here tried taking Hawaiian spirulina as a supplement?

I am curious as to whether or not Hawaiian spirulina actually works and if it helps improve your overall health or any specific conditions you may have had.

I have high cholesterol and find that the prescription drugs they give me only do so much. I would love to find a natural product that works and allows me to take care of a preexisting medical condition.

Also, has anyone tried Hawaiian spirulina naturally? I am curious if it could be eaten much as seaweed is. I know that has some great nutritional benefits too.

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    • Spirulina can be taken as a dietary supplement in powder form.
      By: monamakela.com
      Spirulina can be taken as a dietary supplement in powder form.
    • Spirulina powder may be used as a supplement to animal feeds for aquariums.
      By: Arkady Chubykin
      Spirulina powder may be used as a supplement to animal feeds for aquariums.
    • Spirulina is named for its spiral shaped strands.
      By: laurent dambies
      Spirulina is named for its spiral shaped strands.
    • Hawaiian and other types of spirulina can be a rich source of protein and nutrients for malnourished people worldwide.
      By: poco_bw
      Hawaiian and other types of spirulina can be a rich source of protein and nutrients for malnourished people worldwide.
    • Hawaiian spirulina is blended into smoothies and drinks to fortify them.
      By: v_blinov
      Hawaiian spirulina is blended into smoothies and drinks to fortify them.