Greenways spirulina

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~Healthy World Research Organization

Spirulina

No part of this book may be reproduced ortransmitted in any form or by any means, elec-tronic or mechanical, including photocopying,recording, or by any information storage andretrieval system, without permission in writingfrom the publisher.

For questions or comments concerning con-tents in this book directed to the author, pleasesend correspondence to the above address.

No information contained here is meant to re-place the advice of your doctor or health carepractitioner. The data and opinions appearingin this book are for informational purposes only.Healthy World Research Organisation does notoffer medical advice, and it encourages read-ers to seek advice from qualified health profes-sionals.

Printed in India

Publisher : Healthy World Research Organisation635/1 B, BibwewadiNew Gajra Society,Pune 411 037 Maharashtra (India)

All rights reservedCopyright' 2006 : Healthy World Research OrganisationSpirulina Capsules is a trademark of Pushpam Health Care Products

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What is Spirulina?

Spirulina is a blue green alga of vegetable origin. For centuries,

Spirulina has been in use as a natural whole-food food source. It is

considered to be one of the richest sources of a vast range of

nutritional ingredients.

The spirulina production involves:

SPIRULINA

03

CultivationCultivation

NutrientsNutrientsCo2Co2

SunlightSunlight

CondensationCondensation

Selected strains are used for cultivation of alga in specially

constructed ponds. Agitation of algal culture is necessary to keep

nutrients evenly dispersed and also to expose all the cells to sunlight.

Constant agitation of water is one of the important parameters in

cultivation of spirulina.

The algal biomass is carefully washed & harvested using

specially made filters to recover biomass.

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Washing and DehydrationWashing and Dehydration

H O2H O2

DryingDrying

ProductProduct

The washed biomass is spray dried and is pulverized to get

desired particle size and packed in vegetarian capsules. These

capsules are then packed in appropriate containers. This entire

procedure is done in special & protected area.

The fantastic benefits of Spirulina and

its positive effects on the human body

To understand the health benefits of Spirulina, it is essential to

comprehend the meanings of nutrition and nutritional ingredients.

Nutrition is the science of food and its relation to health. This

science is the study of understanding what the human body requires

for its growth, development and maintenance, so as to prevent ill

health or disease.

Various nutritional ingredients are required to be present in the

diet to perform a number of essential actions in the body to maintain

the health.

Nutrients or nutritional ingredients can be broadly classified into

two groups: Macronutrients and Micronutrients.

Macronutrients are nutritional ingredients required (for keeping

good health) in large amounts while Micronutrients are those that are

required in relatively smaller amounts.

Let's look at the table given below to understand this

classification better:

05

Now, let us have a brief look at what exactly these ingredients are and

the roles they play in the development of the human body.

Nutrients

Fluids Macronutrients Micronutrients

Proteins Vitamins Minerals

Carbohydrates

Lipids VITAMIN A Calcium

VITAMIN B Phosphorous

VITAMIN C Magnesium

VITAMIN D Sodium

VITAMIN E Potassium

VITAMIN K Chloride

VITAMIN H Sulfur

VITAMIN P Iron

Iodine

Copper

Zinc

Selenium

Fluoride

Chromium

Manganese

Molybdenum

Germanium

Boron

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Fluids

Proteins

Fluids are essential for the formation of blood. The human body

gets essential nutrients and oxygen through the flowing blood. Fluids

are also present in each and every cell to maintain the environment

and vitality of the cells. All liquids (water and other) we consume

constitute the fluids part of our nutrition.

Protos means first. Proteins are the basic chemical units of the

07

Glycine Alanine

body. One gets proteins from meat, fish, milk, rice, soy, potatoes etc.Food ingredients containing proteins

Protein molecules are made up of amino acids in various

proportions and arrangements. Amino acids are the basic units that

form proteins. (Amino acids are so called because they have an

amino group (NH2) attached to an organic acid (COOH)).

Amino acids are further classified into three groups:

1) Essential amino acids: These amino acids are not

synthesized in the human body and must be supplied to it

by the external food intake.

2) Non-essential amino acids: These can be synthesized in

the body.

3) Conditionally essential (semi-essential) amino acids:

ANIMALSOURCES

PLANTSOURCES

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These are essential occasionally.

These proteins/amino acids are required to perform various

functions in the body. Some of their important functions are as

follows:

1) Proteins are required for growth and development of the

human body.

2) Proteins are necessary for repairing damage to the body.

3) Proteins provide energy to the body (1 gm of proteins

generates 4kcal of energy).

4) Proteins produce various enzymes in the body. Enzymes

are substances that catalyze chemical reactions in the

body.

5) Proteins are a requisite in the production of hormones.

Hormones are glandular secretions that are required for

proper functioning of the bodily systems (e.g. insulin is a

hormone secreted by the pancreas (gland) and is needed

for maintaining the blood sugar levels).

6) Proteins are necessary for the synthesis of antibodies and

hence are essential for the proper functioning of the

body's defense system.

7) Proteins are required for the transportation of various

nutrients and drugs throughout the body.

In short, our body cannot survive without proteins and amino

acids. A deficiency of proteins could lead to retarded growth, reduced

defense power, improper wound healing, inadequate absorption of

nutrients and a lot of other disorders. This is the reason why an

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adequate intake of nutritional proteins is essential for our existence.

Spirulina is approximately 65-71% extremely beneficial

proteins. Following is the table that lists the amino acids in Spirulina:

Spirulina contains all of the 8 essential amino acids. It also

contains non-essential and conditionally essential amino acids.

Take a look at the table given below for the information on

different types of protein sources and the comparison between them

based on the amount of protein they provide:

Spirulina and Proteins

Spirulina is approximately 65-71% extremely beneficial

proteins. Following is the table that lists the amino acids in Spirulina:

Spirulina contains all of the 8 essential amino acids. It also

contains non-essential and conditionally essential amino acids.

Take a look at the table given below for the information on

different types of protein sources and the comparison between them

based on the amount of protein they provide:

Essential amino acids Non-Essential Conditionally essential

amino acids amino acids

Isoleucine Alanine Cysteine

Leucine Arginine Histidine

Lysine Aspartic Acid Tyrosine

Phenylalanine Glutamic Acid

Methionine Glycine

Threonine Proline

Tryptophan Serine

Valine

Essential amino acids Non-Essential Conditionally essential

amino acids amino acids

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Nutritional ingredient Nutritional ingredient Protein percentageProtein percentage

Eggs (whole)Eggs (whole) 13.3%13.3%

Soyabean (whole)Soyabean (whole) 43.2%43.2%

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Wheat germWheat germ 29.2%29.2%

25.3%25.3%PeanutsPeanuts

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Clearly, Spirulina is the highest, most potent and most digestible

protein source known, and this is what makes it one of the most

valuable sources of proteins.

Carbohydrates are a valuable combination of carbon, oxygen

and hydrogen in the same proportion as water.

Carbohydrates

Clearly, Spirulina is the highest, most potent and most digestible

protein source known, and this is what makes it one of the most

valuable sources of proteins.

SpirulinaSpirulina 65%65%

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These (carbohydrates) are abundant in foods of vegetable origin

such as cereals, pulses, fruits, root vegetables, etc.

The main function of carbohydrates is to provide energy to the

body. They provide approximately 50-70% of the total energy

required by the body (1 gm of carbohydrates provides 4 kcal of

energy).

Apart from providing ready fuel, carbohydrates also play a vital

role in maintaining proper functioning of the liver, central nervous

system, heart and muscle contraction.

The important thing to know is that when sufficient

carbohydrates are present in the body, proteins are spared from

being the main source of energy and hence do their (intended) jobs

like growth and repair, without being wastefully utilized.

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Spirulina and Carbohydrates

Lipids

Spirulina is 10-15% carbohydrates in the form of

polysaccharides. As our cells can easily absorb them, these

(polysaccharides) make Spirulina a great source of quick energy.

Lipids are organic substances that are soluble in fat solvents

such as alcohol, ether and chloroform but insoluble in water. Dairy

fat, butter, beefs, egg yolk, oils from seeds and nuts are the common

sources of lipids.

Spirulina is 10-15% carbohydrates in the form of

polysaccharides. As our cells can easily absorb them, these

(polysaccharides) make Spirulina a great source of quick energy.

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Lipids are the richest source of energy. They also serve as

reservoirs of energy, so whenever the body does not get sufficient

carbohydrates or proteins it can draw energy from the lipids (1 gm of

lipids provides 9Kcal of energy). A drastic reduction in fat intake leads

to weight loss and weakness. Up to 50-60 gm of lipid intake is

considered to be adequate.

Lipids are necessary because:

1) They serve as vehicles for the absorption of vitamins

like A, D, E and K.

2) They aid in growth.

3) They help in the formation of all cell membranes.

Spirulina is approximately 7% lipids. These include Gamma

Linolenic Acid, Glycolipids and Sulfolipids. By providing these lipids

Spirulina helps promote cholesterol normalization.

Spirulina is approximately 7% lipids. These include Gamma

Linolenic Acid, Glycolipids and Sulfolipids. By providing these lipids

Spirulina helps promote cholesterol normalization.

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Vitamins

Vitamins are the essential compounds needed in small

quantities for maintaining a normal metabolism, growth rate and

health. Spirulina contains a range of vitamins. Following table lists the

vitamins present in Spirulina, depicts the role of different vitamins

and reveals the perils of vitamin deficiency.

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Vitamin and sources Function in the body Deficiency may

lead to-

VITAMIN A RETINOL Maintains vision function. Xerophtalmia

Maintains surface tissue like. (dryness of eyes).

Liver skin and eye. Night Blindness.Milk Functioning of immune. Dry, rough skin.Vegetables system. lowered resistanceYellow fruits Antioxidant activity. to infections.Carrot Reduced hair

growth in children.

VITAMIN D: Absorption of Calcium and Rickets in childrenCHOLECALCIFEROL Phosphorous. (bending and

distortion of bones).Egg Yolk Maintains teeth and boneMilk health. Bone softening inLiver adults. Butter Sunlight Osteoporosis

(decreased density

of bones).

VITAMIN E: ALPHA Protects cell membranes. Anemia in infants.TOCOPHEROL Enhances the activity of Vegetables Vitamin A.Vegetable oils Development of Red BloodCereals Cells.Poultry Antioxidant activity.FishMeat

Vitamin and sources Function in the body Deficiency may

lead to-

VITAMIN A RETINOL

VITAMIN D:CHOLECALCIFEROL

VITAMIN E: ALPHATOCOPHEROL

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VITAMIN B is further classified into the following subgroups:

B1 THIAMINE Maintains nerve and muscle Lack of appetite.Grains functioning Carbohydrate Weakness.Beans metabolism. ConstipationSunflower Seeds Beriberi:Pork Nerve disorder.

Heart disease.Fluid accumulationin the body.

B2 RIBOFLAVIN Maintains respiration of cells Cracks and soresMilk and Food metabolism. around the mouthMeat Nerve and blood cell and nose.Cereals development. Eye diseases andPulses Proper functioning of Vitamin Visual problems.Vegetables B6 and B3.

VITAMIN B is further classified into the following subgroups:

B1 THIAMINE

Beriberi:

B2 RIBOFLAVIN

VITAMIN K Aids in the process of blood Bleeding tendencies.

PHYTONADIONE clotting.

Green VegetablesCerealsMeat

VITAMIN H BIOTIN Maintains Lipid and Skin inflammation.Cheese Carbohydrate metabolismEgg YolkCauliflowerPeanutsButter

VITAMIN K

PHYTONADIONE

VITAMIN H BIOTIN

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B3 NIACIN Maintains acid secretion in Pellagra, a diseaseCereals stomach and Food characterized by

Meat metabolism. skin inflammation.Mushroom Maintains the digestive and Diarrhea.Bran nervous system Mouth sores.

Nerve disturbances.

B5 PANTOTHENIC Synthesis of hormones and Grey hair.ACID chemical regulators that Burning in feetAnimal tissue perform various functions in during night.Whole grain cereals the body.Legumes

B3 NIACIN

B5 PANTOTHENICACID

B6 PYRIDOXINE Maintains Protein and Anemia. Egg yolk Carbohydrate metabolism. Depression.

Milk Support red blood cell Convulsions.

Meat formation. Loss of appetite.

Spinach Promote nerve and brain Nausea.Banana function.Cereals

VITAMIN B9 Production of genetic Nervous systemFOLIC ACID material. defects in fetus.Vegetables Maintains Protein metabolism Anemia.Cereals Promotes red blood cell Upset DigestiveMeat formation. system.Liver

B6 PYRIDOXINE

VITAMIN B9FOLIC ACID

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By now you must have realized that Spirulina houses a vast store

of beneficial vitamins. By offering these vitamins, Spirulina not only

maintains the health of human body but also may prevent disorders

that result from the deficiency of vitamins.

Minerals

Minerals are elements required by the human body to perform

various important functions and are found in the soil. We are

incapable of creating them ourselves.

The food that is grown in depleted soil may not contain sufficient

amount of minerals.

Spirulina contains a vast range of minerals. Following table gives

the source of various minerals. The table also gives information about

the role of different minerals and the consequences of their

deficiency.

By now you must have realized that Spirulina houses a vast store

of beneficial vitamins. By offering these vitamins, Spirulina not only

maintains the health of human body but also may prevent disorders

that result from the deficiency of vitamins.

B12 Builds genetic material. Anemia.COBALAMINES Protein synthesis. Nerve damage.

Milk Formation of Red Cheese Blood Cells.Eggs

B12COBALAMINES

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Minaral and sources Function in the body Deficiency may

lead to-

CALCIUM Development of bone Rickets in childrenMilk and teeth. (bending and

Milk products Nerve transmission. distortion of bones).Cheese Maintains blood pressure. Bone softening in

Muscle contraction. adults.Blood clotting. Osteoporosis

(decreased density ofbones).

PHOSPHORUS Formation of bones and Nausea.Chicken Breast teeth. Lack of appetite. Milk Maintains Food metabolism Weakness.Milk products Absorption and Rickets.Lentils transportation of nutrients. Softening of bones.Egg Yolk

NutsCheese

MAGNESIUM Cellular respiration. Lethargy.Spinach Protein synthesis. Muscle weakness.Beef Muscle relaxation. Depression.Cashews Abnormal functioningWheat of the heart.BranCerealsDairy products

Minaral and sources Function in the body Deficiency may

lead to-

CALCIUM

PHOSPHORUS

MAGNESIUM

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SODIUM Cellular functioning. Fatigue.Salts Maintains blood pressure. Weakness.

Cheese Keep the acid-base balance Confusion.Fish in the body. Muscle cramps.

Butter Muscle contraction.Nuts

POTASSIUM Cellular functioning. Nausea.Cereals Maintains blood pressure. Lack of appetite. Peanuts Muscle contraction. Muscle weakness.Bananas Keep the acid-base balance Irritability.Orange Juice in the body. Abdominal distension

Green BeansMushrooms

IRON Production of hemoglobin Anemia (pale skin,Liver (hemoglobin is present in weakness, fatigue,Meat the blood and carries headaches,Green leafy oxygen). breathlessness).vegetables Craving for non food

substances.

ZINC Maintains Food metabolism. ImmunologicalBeef Support immunity. disorders.Whole grains Wound healing. Growth retardation.Peanuts Growth. Loss of taste.Beans Fetal development.FishPoultry

SODIUM

POTASSIUM

IRON

ZINC

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SELENIUM Antioxidant activity. Mental retardation.Kidney Heart abnormalities

Meat in children.Grains

CHROMIUM Work with insulin to regulate Impaired toleranceAnimal food energy metabolism. for glucose.Wheat Potentiates action of insulin.

MANGANESE Maintains Food metabolism. Unknown.Tea Muscle and boneWhole Grains developmentCerealFruits and Vegetables

COPPER Development of skin, hair Premature and low Liver and other pigments birth weight infants.Meat Formation of Red Blood CellsSea food Connective tissue and nerveCereals formation.PulsesNuts

GERMANIUM Immunity enhancement. Unclear.Wheat Stimulation of natural Vegetables killer cells.BranLeguminousseeds

SELENIUM

CHROMIUM

MANGANESE

COPPER

GERMANIUM

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Spirulina offers a large number of minerals required by the

human body (as seen in the above given table) and, it can be easily

understood that, Spirulina can play a vital role in maintaining health.

The intake of Spirulina may help in the prevention of various

disorders that result from the deficiency of minerals.

In addition to the macro and micronutrients (discussed earlier in

this book), Spirulina also contains a few important natural pigment

phytonutrients like:

Chlorophyll

Phycocyanin

Carotenoids

These phytonutrients are essential for the synthesis of various

enzymes that are required for various metabolic processes.

Chlorophyll is supposed to play an important role in maintaining

hemoglobin in the body. Hemoglobin is a substance in the red blood

cells, contains iron (heme) and is required for the transportation of

oxygen. The structure of chlorophyll is similar to that of hemoglobin.

The only difference is that chlorophyll contains a magnesium ion at its

core, while hemoglobin contains an iron molecule. It is proposed that

if chlorophyll is consumed with iron, the magnesium may be

displaced and hemoglobin is produced. This is how Spirulina intake

Chlorophyll

Spirulina offers a large number of minerals required by the

human body (as seen in the above given table) and, it can be easily

understood that, Spirulina can play a vital role in maintaining health.

The intake of Spirulina may help in the prevention of various

disorders that result from the deficiency of minerals.

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can work out to be beneficial in anemia (a condition in which

hemoglobin concentration in the body is reduced). Chlorophyll also

has beneficial effects on the digestive system. It normalizes the

secretion of acids in the stomach.

Chlorophyll stimulates the movements of intestines and can

facilitate the passage of stools. It also helps in the regeneration of

injured cells. Chlorophyll is even known for its effects on heart: it can

increase the efficiency of the pumping function of the heart.

It is this pigment that gives Spirulina its blue color. Phycocyanin

contains both magnesium and iron. It is involved in various body

functions like digestion of amino acids, stimulation of defense

system, building of blood cells.

Spirulina contains natural carotenoids. Carotenoids are the

precursors of vitamin A i.e., they are capable of producing vitamin A

(hence Spirulina can offer all the benefits of Vitamin A). The added

advantage of carotenoids from Spirulina is that these are converted

to Vitamin A only when the body has a demand for it. This minimizes

the chances of a vitamin A overdose.

Phycocyanin

Carotenoids

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Various carotenes present in Spirulina are:

1) Alpha-carotene

2) Beta-carotene

3) Xanthophylls

4) Cryptoxanthin

5) Echinenone

6) Zeaxanthin

7) Lutein

(As averted at the start of this informative book) Spirulina has

been used for centuries by cultures across the globe. It is also well

researched upon. Various studies have proven the role and

advantage of Spirulina in different conditions. Also, Spirulina is very

well tolerated- the safety of Spirulina is established by various

research studies.

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An unhealthy standard of living and rapid lifestyle changes (lack

of exercise and sedentary lifestyle) associated with today's 'modern'

life style are taking their toll on our health. Also, the impending

problem of malnutrition is getting further aggravated by the

worrisome and irregular dietary habits and by the indiscriminate

consumption of fast foods and refined food diets.

The only solution to counter this degeneration is the strict

observance of a lifestyle that provides a balanced, square meal

containing all nutritional ingredients and a diligent effort towards

maintaining some form of physical activity. But, in reality, it may not

be the most practical thing, as the world today demands a different

and varied set of lifestyle rules. Though we can never debunk the

Spirulina

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ideal theory, we need a supplemental solution that could bridge the

gap between an 'ideal' lifestyle and the 'real' lifestyle. We need a

powerful nutritional supplement. And, Spirulina could well be our

answer- it provides all of the essential nutritional ingredients without

being a burden on our time and our lifestyles.

1) GREENWAYS Spirulina is microscopic blue-green algae

that exist as a single celled organism turning sunlight

into life energy.

2) Greenways Spirulina uses 100% certified organic

Spirulina. This ensures that no synthetic and potentially

hazardous chemicals have been used during cultivation.

3) Greenways Spirulina contains a unique combination of

high-grade proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals,

trace elements and Phytonutrients. It is a cholesterol

free and low calorie source of easily digestible proteins

making it a popular food for those who want to stay slim.

4) Spirulina is Nature's richest whole food source of

Vitamin B12, Vitamin E, Provitamin A (beta carotene)

and Chlorophylls. GREENWAYS Spirulina is the "Food of

the Future". It is not a drug. It has an important place in

modern diet management & provides vital energy.

5) Greenways Spirulina is safe, non-toxic, and non-habit

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forming.

6) Greenways Spirulina is a 100% vegetarian product. Unlike

most manufacturers who use capsules made from animal

gelatin origin, the capsules used to hold Greenways

Spirulina are made from natural plant ingredients

(Greenways Spirulina capsules are manufactured at state-

of-the-art, GMP certified facility near Pune, India).

7) Each vegetarian capsule of GREENWAYS Spirulina contains

500 mg of Certified organic Spirulina powder.

8) Suggested use: For adults- 2-3 capsules twice a day

For children- 1-2 capsules twice a day.

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31

SP

IRU

LIN

A

635/1 B, New Gajra Society, Bibwewadi,

Pune - 411037, Maharashtra, INDIA.

Tel. : +91-20-3252 4594 / 3252 4607

Fax : +91-20-2421-6455

email: [email protected]

website: www.greenwayshealthcare.com

Healthcare Private Limited