Spirulina Tablets (Wikipedia)
Spirulina has a long history of being used as a food source.
What is Spirulina? Arthrospira – the Latin name – are free-floating filamentous cyanobacteria which contain cylindrical “trichomes” in an left-hand helix. They are found in tropical and subtropical lakes with high acidity and high concentrations of carbonate and bicarbonate. There are two main varieties: Arthrospira platensis which occurs in Africa, Asia and South America, and the Arthrospira maxima variety, found in Central America.
Historical use
Spirulina was a food source for the Aztecs and others until the 16th century; its harvesting from Lake Texcoco and subsequent sale as cakes was described by one of Cortés’ soldiers. The Aztecs called spirulina “Tecuitlatl”.
Spirulina was found abundantly at Lake Texcoco by French researchers in the 1960s. There is no evidence at that time of it being used there as a regular food source after the 16th century. The first large-scale spirulina production plant, run by Sosa Texcoco, was established there in the early 1970s.
Spirulina may have an even longer history in Chad, as far back as the 9th century Kanem Empire, where it is in daily use today, dried into cakes called dihé, which are used to make broths for meals, and also sold in markets. Lake Chad provides a plentiful source of spirulina.
In the UK and America, spirulina tablets and powder are taken by many people every day. It is a high-protein supplement and it’s benefits for lowering cholesterol, whilst yet to be proven completely, have been strongly indicated in one study.
{ 0 comments }
