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.

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.

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 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.

Studies show that spirulina, due to its high concentration of natural nutrients, has immune supporting functions and supports healthy liver and kidneys.

Spirulina 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. Lifestream 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. Spirulina contains vitamins B1 and B2 and important minerals including Iron, Calcium, Zinc and Chromium and Iodine.

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.

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.

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.

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 Bioactive Spirulina and Lifestream Certified Organic 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 – we believe Lifestream Certified Organic Spirulina and Lifestream Bioactive Spirulina are the world’s very best Spirulinas.