Microalgae

Question 1

Microalgae

Answer 1

Edible Microalgae (phytoplankton) are classified as mostly freshwater, single celled photosynthesising algae or bacteria:
Blue green algae : freshwater Cyanobacteria (not an Aphanizomenon flos aquae (AFA) wild blue green algae.
Spirulina : Blue green spiral shaped Cyanobacteria.
Chlorella: Single celled fresh water green algae.

Question 2

Microalgae: Energetics

Answer 2

Cooling, moistens dryness.

Question 3

Microalgae: Composition

Answer 3

Particularly high in chlorophyll, iron and 50-70% complete protein. Chlorella is an excellent source of bio available B12 and vit D2. There is a notable absence of iodine in Chlorella.

Question 4

Spirulina

Answer 4

Spiral shaped, blue green algae able to grow in both fresh and salt water. Lacks cellulose walls so can be easily digested. Two key species Arthrospira platensis and Arthrospira maxima are cultivated worldwide.

Question 5

Spirulina: Energetics

Answer 5

For Yin deficiency or excess heat

Question 6

Spirulina: Composition

Answer 6

Highly nutritious. 60-70% highly bioavailable protein; contains all the essential amino acids
Rich in vitamin B1, B2, B3, A, K; beta carotene, copper, iron , zinc, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phycocyanin, high in chlorophyll.

Question 7

Spirulina: B12

Answer 7

Note contains analogues of vitamin B12 which are not absorbed in the gut; not a reliable source of vitamin B12 for vegans.

Question 8

Spirulina: Benefits

Answer 8

Detoxification
Immune-enhancing
Anti-inflammtory
Anti-cancer
Excercise performance
Anti-allergic effects
Anti-hypertensive
Positive effect on blood lipids

Question 9

Spirulina: Detoxification

Answer 9

Acts as an accumulator (biosorbent ) of heavy minerals due to ‘ion exchange binding’. Can bind with heavy metals including cadmium, arsenic, lead and mercury.

Question 10

Spirulina: Immune enhancing

Answer 10

Notable increases in natural killer cell activity and has anti-viral properties.

Question 11

Spirulina: Anti-inflammatory

Answer 11

Reduces the production of pro inflammatory cytokines by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway.
Phycocyanin in spirulina also has COX-2 inhibiting effects.

Question 12

Spirulina: Anti-cancer

Answer 12

Phycocyanin (a protein extract from spirulina) has anti-cancer properties. It has anti inflammatory, antioxidant, immune boosting and anti proliferative effects.

Question 13

Spirulina: Exercise performance

Answer 13

Increases endurance, whilst the high amino acid content supports muscle hypertrophy.

Question 14

Spirulina: Anti-allergic effects

Answer 14

Particularly in relation to allergic rhinitis where the inhibition of histamine from mast cells has been observed.

Question 15

Spirulina: Anti-hypertensive

Answer 15

Reduces elevated blood pressure; an effect associated with raised nitric oxide production ( -> vasodilation), high antioxidant protection and lower inflammation.

Question 16

Spirulina: Blood Lipids

Answer 16

Lowers LDL and VLDL cholesterol and triglycerides, whilst increasing HDL.

Question 17

Spirulina: Dosage

Answer 17

Suggested 1-8 g per day (1 tsp. = 4g).

Question 18

Spirulina: Adverse effects

Answer 18

May include diarrhoea, bloating, flatulence and oedema.
Generally occurs at higher doses and is not regarded as clinically significant.

Question 19

Spirulina: Caution

Answer 19

Ensure a reputable source ( freshwater organic sources are preferable e.g. from Hawaii); possible safety issues relate to contamination with heavy metals or rarely, the toxic blue green algae Microcystis aeruginosa (hepatotoxic).
• Spirulina is regarded as safe, with no contraindications.

Question 20

Chlorella

Answer 20

A single celled green algae, nutritionally similar to Spirulina but in contrast, has tough cellulose walls and
requires pulverising to increase availability of the micronutrients within Chlorella.

Question 21

Chlorella: Energetics

Answer 21

For yin deficiency and excess heat

Question 22

Chlorella: Composition

Answer 22

Contains highest amount of chlorophyll of any known plant; 60% bioavailable protein ; contains EFAs, very high in Vit D2. Good source of β carotene, vitamin B1, B2, B3, B6 and B12 as well as magnesium, iron, phosphorus and zinc.

In contrast to Spirulina, chlorella contains bioavailable B12 (205 -223mcg per 100g).

Safe for people on Thyroxine, unlike seaweed.

Question 23

Chlorella: Benefits

Answer 23

Heavy metal chelator
Detoxification
Anti-diabetic
Iron (and B12) deficiency
Cancer treatment
Oestrogen metabolism
Immune Support

Question 24

Chlorella: Heavy metal chelator

Answer 24

Able to bioaccumulate heavy metals such as mercury and arsenic. Possibly able to remove mercury from sites such as the brain and kidneys.

Question 25

Chlorella: Detoxification

Answer 25

Detoxification of radioactive particles after radiation treatment.

Question 26

Chlorella: Anti-diabetic

Answer 26

Improves glycaemic control by influencing genes involved in insulin signalling and glucose uptake (GLUT4). Can be used in cases of insulin resistance

Question 27

Chlorella: Iron and B12 deficiency

Answer 27

Useful for iron deficiency anaemia

Question 28

Chlorella: Cancer Treatment

Answer 28

Reduces side effects of radiotherapy; improves immune function and decreases infection risk after chemotherapy

Question 29

Chlorella: Oestrogen metabolism

Answer 29

Some ability to metabolise more potent oestrogens (oestradiol) to less potent forms, as well as degrading BPA.
Useful in cases of oestrogen dominance (e.g. endometriosis, breast cancer, fibroids, etc)

Question 30

Chlorella: Immune Support

Answer 30

For recurrent infections by increasing IgA, which increases mucosal resistance to infection (decreases risk of respiratory, gastrointestinal and genitourinary infection).

Question 31

Chlorella: Dosage

Answer 31

Generally recommended at 2-3 gms / day. Doses of up to 10g / day have been used in clinical research.

Question 32

Chlorella: Caution

Answer 32

GI symptoms at higher intake generally brief.

Question 33

Heavy Metal Detox

Answer 33

Coriander can be used to mobilise mercury and other toxic heavy metals such as aluminium from the central nervous system, with its phytochemicals likely able to bind onto the metals.

It is thought that whilst coriander can move the metals out of areas such as the nervous system, other heavy metal chelators such as spirulina and chlorella can then bind it and allow it to be excreted from the body.

Question 34

Heavy Metal
Detox 60 Day Protocol

Answer 34

1. Remove sources of heavy metals (including antiperspirants)
2. Throughout protocol: Drink plenty of filtered water; have three x Epsom salt baths 500g 1 kg) weekly; dry brush for five minutes every morning
   before showering; exercise regularly; intermittently fast; optimise fibre.
3. Day 1-14: To ensure healthy elimination pathways complete liver flush protocol see later ) and increase bitter / bile stimulating foods such as dandelions greens, artichoke and turmeric.
4. Chlorella tablets (500 mg each) can adapt to suit individual
   Day 15-25: 2 x 3/day, Day 26-50: 6 x 3/day, Day 51-60: 2 x 2/day
5. ‘Detox’ smoothie every two days: 1 banana,
   2 cups wild blueberries, 1 cup coriander,
   1 tsp spirulina, 1 small handful dulse, filtered water