Malnutrition and Spirulina

Malnutrition and Spirulina

Globally, malnutrition is a serious issue, and developing nations bear the brunt of this challenging public health issue. Many of those who are fortunate enough to reside in wealthy nations are able to access an abundance of healthful foods. Still, even struggling residents of global superpowers may face issues of malnutrition.

The effects of malnutrition are certainly a matter of concern. Iron deficiency can result in stunted growth, cognitive impairment, and reproductive harm. Vitamin A deficiency can result in poor immunity, blindness, or even death in children. Anemia (iodine deficiency) causes developmental disabilities, goiters, and other health issues.

Of course, the problems caused by malnutrition go beyond individual health issues. Nations with high rates of malnutrition are likely to face an uphill battle when it comes to cultural and economic development, as well.

Nutrient-dense, renewable food sources are one of the most effective tools for combatting malnutrition, and spirulina fits both of those criteria.

What Is Spirulina?

Spirulina is a spiral-shaped, multi-celled organism that uses light, warmth, and water to produce a wide variety of essential nutrients. It’s one of the most nutritionally dense foods on earth.

Spirulina Nutrient Density

By weight, spirulina is about 60% protein. While protein deficiency isn’t a major problem for most in the first world, those in developing countries often have a difficult time obtaining enough good quality protein. Further, the protein in spirulina is complete, which means it contains all 9 of the essential amino acids not produced by the human body.

Spirulina is also rich in minerals such as iron, chromium, and potassium, fatty acids, and vitamins, including B12, A, K1, and K2.

In short, spirulina has all the nutrients necessary to make global malnutrition a historical footnote.

Spirulina Is an Efficient Way to Combat Malnutrition

In order to make the biggest impact on global malnutrition, those tackling the issue must strive for efficiency. It’s estimated that spirulina has the lowest land use per unit of protein and digestible energy. Spirulina cultivation produces twenty times more protein per acre than soybeans, 40 times more than corn, and over 200 times more than beef!

Compared to livestock, spirulina’s production footprint is virtually nonexistent. Spirulina makes it possible to nourish billions of people with a fraction of the resources that it would cost to give them nutrition through any other means.

It’s possible to cultivate it in nearly any biome, making it an ideal choice for parts of the world where nutrient-rich soil is rare. Spirulina can also easily be cultivated in tanks, and the cultivation process can be learned with minimal training.

The benefits of spirulina are so potent, it provides health and nourishment to nearly every single organ and bodily function. Add Hawaiian Spirulina for a simple and effective way to provide the body with many of the most essential nutrients needed for health and well-being.


Sources:

http://www.hunger-undernutrition.org/blog/2011/03/micro-algae-spirulina-the-solution-to-malnutrition.html

http://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2014/sep/12/spirulina-health-food-panacea-malnutrition

http://www.nodai.ac.jp/cip/iss/english/9th_iss/fullpaper/1-2-3iplb-rouhier.pdf

http://factsreports.revues.org/1440