Spirulina and Chlorella

Wim Mulder

This week I had a question about the use of Spirulina. I have written about it before, but I did not go into the subject of Spirulina very intensely. That’s why at this time, I would like to bring this nutrient into the light.

Spirulina

Of some 23,000 types of algae that exist on this earth, Spirulina belongs to the group of green algae. Originally spirulina could only be found in several lakes such as Lake Nakuru in Africa and in Lake Texcoco in Mexico. Later Spirulina was cultured in Asiatic countries and in Hawaii. It is now cultured under controlled conditions so that it won’t take up an excess of heavy metals. It can also be cultivated under controlled lighting conditions (with light tubes). When harvesting the spirulina, a spray drying method is used, it is a process that maintains the purity and the original nutrient content of the product. Spirulina is considered one of the richest food products on earth. The production of Spirulina requires large amounts of clean, pure mineral water and very clean seawater (brine), fresh air and a lot of sun. All of these can be found on the island of Hawaii. That is why the world’s most extensive Spirulina plantations are built there.

Composition

Spirulina contains a large amount of chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is known as one of the most valuable and easily digestible sources of protein containing all the essential amino acids. Spirulina contains more than 60 necessary and vital nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, chlorophyll, enzymes and antioxidants in balanced and ideal proportions. There are no harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, E-coli present and the product does not contain any traces of herbicides and pesticides. Its high iron content provides for the ideal production of red blood corpuscles, which in turn allows for better oxygen utilization. It is, therefore, a perfect product for our racing pigeons. Fifteen years ago, Spirulina was thought to be so valuable that the world population could survive on it. Regrettable to date this has not been achieved. Unfortunately, I am not aware of the reason it has not come into more extensive use for human consumption.

Cleansing effect

Spirulina purifies the blood and provides for the internal cleansing of the body. The waste products are filtered out of the body naturally. The liver, kidneys and heart are no longer overworked and can do the work for which they were made much more efficiently. This causes us to feel much fitter and our energy is allows increased.

Recuperative effect

Spirulina stimulates metabolism and allows for a quick recovery after intense physical exertion. This is the main reason that fanciers use this product for their racing pigeons.
There are also products on the market, which contain Spirulina as a portion of their various nutritional supplements. Personally, I would instead use the pure product itself and purchase it from one of the better suppliers in the market.

The Immune system

Spirulina increases resistance because it strengthens the natural immune system. A better immune system lessens the chance of disease and allows the system to have more energy. This helps to fight the effects of stress. It improves concentration and increases endurance.

Use in Racing Pigeons

Tests carried out have concluded that 1 tsp for every 20 pigeons mixed with their feed, only once a day is sufficient. This can be done with the use of different products such as oil to adhere the product to the grain. But, use it only on one meal per day. To bring about a good effect, Spirulina can be used every day for an entire week. After that, use it only several times a week. This is enough for an optimum result.

Chlorella     

Another product has more nutritional value then Spirulina, the freshwater green algae Chlorella. It contains more chlorophyll then Spirulina and is considered the Rolls Royce of the green algae (there are also brown types of seaweed). Chlorella is grown in freshwater reservoirs and is reproduced under stringent controls.

Chlorella is not a popular product here in Europe and is not as readily available commercially as Spirulina. Very few retailers handle Chlorella in the Netherlands. Ask for it at the health food store and they will give you a questioning look. If they do know, they will usually point out a container of Spirulina claiming it is the same thing. Chlorella is one of the most valuable food products on this earth and is one of the three plants with the highest chlorophyll content.

Chlorella also has a high natural Vitamin B content and is exceptionally rich in Vit B 12. The protein content of dried Chlorella is very high (about 60%). It also contains high amounts of iron and calcium. Very little of it is needed to supply all of the daily nutritional requirements. Because Chlorella is a freshwater alga, it does not contain iodine. Chlorella also has a high vitamin, mineral content and provides all the essential amino acids. It also includes a whole series of substances whose protective potential is enormous. Besides pigments such as chlorophyll, it also contains carotenes, polysaccharides, glycolipids and enzymes. These are essential nutrients for both humans and animals.

Green House effect

Because of the high chlorophyll content with the help of sunlight, this algae changes, carbon dioxide and oxygen in the water and other organic products such as glucose. This process, known as photosynthesis, is the starting point for all life on earth. It is believed that the algae on earth do more to slow down the greenhouse effect than all the trees on earth.

Chlorella contains everything required to improve the health of both humans and animals. At the present time, chlorella is not as well know here in Europe as it is in Japan and the USA. I am convinced this will change quickly. This will result in, just like with spirulina, chlorella becoming more commercially available (read diluted products on the market). This is not true at the present time, and the pure most valuable form is still available.

Advice

If you do want to use these kinds of useful products, then I would absolutely advise the use of Chlorella and Spirulina. They certainly are not inexpensive, but you get what you pay for.

Use in Racing Pigeons

The trials we have done have led us to conclude that a lower dose then the recommended dose of Spirulina is sufficient. We recommend 5 grams (1 tsp) for 40 pigeons. It will result in smooth, transparent bodies. To prevent green wattles, add some brown sugar to a small amount of water. Put it in the microwave till the sugar is thoroughly absorbed. Dampen your feed with this mixture before you add the chlorella. Try it, I dare to ensure good results.

Wim Mulder

Spirulina

Of some 23,000 types of algae that exist on this earth, Spirulina belongs to the group of green algae. Originally spirulina could only be found in several lakes such as Lake Nakuru in Africa and in Lake Texcoco in Mexico. Later Spirulina was cultured in Asiatic countries and in Hawaii. It is now cultured under controlled conditions so that it won’t take up an excess of heavy metals. It can also be cultivated under controlled lighting conditions (with light tubes). When harvesting the spirulina, a spray drying method is used, it is a process that maintains the purity and the original nutrient content of the product. Spirulina is considered one of the richest food products on earth. The production of Spirulina requires large amounts of clean, pure mineral water and very clean seawater (brine), fresh air and a lot of sun. All of these can be found on the island of Hawaii. That is why the world’s most extensive Spirulina plantations are built there.

Composition

Spirulina contains a large amount of chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is known as one of the most valuable and easily digestible sources of protein containing all the essential amino acids. Spirulina contains more than 60 necessary and vital nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, chlorophyll, enzymes and antioxidants in balanced and ideal proportions. There are no harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, E-coli present and the product does not contain any traces of herbicides and pesticides. Its high iron content provides for the ideal production of red blood corpuscles, which in turn allows for better oxygen utilization. It is, therefore, a perfect product for our racing pigeons. Fifteen years ago, Spirulina was thought to be so valuable that the world population could survive on it. Regrettable to date this has not been achieved. Unfortunately, I am not aware of the reason it has not come into more extensive use for human consumption.

Cleansing effect

Spirulina purifies the blood and provides for the internal cleansing of the body. The waste products are filtered out of the body naturally. The liver, kidneys and heart are no longer overworked and can do the work for which they were made much more efficiently. This causes us to feel much fitter and our energy is allows increased.

Recuperative effect

Spirulina stimulates metabolism and allows for a quick recovery after intense physical exertion. This is the main reason that fanciers use this product for their racing pigeons.
There are also products on the market, which contain Spirulina as a portion of their various nutritional supplements. Personally, I would instead use the pure product itself and purchase it from one of the better suppliers in the market.

The Immune system

Spirulina increases resistance because it strengthens the natural immune system. A better immune system lessens the chance of disease and allows the system to have more energy. This helps to fight the effects of stress. It improves concentration and increases endurance.

Use in Racing Pigeons

Tests carried out have concluded that 1 tsp for every 20 pigeons mixed with their feed, only once a day is sufficient. This can be done with the use of different products such as oil to adhere the product to the grain. But, use it only on one meal per day. To bring about a good effect, Spirulina can be used every day for an entire week. After that, use it only several times a week. This is enough for an optimum result.

Chlorella     

Another product has more nutritional value then Spirulina, the freshwater green algae Chlorella. It contains more chlorophyll then Spirulina and is considered the Rolls Royce of the green algae (there are also brown types of seaweed). Chlorella is grown in freshwater reservoirs and is reproduced under stringent controls.

Chlorella is not a popular product here in Europe and is not as readily available commercially as Spirulina. Very few retailers handle Chlorella in the Netherlands. Ask for it at the health food store and they will give you a questioning look. If they do know, they will usually point out a container of Spirulina claiming it is the same thing. Chlorella is one of the most valuable food products on this earth and is one of the three plants with the highest chlorophyll content.

Chlorella also has a high natural Vitamin B content and is exceptionally rich in Vit B 12. The protein content of dried Chlorella is very high (about 60%). It also contains high amounts of iron and calcium. Very little of it is needed to supply all of the daily nutritional requirements. Because Chlorella is a freshwater alga, it does not contain iodine. Chlorella also has a high vitamin, mineral content and provides all the essential amino acids. It also includes a whole series of substances whose protective potential is enormous. Besides pigments such as chlorophyll, it also contains carotenes, polysaccharides, glycolipids and enzymes. These are essential nutrients for both humans and animals.

Green House effect

Because of the high chlorophyll content with the help of sunlight, this algae changes, carbon dioxide and oxygen in the water and other organic products such as glucose. This process, known as photosynthesis, is the starting point for all life on earth. It is believed that the algae on earth do more to slow down the greenhouse effect than all the trees on earth.

Chlorella contains everything required to improve the health of both humans and animals. At the present time, chlorella is not as well know here in Europe as it is in Japan and the USA. I am convinced this will change quickly. This will result in, just like with spirulina, chlorella becoming more commercially available (read diluted products on the market). This is not true at the present time, and the pure most valuable form is still available.

Advice

If you do want to use these kinds of useful products, then I would absolutely advise the use of Chlorella and Spirulina. They certainly are not inexpensive, but you get what you pay for.

Use in Racing Pigeons

The trials we have done have led us to conclude that a lower dose then the recommended dose of Spirulina is sufficient. We recommend 5 grams (1 tsp) for 40 pigeons. It will result in smooth, transparent bodies. To prevent green wattles, add some brown sugar to a small amount of water. Put it in the microwave till the sugar is thoroughly absorbed. Dampen your feed with this mixture before you add the chlorella. Try it, I dare to ensure good results.

Wim Mulder