Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Spirulina for mother & children

Can we give Spirulina to our children?
Giving Spirulina to your children is a great idea! It's an easy way to fill in the gaps when they aren't eating all of the veggies that they should be eating. Spirulina tablets can be chewed or swallowed (if your child is able), and Spirulina powder can be added to yogurt, juice or applesauce.and for following reasons you should give your child spirulina:
Vitamins: Spirulina contains beta-carotene (provitamin A), vitamin B1, B2, B6, B12, D, E, Pantothenic acid, Biotin and Inositol. Beta-carotene in spirulina is ten times more concentrated than in carrots.
That’s why it is a good source of food for healthy vision. Vitamin A protects against infections and safeguards the integrity of the skin and the mucous membranes. Studies demonstrate that low doses of spirulina are sufficient to achieve a reduction in the risks of blindness and neurological damage caused by vitamin A deficiency in children. Other studies in the context of AIDS have shown that the transmission of HIV from an infected mother to her child is strongly related on vitamin A deficiency the more serious a seropositive pregnant woman’s vitamin A deficiency, the more likely her child will become infected with the AIDS virus. Carotenoids seem to have a range of effects against cancer too.
Moreover spirulina is the world's richest natural source of vitamin B12. This vitamin is the most difficult to get in meatless diet since common food plants don’t contain it.


Minerals: The minerals of particular interest in spirulina are iron, calcium, phosphorus and potassium. Spirulina is without any doubt the best natural iron supplement. It contains ten to twenty times more iron than other foodstuff - and good iron sources in food are rare. As iron deficiency anaemia is very widespread, particularly in pregnant women and children, the very high iron content in spirulina should be doubly emphasized. Additionally the iron contained in spirulina can be absorbed easily and cannot pose toxicity problems like iron supplements.
Calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium content in spirulina occur in quantities comparable to those found in milk. The relative amounts of these elements are balanced.


Lipids: The total lipid content of dry spirulina varies around 6%. For our body the essential fatty acids (EFA) are of most importance. Human requirements of EFA are considered to be 1-2% of energy intake for adults and 3% for children. The importance of these fatty acids (in particular gamma-linolenic acid) lies in their influence on the immune systems, both humoral and cellular. After human milk and some little used vegetable oils, spirulina is one of the best known sources of the gamma-linolenic acid.
Composition of spirulina:
Proteins 60-70%
Carbohydrates 15-25%
Minerals 7-13%
Lipids 6-8%
Moisture 3-7%
Is Spirulina safe for our children? How much should we give them?
children love Spirulina and it is safe and nutritious for them. The amount depends on the child's metabolism, level of physical exertion, and lifestyle. Mexico did a study with babies using 10% Spirulina mixed in their milk with very positive results. Begin with a small amount - 1 tablet or ¼ teaspoon - and gradually increase until optimum daily amount is found.

Is Spirulina safe for pregnant mothers and their unborn children?
Yes, it is. Spirulina is an absolutely safe food; it contains the nutrients needed daily by our body.

Yes, its a perfect supplement. Iron deficiency anemia in mothers and children is the most prevalent nutritional disorder. Pregnant women can use spirulina's vegetable protein and bioavailable iron. In India and Vietnam, doctors prescribe spirulina for pregnant and nursing mothers and their infants. Parents are often surprised how much their children enjoy this green food. Kids like to suck on tablets and munch spirulina covered popcorn.
Is Spirulina safe for children, the elderly and pregnant women?

For generations, people of all ages have safely enjoyed the benefits of Spirulina in many cultures around the world. While the advice of a physician is always recommended when incorporating any dietary supplement, regardless of age or condition, the suggested daily amount of 15-30 tablets is intended for adults averaging 120 pounds. For larger or smaller adults and children, the number of tablets may be adjusted accordingly.
Health benefit factors of spirulina intake: Spirulina has a wide field of therapeutic applications and is suited to treat various pathological conditions but more research and studies are needed to unlock the potential of spirulina and its usefulness against some diseases. However, it is already clear that this safe and natural food provides concentrated nutritional support for optimum health.


So give a chance to our children & pregnant woman to take natural power for their sound life.

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