Spirulina

Family Spirulinaceae. A form of blue-green algae with over 50 species. Spirulina Maxima is the most common. The name Spirulina refers to its spiral shape. It is one of the earliest forms of life on Earth, originating deep in the ocean and dating back over 3.8 billion years. It is rich in protein (40-70%) carbohydrates (25%) and minerals - including potassium, calcium, phosphorous, sodium, magnesium, iron, manganese, chromium, iodine, selenium, copper and zinc. Geography: Lakes, seas and oceans worldwide - especially, Mexico, Africa and South America.

Historical Uses

Used for its moisturizing, nourishing, remineralizing, restructuring and antioxidant properties.

Stories & Legends

In Cortes' 16th Century memoir, he described how the Aztec Indians harvested spirulina from Lake Texcoco, Mexico, using mesh netting and then dried it before cooking it with sweet corn as part of a dish known today as Tecuitlatl.