SPIRULINA

A highly nutritious form of algae, spirulina has been lauded by Japanese scientists as a panacea for various health conditions and as the solution to world's hunger problem. Research is also being conducted on its use as food supplement for astronauts.

Believed to be one of the first forms of life on earth that originated nearly 3.5 billion years ago, spirulina is a veritable powerhouse of nutrition that has been in use since the prehistoric times, especially among the Aztecs and the tribes near Lake Chad in Africa. "United Nations' World Food Conference has declared spirulina as the best food for tomorrow," says Anil Vanjani, executive director of Lucky Laboratories, a sister concern of Dabur, the ayurvedic pharmaceutical company of India, which sells spirulina under the brand name Sunova Spirulina. "It has also the approval of the Food and Drug Authority of the USA for being sold as a natural food," he adds. Many New Agers believe that spirulina is actually the manna which the Hebrews ate in the desert.

Research has proved that 1 kg of spirulina is equivalent to 1,000 kg of assorted vegetables. It also has six times more protein than eggs and 20 times more than milk. It is the richest source of iron and beta-carotene, as well as vitamin B12 and has every essential amino acid besides enzymes and minerals.

Spirulina helps prevent heart problems, diabetes and anemia, and fights free radicals. This wonder algae also helps overcome stress and improves stamina and immunity.

"The best part of spirulina is that it has no harmful side effects and an overdose can cause as much problem as overeating," says Sundaram. He adds that spirulina is essential for those who cannot avail of a balanced diet and infants who can't be breastfed. "In fact, it is still used as a survival food during severe drought conditions by tribes at the southern edge of the Sahara desert. Spirulina is also recommended for children till they are five years old for the proper development of the brain and immune system," he informs.

Spirulina is easily available in India under many brand names, the most prominent being Lucky Laboratories' Sunova Spirulina, Transtech's Progen and Berko Cyanotech's LifePlus Spirulina. The other brand names under which spirulina is sold are Natoxid, Multinals and Super Inspiro. It is available as powder, flakes or tablet. Organic spirulina is available with Kavita Mukhi's alternative store Nature Option in Mumbai, India.

A group of closely related herbs that grow in China, Siberia, Korea and North America, ginseng is the single most famous and widely used herbal food supplement. Chinese medicine, which continues to be popular, attributed to it not only healing properties but also an ability to invigorate and prolong life.

Ginseng is a shrub with a very large root system. It contains two groups of glycosides-paraquat and panaxin—which help the body correct itself. Though it is not known to cure any specific diseases and many western scientists still attribute its effectiveness to power of suggestion, it is considered one of the complete food supplements for overall well being.

Considered a yang (male) plant, ginseng is said to have aphrodisiac properties. The root has been processed into a variety of palatable forms such as capsules and tea.

Research on ginseng by scientists has shown that it also acts as a stress reliever. As a result, ginseng is being promoted as an adaptogen—an agent that increases overall resistance to the adverse effects of stress.

Efforts to locate ginseng led to Modern Bazaar, New Delhi, India, where two small bottles were standing out against an array of various food supplements. Foreign-made, they were priced rather steeply at Rs 1,100 for 30 capsules.

Though no Indian company is marketing pure ginseng, Dabur, the ayurvedic pharmaceutical company, makes ashwagandha, or the Indian ginseng due to its similar properties, under the brand name Stresscom. "It acts as an immuno modulator as well as helps in anxiety problems," says Abhinav Rahul, a spokesperson of Dabur.



post by santan.., 23st.., july......