AMAZING FACTS ABOUT BLUE SPIRULINA - Updated 28.02.20

DID YOU KNOW?

Spirulina has been used for hundreds of years and was first recorded as a food source by the AZTECS in the 1500s.

Spirulina is typically considered to be one of the world's most powerful superfoods. It has more protein than meat, fish, poultry, and soybeans. It has the most beta-carotene of any food, and it has a full spectrum of ten mixed carotenoids. It contains all eight essential amino acids, and no fewer than ten non-essential amino acids. It is also rich in iron, vitamins A, E, and B, potassium, enzymes, minerals, phytonutrients, and beneficial fatty acids like DHA and GLA.

But, where does spirulina exactly come, and how does it get made into the powder and tablet forms that are suitable for human consumption and use?

The Origins of Spirulina 

Spirulina is a type of algae, and it also happens to be one of the oldest life forms on Earth. In fact, science has determined that Spirulina was actually responsible for producing much of the oxygen on the planet that allowed the earliest organisms to develop. 

For centuries, civilizations the world over cultivated and cherished Spirulina for its amazing health-improving benefits. The Aztecs harvested the algae from Lake Texcoco in Mexico. The native people in Chad, Africa have also used the algae as a primary staple in their daily diet, as Spirulina grows naturally and profusely in the pure salt water lakes of the region. 

Where Does Spirulina Grow? 

Spirulina, in its natural algae form, can be found in many freshwater lakes, rivers, and ponds. It grows best in environments that have moderate temperatures, and very high levels of sunlight.

In 1974, the World Health Organisation described Spirulina as: “an interesting food for multiple reasons, rich in iron and protein.”

Blue Spirulina is derived from a blue-green algae, (Arthrospira platensis). This algae is more commonly known as Spirulina. Phycocyanin is a blue pigment derived from spirulina which gives the algae its dark blue pigment when it has been extracted.

 The word phycocyanin comes from the Greek phyco (algae), and cyanin (blue-green). Phycocyanin is a pigment that gives spirulina (which is a deep green) a slightly bluish hue. To make Blue Spirulina, the water-soluble antioxidant phycocyanin is extracted from the spirulina and then sold as a blue powder.

Phycocyanin is only found in spirulina and some other species of blue-green algae and is one of the key differences between spirulina and other green foods like chlorella, wheat grass and barley. But besides just providing a beautiful blue colour, phycocyanin is a powerful antioxidant.

While phycocyanin is a powerful antioxidant that provides many benefits particularly in skincare, it’s the singular nutrient found in blue spirulina.

To many people’s surprise, this powder is not an artificial colorant, it is 100% NATURAL! 

Blue Spirulina and Skincare

Spirulina is rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, carotenoids and antioxidants. It contains Vitamin E, selenium and tyrosine, which are all known for their powerful anti-aging effects. The antioxidants present in tyrosine eliminate free radicals and slow down the ageing of skin cells.

Spirulina is also a brilliant source of chlorophyll, which has cleansing properties and it also helps your skin retain moisture, which is a major key to maintaining the appearance of smoother, hydrated skin. 

It detoxifies your skin - Spirulina encourages faster cell turnover, therefore helping your skin heal quicker. Increasing your skin’s metabolism is a key to maintaining a consistent healthy glow, so you’re naturally shedding those dry skin cells that make your skin appear sallow and dull.

It tones your skin - With its high content of calcium, iron, phosphorous and vitamins A, B-12 and E, spirulina works over time to fight free radicals, purifying your system and thereby restoring your skin’s vitality.

Blue Spirulina possesses powerful anti-inflammatory properties and soothing actives to reduce redness and repair skin. There is also evidence that Spirulina can improve acne, as it helps to eliminate the surface bacteria responsible for breakouts.

Blue Spirulina is known to have a high nutritional content - it boosts the immune system, increases metabolism, and improves digestion!

The great news about Blue Spirulina is that it does not have a fishy taste unlike green spirulina. It is rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, carotenoids and antioxidants. Spirulina has been widely recognised for its superior health benefits.

Susie Ma founder of Tropic skincare has recently discovered the amazing benefits of using Blue Spirulina in the formulation of her skincare products and is very pleased to be using this relatively new product in her formulation of our NEW PURE LAGOON Blemish Prevention Serum.  

Our PURE LAGOON is a lightweight acne-banishing and blemish-preventing serum that feeds your skin’s eco flora, with truly transformative results for blemish prone complexions. With Blue Spirulina and Malachite extract to soothe skin and reduce inflammation and Vitamin B3 and Zinc PCA to help balance sebum production and reduce pore size. Also with Prebiotics and Bioflavonoids which optimize your skin’s natural flora and help defend against acne-causing bacteria. 

Pure Lagoon works to regulate sebum production to give you a clearer, smoother complexion. It is suitable for ALL skin types, particularly oily and blemish-prone skin. Pure Lagoon’s blue colour is derived from the BLUE SPIRULINA and MALACHITE EXTRACT rich in copper and both possess powerful anti-inflammatory properties and soothing actives to reduce redness and repair skin and carries a subtle, refreshing scent of watermelon extract.

The results after use leaves your skin with a balanced, plumped complexion which is defended against acne-causing bacteria and with tighter, less visible pores and incredibly soothed and hydrated skin. 

 Pure Lagoon is not only great for using with Acne-proned skin but also skin conditions such as Eczema. Pure Lagoon can also be used a moisturizer by those who prefer a water-based formula and do not feel they need a richer cream.

 Pure Lagoon is 100% Naturally Derived, freshly made in Tropic’s Surrey Beauty Kitchen

PURE LAGOON can be purchased individually or also available in our Deluxe Collections.

You can treat yourself today and order your PURE LAGOON Blemish Prevention Serum over at my online shop and website at www.lynnepreece.com

? Lynne Preece/Dominique Steggles - Updated 28.02.20