Spirulina has always intrigued us with its exceptional nutritional values and health benefits. But did you know that behind this little blue-green algae lies a fascinating story dating back billions of years? It is precisely the origin of spirulina and its various historical uses that we will look at in this article.
The history of spirulina dates back to ancient civilizations such as the Aztecs and Kanembou to the modern era. Many organizations, including the UN and the WHO, have expressed interest in its health benefits.
To better understand the origins of spirulina and its place among the most coveted superfoods, we will explore:
- The history of spirulina among ancient people
- The scientific side of blue-green algae
- The recognition of this super algae by renowned organizations
- The importance of its place of production
Explore with us the origins and history of spirulina production , from ancient times to today. Let's discover together how this blue-green algae became one of the most coveted food supplements in the world. Keep reading!
The historical origin of spirulina
Spirulina, this precious microalgae with remarkable nutritional properties, has a history that goes deep into ancient times. It finds its origin in the first ages of life on Earth, 3.5 billion years ago.
This super algae was known and used by primitive civilizations who populated regions as diverse as South America and Africa. The indigenous peoples of these regions had integrated it as an essential element of their diet. Let's take a closer look at the history of spirulina through its use during ancient times.
Spirulina, an ancestral discovery from the Aztecs
The first reliable historical accounts of these superfoods come from the Spanish conquistadors, including Hernán Cortés. He says he discovered a green dish, prepared in the form of a pie, during the conquest of the Aztecs by the Spanish .
Indeed, between the 14th and 16th centuries, the Aztec civilization widely used this spiral algae, which they called “ Tecuitlatl ”. Harvested from Lake Texcoco, where it proliferates naturally, this microalgae was an essential food source for the Aztecs.
Once harvested, the blue-green algae was dried in the sun and then cut into bricks. This method of preservation allowed the Aztecs to have a vital source of protein all year round. Although their form differs from the organic spirulina tablets that we consume today, these cakes provide the same nutritional benefits.
The Kanembou origin of spirulina
Spirulina has an even older history in Chad , in the Kanem region. The kanembou have exploited its nutritional resources there since time immemorial. They harvest super algae from the surface of lakes. These lakes are home to a sort of “green mush” that grows naturally in these mineral-rich waters.
After harvesting, the spirulina is dried to be transformed into cakes, called “ dihé ” in the Kanembou tradition. These cakes are an important source of nutrients for the community. These microalgae are also used to prepare nutritious broths that enrich meals. These products are also sold in local markets , allowing residents to benefit from this valuable source of nutrition.
If you want to deepen your knowledge about dietary spirulina , this article can tell you more.
The first notable scientific observations of the super algae
Spirulina was the subject of an important scientific discovery in the 1960s , thanks to the work of pioneer Jean Léonard. During an expedition to Chad , he identified this microalgae and gave it the name Spirulina platensis. This discovery marks the beginning of the modern study of this super algae.
At the beginning of the 1970s , the IFP (French Petroleum Institute) asked the company SOSA-TEXCOCO for authorization to study this blue-green algae. Dr. Clément was particularly interested in the many nutritional benefits of spirulina, including its high protein content. This protein research attracted the attention of the scientific world to this microalgae. Studies regarding spirulina have shown that it could become a potential food source and have attracted growing interest.
This craze marks the history of large-scale production of spirulina towards the end of the 1970s. This event marks a major turning point for this superfood, which went from a scientific discovery to a global nutritional asset.
The scientific aspect of spiral algae
Spirulina, this super algae with remarkable nutritional properties, takes its name from its fascinating scientific aspect. In Latin, the term “ spirulina ” refers to a spiral or twist, in accordance with the unique structure of this microalgae. It gets its name from the way its cells are twisted into a corkscrew shape. Spirulina is generally between 0.3 and 0.5 mm long , which means that it is only visible under a microscope. Despite its small size, it is extremely rich in essential nutrients.
There are many species of spirulina in aquatic and marine ecosystems around the world. However, only three species of spiral algae have been studied extensively. These super algae are both edible and have exceptional nutritional qualities . We can notably cite:
- Arthrospira maxima
- Arthrospira platensis
- Arthrospira fusiformis
Spirulina and its history with renowned organizations
Spirulina is widely recognized as a superfood thanks to its exceptional health benefits. Since 1974, the UN has made the history of spirulina production by supporting this microalgae. The United Nations has even called it the “ best food of the future ”. This led to the creation of the Intergovernmental Institute for the Use of Super Algae Against Malnutrition.
Its various health benefits earned spirulina recognition by the WHO in 2005 . The latter qualifies it in particular as the main means of combating famine and anti-malnutrition for populations. Even NASA has shown interest in this superfood as part of its space missions. Its exceptional nutritional values make it an asset for long-term human flights.
Nowadays, spirulina and its benefits are unanimously accepted in the field of food supplements. This blue-green algae is very beneficial for the body because of the many nutrients it contains. But what is the composition of spirulina? If you are interested in the elements that make up this superfood, check out our article on the subject.
Its consumption has even been authorized within the framework of the Olympic Games . Indeed, the high protein content of this food supplement helps support sports performance. Its low cholesterol level is also favorable for athletes.
To provide additional support to athletes, we have created our Spirulina Elixir . In addition to the large quantity of nutrients it contains, this elixir is easily assimilated by the body .
The main environmental challenges linked to the cultivation of microalgae
Spirulina has particular cultivation characteristics which mean that it is not found in just any fresh water. Let's take a closer look at the specific issues related to the cultivation of this microalgae.
The ideal growing conditions for the creation of spirulina
Blue-green algae requires a very specific growing environment and water quality , particularly in terms of pH. The latter must be precisely controlled, often maintained between 9 and 11. This super algae thrives in environments with brackish salinity . Growing spirulina also requires optimal temperatures, generally around 35 to 37°C.
This microalgae has the particularity of developing according to the nutrients present in the ponds where it is cultivated. This specificity makes it possible to enrich the spiral algae with a specific nutrient in order to create spirulina with very specific properties. This is how we obtain our spirulina enriched with iron , zinc, etc.
Place of cultivation and origin of this ancient superfood
Blue-green algae must be grown in a pure environment to keep all its health-promoting properties intact. This means that the place where spirulina is grown must be free of pollution that could alter its quality.
This is why at Algorigin we cultivate our Spirulina at the foot of the Andes Mountains in Ecuador . This region benefits from a preserved environment, clean air and water from melting snow from the Cayambe volcano. The region benefits from sunshine and temperatures conducive to successful cultivation of spirulina.
It is this exceptional natural setting that makes our spirulina 100% natural , safe and very popular. The purity of the environment is reflected in that of our superfoods, providing you with superior quality products. Get the best food supplements with complete peace of mind in our store. Whether you choose our organic spirulina in granules or tablets, you can be sure of the quality of the product.
Spirulina, a food supplement rich in history
We have seen that over the centuries, spirulina has witnessed multiple evolutions. It has gone from exploitation by ancient civilizations to recent scientific discoveries which have revealed its full potential. His scientific discovery also allowed its integration into programs to combat malnutrition around the world.
Beyond its thousand-year-old history, super algae also draws its nutritional richness from its place of cultivation. It is to guarantee this richness and purity that we have set up our farm at the foot of the Andes Mountains. This allows us to produce spirulina that is both nutrient-rich and 100% organic . So, choose the range of spirulina that suits you in our store and benefit from its exceptional benefits for your health.
