Algae as a new superfood? Indian scientists are working on a model for using spirulina to fight malnutrition

Final up to date: December 31, 2022, at 11:41 a.m. IST

G Bhargavi, Scientist at Krishi Vigyan Kendra at Medak, Telangana, said that the protein in 5g of algae is equal to what is in 1kg of spinach.  (photo: News18)

G Bhargavi, Scientist at Krishi Vigyan Kendra at Medak, Telangana, mentioned that the protein in 5g of algae is the same as what’s in 1kg of spinach. (picture: News18)

This nutrient-dense algae is now being grown at Krishi Vignan Kendra. Other than making common tablets, the middle will even promote yogurt, shakes, and biscuits fortified with spirulina

Might a sort of blue-green algae assist fight malnutrition? G. Bhargavi, Scientist at Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Medak, Telangana, thinks so. In 1974, the United Nations Globalism A meals convention hailed spirulina as presumably one of the best meals for the longer term. This nutrient-dense algae is now being grown at Krishi Vignan Kendra. Other than making common tablets, the middle will even promote yogurt, shakes, and biscuits fortified with spirulina.

“The protein in 5g of algae is the same as what’s in 1kg of spinach. Whereas that is rising, we’re engaged on a mannequin the place we will convey the advantages of algae to combat malnutrition amongst kids and nursing moms. 1.5g of spirulina will be given to kids between the ages of two And 6 years to assist with their progress,” Bhargavi mentioned.

Aside from these meals merchandise, the middle will even promote Spirulina Vaseline because the algae is alleged to combat pores and skin getting old.

In 1940, a little-known journal printed a report by French psychologist Dangerd on a substance referred to as dihi, eaten by the Kanembu folks close to Lake Chad. Dihé are arduous desserts of sun-dried, blue-green algae collected from the shores of small ponds round Lake Chad. In accordance with a paper titled ‘Spirulina within the combat towards protein power malnutrition (PEM) and protein power waste’ printed within the Society for Medical Vitamin and Metabolism, botanist Jean Leonard, throughout his Belgian expedition via the desert, confirmed that Daihi consists of spirulina.

Throughout that point, Léonard acquired an order from Sosa-Texcoco Ltd, Mexico, to check algal blooms at a sodium hydroxide manufacturing facility. Consequently, the primary systematic and detailed examine of the expansion necessities and physiology of spirulina was carried out. This examine, which was a part of his Ph.D. thesis. Zarrouk’s thesis (1966) was the premise for the institution of the primary large-scale manufacturing plant. Spirulina was established in 1967 as a “superfood supply” by the Worldwide Affiliation of Utilized Microbiology, the paper states.

Well being advantages

Sujatha Stephen RD, Senior Nutritionist at Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad says that 1g of dried spirulina powder comprises 4g of protein and different vitamins like riboflavin, niacin, iron, magnesium and potassium. Spirulina is filled with antioxidants. She mentioned it helps decrease ldl cholesterol and triglyceride ranges. “Being a wonderful anti-inflammatory, it helps scale back irritation within the physique and promotes therapeutic and regeneration. Spirulina could have anti-cancer properties and seems to be significantly efficient towards sure forms of precancerous oral lesions, however extra analysis is required.”

Spirulina is especially grown for export. It prices about 2,000 rupees per kg in different nations, but when we develop it right here, we will promote it for 500 rupees per kg. It could develop into an affordable and efficient supply of vitamins for each kids and adults.”

It’s best to take spirulina after consulting a physician.

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