Spirulina and Chlorella History

Spirulina is a blue-green micro-alga that has been studied around the world for many years. In fact, there is evidence that the Aztecs and other Mesoamerican cultures used it as a food source until the 16th century. It was harvested from Lake Texcoco. During the 1960's French researchers found Spirulina in abundance at this lake.

As far back as the 9th century, Spirulina may have been used in Chad during the Kanem Empire. It is still used there today, and is dried into cakes called Dihe. The Spirulina is harvested from small lakes and ponds around Lake Chad.

NASA and the European Space Agency have also shown their support for Spirulina by proposing that it be one of the primary foods to be cultivated for astronauts who are part of long-term space missions.

Chlorella is very popular throughout Asia, especially in Japan where it is recognized for its health benefits. It was identified at the end of the 19th century, and the Japanese began "taking a closer look" in the 1940's. In fact, the Japanese take more Chlorella per capita than Americans take Vitamin C. They add it to tea, juice, soup, yogurt, noodles and other foods.

During the late 1940's and the early 1950's the world experienced a frightening uncontrollable population growth. With this growth, many people thought that Chlorella was the answer to feed world hunger. Why? Because Chlorella was recognized as a high quality food that wouldn't cost governments a lot of money.

Institutions began their research on Chlorella. Some notable institutions conducting this research were the Rockefeller Foundation, Carnegie Institution, NIH, Atomic Energy Commission, UC Berkeley and Stanford University.

Stanford University discovered that Chlorella could convert 20% of solar energy into a plant. When it was dried it contained 50% protein, amino acids, fat, calories and vitamins. Everything the human body needs to survive. In addition, to the benefits of this powerful food, Chlorella yielded more protein per unit than any other plant.

With their abundance of nutrients, scientists and traditional cultures recognize Spirulina and Chlorella are Perfect Supplements for optimal health.