0 a type of blue-green algae (= very simple, usually small plants that grow in or near water and do not have ordinary leaves or roots) growing in large masses in areas of warm water:
A traditional food source in parts of Africa and Mexico, spirulina is an exceptionally rich source of vitamins, minerals, and protein.
Supplemental doses of a type of algae called spirulina appear to enhance the immune system.
Almost any café worth its salt serves glasses of spirulina , a thick, green goo made from powdered seaweed and often mixed with the likes of apple juice and avocado.
Products, such as fish oil and spirulina tablets are also extracted from seafoods.
In a 2009 study, 550 malnourished children were fed up to 10 g/day of spirulina powder, with no adverse effects.
In particular, it needs a source of spirulina to regularly graze from, and achieves a respectable size of 30cm (12 inches).
Common variants replace part of the shrimp or peas with fish meat, spinach, spirulina, or mussel meat, and add astaxanthin, ascorbic acid, or garlic.
Today millions of health conscious people enjoy the health benefits of spirulina in myriad products worldwide.
