Last Update: December 31, 2022, 11:41 IST
The protein found in 5 grams of algae is the same as what is found in 1 kg of spinach, says G Bhargavi, a scientist at Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Medak, Telangana. (Photo: News18)
This nutrient-dense algae is now grown at Krishi Vignan Kendra. Apart from making regular tablets, the Center will also sell yogurt, chikki and biscuits enriched with spirulina
Can a type of blue-green algae help fight malnutrition? G Bhargavi, a scientist at Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Medak, Telangana, believes so. In 1974, the United Nations World Food Conference praised spirulina as the best food for the future. This nutrient-dense algae is now grown at Krishi Vignan Kendra. Apart from making regular tablets, the Center will also sell yogurt, chikki and biscuits enriched with spirulina.
“The protein found in 5 grams of algae is the same as what is found in 1 kg of spinach. While developing it, we are working on a model where we can bring in the benefits of algae to fight malnutrition among children and nursing mothers. 1.5 grams of spirulina can be given to children between two and six years to help their growth,” said Bhargavi.
Apart from these food products, the Center will also sell spirulina vaseline because the algae is said to fight skin aging.
In 1940, a little-known journal published a report by the French psychologist Dangeard on a substance called dihé, consumed by the Kanembu people near Lake Chad. Dihé is a hard cake of sun-dried blue-green algae collected from the edge of small ponds around Lake Chad. According to a paper entitled ‘Spirulina in the fight against Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM) and Protein Energy Wasting’ published in The Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism, botanist Jean Leonard, during his Belgian Trans-Saharan Expedition, confirmed that dihé consists of spirulina.
At that time, Léonard received a request from Sosa-Texcoco Ltd, Mexico, to study algal blooms in their sodium hydroxide production facility. As a result, the first systematic and detailed study of the growth and physiological requirements of spirulina was performed. This study, which is part of a Ph.D. thesis by Zarrouk (1966) was the basis for establishing the first large-scale production plant. Spirulina was established in 1967 as a ‘wonderful food source’ by the International Society of Applied Microbiology, the paper said.
Health benefits
Sujatha Stephen RD, chief nutritionist at Yashoda Hospital in Hyderabad, says 1 gram of dried spirulina powder has 4 grams of protein and other nutrients such as riboflavin, niacin, iron, magnesium and potassium. “Spirulina is loaded with antioxidants. It helps in lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels,” he said. “As an excellent anti-inflammatory, it helps reduce inflammation in the body and promotes healing and regeneration. Spirulina may have anti-cancer properties and appears to be very effective against some types of precancer. mouth sores. However, more studies are needed,” he added.
“Spirulina is grown mainly for export. It costs around Rs 2,000 per kg in other countries, but if we grow it here, we can sell it for Rs 500 per kg. It can be a cheap and effective source of nutrients for children and adults,” added Bhagavi.
It is best to take spirulina after consulting a doctor.
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