Last update: December 31, 2022 11:41 IST
Five grams of algae contains the same amount of protein as one kilogram of spinach, according to scientist G Bhargavi of Krishi Vijan Kendra in Medak, Telangana. (Photo: News18)
This nutrient-rich algae is now grown in Krissi Binan Kendra. In addition to regular tablets, the center will also sell spirulina-enriched yogurt, chikki, and biscuits.
Can certain types of blue-green algae help combat malnutrition? In 1974, the United Nations world The Food Conference had hailed spirulina as perhaps the best food of the future. Apart from manufacturing regular tablets, the center will also sell spirulina-enriched yogurt, chikki, and biscuits.
“5 grams of algae contains the same protein as 1 kg of spinach. We are working on a model where we can give 1.5 grams of spirulina to children aged 2 to 6 to help them grow,” Bhargavi said.
Apart from these foods, the center will also sell spirulina petrolatum, as algae is said to fight aging skin.
In 1940, a little-known magazine published a report by French psychologist Danjard about a substance called dihe that the Kanembu people near Lake Chad were eating. Dihe is a hard, sun-dried cake of blue-green algae collected from the shores of small ponds around Lake Chad. According to a paper entitled “Spirulina in Combatting Protein Energy Imbalance (PEM) and Protein Energy Depletion” published in The Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism, botanist Jean Lenard found during an expedition across the Sahara Desert in Belgium , confirmed that jihae is composed of spirulina. .
Meanwhile, Leonard was commissioned by Mexico’s Sosa Texcoco to study algal blooms at their sodium hydroxide manufacturing facility. As a result, the first systematic and detailed study of the growth requirements and physiology of Spirulina was performed. This research was part of his PhD. Zarrouk’s paper (1966) was the basis for setting up the first large-scale production plants. Spirulina was established as a “wonderful food source” by the International Society for Applied Microbiology in 1967, the paper states.
health benefits
Sujatha Stephen RD, chief nutritionist at Yashoda Hospitals in Hyderabad, said that one gram of dried spirulina powder contains 4 grams of protein and other nutrients such as riboflavin, niacin, iron, magnesium and potassium. increase. “Spirulina contains antioxidants. It can help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels,” she said. rice field.
“Spirulina is mainly grown for export. In other countries it costs around 2,000 rupees per kilogram, but if you grow it here, you can sell it for 500 rupees per kilogram. It is cheap and effective for children and adults. It could be a good source of nutrition,” added Bhagavi.
It is best to consult your doctor before consuming Spirulina.
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