Sunday Mail, Kuala Lumpur
August 1, 2004
Although the goodness of spirulina is already well known, the latest findings by two experts are further confirmation of its positive effects on health.
Two world-class spirulina experts Dr. Yasumasa Kodo and Hwu Kuen Feng recently shared their latest findings on spirulina as an excellent source of anti-oxidant; and cultivation techniques.
Kodo has a masters degree in chemistry from Oxford University in Britain and in 1988, he received his PhD in bio-organic chemistry.
In a media briefing organised by Elken Sdn Bhd, he announced that the production of active oxygen in the human body causes neuro- degenerative disorders, atherosclerosis and inflammatory disease.
A research by Kodo on more than 60 people in Japan focussed on the correlation between blood plasma concentration of beta-carotene and spirulina. The research also showed that the concentration of beta- carotene in the blood was up to three times higher for men and women who consumed spirulina.
This is evidence that spirulina is an excellent source of antioxidants and beta-carotene which protect the body from attacks by active oxygen.
Hwu, a spirulina cultivation expert with 30 years of experience told reporters that a well-supervised man-made lake is crucial for the clean cultivation of spirulina. A man-made cultivation lake should be:
* located in a non-industrial area to minimise exposure to pollution;
* supplied with natural salt lake water for maximum nourishment on the crop; and
* there should be adequate rainfall and sunshine, at an optimal temperature of 30-35C.
He said a clean cultivation pool should have the following specifications:
* no larger than 40x8 metres, to maximise individual attention on all crops;
* constructed out of concrete, to enable post-harvest cleaning and sun sanitation;
* fixed with water wheels for perpetual horizontal motions to ensure even and sufficient nutrient supply to the crops; and
* fixed with water wheels for perpetual vertical motions to ensure even exposure to sunlight as required in the photosynthesis process, prevent over-exposure on the top layer, and provide constant supply of oxygen to kill bacteria and viruses, if present.
(C) 2004 Sunday Mail, Kuala Lumpur. via ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved
