Some people may hear the word spirulina and think that it is some kind of Italian food, but what it really is an ultra-nutritious super food! This statement begs the question “Well, what exactly is spirulina?” It is a type of blue-green algae that grows in warm climates. While some may not think of algae as something to eat, the following facts may change a lot of minds.

Spirulina’s odd sounding name comes from its helix of spiral-like shape. Its distinct coloring comes from its natural plant pigments that can provide numerous health benefits. Among these pigments are the green chlorophyll which aids in ridding the body of various toxins, the blue phycocyanin which promotes healthy immune function and protein absorption. Spirulina also contains a heavy amount of beta carotene which is a potent antioxidant that is converted to retinol (vitamin A), which is essential for healthy vision, and eventually converted into retinoic acid, which aids in processes related to growth and cell differentiation.

Another incredible fact about spirulina is that it is known to accelerate the body’s elimination of dioxins more effectively than any other food. Dioxins are toxic chemical contaminants formed through the combustion of organic material. People come into most contact with them via contaminated food, the dioxins are stored if fat tissue and the compounds can take years to break down in the body on their own.

Spirulina is one of the few food sources of GLA (Gamma Linolenic Acid), an essential Omega-6 fatty acid which is essential to human health yet is not made in the body and must be obtained from food. GLA is necessary for proper brain function, bone health, growth and development and metabolism regulation. Ingestion of this fatty acid may also help with various disorders such as dry eye conditions, bone loss and osteoporosis and prevention of nerve disease, especially in those with diabetes. In some studies, spirulina seemed to increase production of the anti-inflammatory chemicals called interferons and interleukins. Some researchers also believe that the algae may help block the release of histamine from mast cells during an allergic reaction and therefore prevent some responses in allergic individuals.    Its antioxidant and immune-enhancing properties may also produce anti cancer effects. One such effect is that spirulina promotes the release of tumor necrosis factor alpha, which is a chemical in the body that attacks tumor cells.

Apart from all of these wonderful health benefits of spirulina it is also high in vitamin B-12 as well as easy-to absorb iron, it boosts energy and encourages weight loss, helps to purify the liver, helps fight viral infections, increases mental alertness and lowers blood cholesterol and excess triglycerides. With all of these benefits how could one not want to incorporate spirulina into their diet? The only question left is how. While processed spirulina tablets are available, the body can absorb all of the super nutrients much more efficiently in the form of a natural and organic super food, like Boku Super Food.

What made you go into the naturopathic field?

When I was a teenager, I saw my grandparents killed by being prescribed multiple prescription medications. I wanted to find a better way to help people to become healthier, and live their lives without running from doctor to doctor. Naturopathic Medicine is a comprehensive approach to health. Even though I can prescribe prescription medications, I have so many tools to help a person get well and live a good life, I rarely prescribe drugs.

How did you come up with the BõKU™ formula?

BõKU™ Super Food is the product of my many years of study and practice in the field of naturopathic and nutritional medicine, combined with BõKU™ International’s mission to create the most potent, nutrient dense and health creating formula ever.  The mandate required that there could be no fillers of any kind and that every ingredient in BõKU™ Super Food was there for a reason.  On top of that, the blend had to be USDA certified Organic and taste good!  This was perhaps the most challenging aspect of creating the BõKU™ formula given the unparalleled nutritional value of this incredibly potent blend of ingredients.  I designed BõKU™ Super Food to appeal to the masses and support the body’s inner cleansing of its cells and organs. This is so important in the highly toxic environment in which most of us live. On the other hand, cleansing too quickly can deplete the body of nutrients and energy. Therefore, I carefully balanced BõKU™ with super rejuvenating foods, that help revitalize the body. I chose each BõKU™ Super Food ingredient to create a powerful synergy to help people move to their next level.

What is the most difficult part of formulating?

Formulating is challenging on many fronts. Once I determine the benefits I want to offer in a formula, I have to source ingredients from around the world. This is made even more complex because we are only using certified organic, kosher, and vegan ingredients in BõKU™ Super Food. It’s an extremely rewarding challenge to only use the world’s finest ingredients, create a vision for the nutritional profile, get the taste and texture right, and design an overall experience that people will want again and again.

Thanks Dr BJ!