======Spirulina======

//Spirulina// is a form of cyanobacterium, often eaten as a protein rich dietary supplement, which consists primarily of two species of cyanobacterium: Arthrospira platensis and Arthrospira maxima.  Dried Spirulina is an extremely dense form of protein and nutrients, containing about 57g of protein per 100g of powder.  It is a complete protein with all essential amino acids.  It also contains other nutrients such as:

	- Vitamin K
	- Iodine

This supplement is often distributed as a tablet or powder and can be grown in a highly alkaline environment (PH 8.5+).  Since it is difficult for other life forms to exist in a high PH environment, it is relatively easy to grow Spirulina and keep it free from infectious microbes.

=====Adding Spirulina to Your Diet=====

Its relatively easy to add Spirulina to your diet.  Dr. Mercola, for instance, suggests adding 1 tbsp of Spirulina to a meal as a protein supplement. 

	- [[http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/07/17/spirulina-one-of-natures-nearperfect-foods.aspx?np=true Just 1 TBSP of Spirulina a Day: An Easy Way to Lower Your Cholesterol, Blood Pressure and...]]

=====Growing Spirulina=====

====Nutrients to Feed Spirulina====

Spirulina is able to produce its own food, without a living energy or organic carbon source.  A simple formula which could grow spirulina includes:

Baking soda - NaHCO3 - 16 g/L = 60.56 g/gal
Potassium nitrate - KNO3 - 2 g/L = 7.57 g/gal
Sea salt - NaCl - 1 g/L = 3.78 g/gal
Potassium phosphate - KH 2 PO 4 - 0.1 g/L = .378 g/gal
Iron sulphate - FeSO4 * 7H2O - 0.01 g/L = .0378 g/gal