Spirulina - the name used to identify a dried biomass obtained from the collection of spirulina algae (Arthrospira platensis) - is considered by EFSA - European Food Safety Authority - a food ingredient and can be included in supplements and in foodstuffsA true natural prodigy thanks to its incredible content of nutrients: we are talking about spirulina, a complete and nutritious plant food, which contains 60-65% of proteins, essential amino acids, minerals (iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, calcium, phosphorus , zinc and the rare selenium) and vitamins (A, B, C, E, K, also rich in B12, essential for vegetarian diets).NASA uses it as food for astronauts, the World Health Organization has called it the most complete food in the world and for the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) it will be the food of the future.However, despite being considered an alga, spirulina is a cyanobacterium of the genus Arthrospira and therefore some of its specificities must be taken into consideration.The product grows rapidly and needs 20 times less space used for soy production and 200 times less than beef production.Under optimal conditions, spirulina can double its biomass every 2-5 days.This is why it is a product that can have positive impacts both on the environmental level and on human health.Anses - French Food Safety Agency - in a report published at the end of 2017 - recalls that spirulina may contain cyanotoxins, bacteria and traces of heavy metals (lead, arsenic and mercury) which if absorbed during growth - if grown in suboptimal conditions (cases have been reported in the United States, Cuba, Thailand, Mexico, India, Israel but also Italy) - can induce allergies.However, if spirulina is consumed in normal doses, it presents no problems;the advice is to always buy it from controlled sources and not to consider it a miraculous supplement.Spirulina is rich in carotenoids and other macronutrients;in particular it contains the following phytonutrients: proteins with a high biological value (65%);carbohydrates (including rhamnose which promotes glucose metabolism), and crude fiber (3-7%);water-soluble vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, B12, biotin, pantothenic acid, inositol) and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, alpha-tocopherol, K);essential and non-essential amino acids;essential fatty acids (linolenic and alpha-linolenic acid), gamma-linolenic acid (GLA);mineral salts (Ca, K, P, Na, Mg, S, Cl, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Co, Ni, Mo, Cr).It is rich in pigments such as chlorophylls, phycocyanin (excellent antioxidant), zeaxanthin, lutein, beta-carotene, carotenes and xanthophylls (mixoxanthophyll, cryptoxanthin, echinenone).It has a low calorie content, is cholesterol free and contains only 5% fat, as opposed to animal protein.Spirulina is excellent as a food supplement for vegetarian and vegan diets, for those who practice sports or have food shortages.It has about double the protein than dry soy (35%), peanuts (25%) and cereals (8-10%).Spirulina is good for you because it is a powerful antioxidant, it promotes the purifying action of the organism - in particular of the liver and kidneys - it protects the nervous system, maintains skin elasticity and the health of hair, nails and eyes, protects the organism from the onset of cancerous diseases, strengthens the immune system, increases physical endurance and muscle development, promotes better performance at work, sports and study, promotes quick recovery after illness and effort.In the production of this super food Italy is doing its part, in particular the south of the country, thanks to two interesting realities: one in the province of Bari, launched in 2014, and one in the province of Salerno, more recently.The first - called ApuliaKundi - created the Spirulina - Food of the Gods project to participate in the development of the knowledge and innovation economy through the start-up of a pilot plant of the microalga in Puglia for the development of a natural food supplement and pure.The ApuliaKundi group is made up of young people from Puglia who combine personal characteristics, professional skills and experiences aimed at the good management and realization of the business idea.The partnership put in place is made up of the Department of Agro-environmental and Territorial Sciences (DISAAT) and the Department of Pharmacy of the University of Bari Aldo Moro.The Departments have agreed to support the project activities by sharing the objectives and considering above all the positive effects that this project can offer in terms of scientific research.More recently, however, the production started at the AlghePAM plant, near Acciaroli, which grows spirulina.AlghePAM is an innovative startup that produces microalgae, contributing to eco-sustainability since the cultivation of spirulina allows it to have a positive impact on the environment as for every kg of biomass produced almost 2 kg of CO2 is captured from the atmosphere.The Salerno reality was born from the passion, courage and professionalism of Edoardo Leggieri, marine biologist.The company is characterized by the innovations made to the production system considered the most reliable in the sector: the one based on the use of photobioreactors, a closed system that allows you to maximize the quality and purity of spirulina.The system used by AlghePAM is a valid alternative to the traditional open system based on the use of open pound tanks.Photobioreactors make it possible to produce high quality biomass.The crop is 100% protected from harmful elements of the environment such as impurities and contamination.The space required for the installation of photobioreactors requires up to 20 times less than the open system as the plant develops vertically and not horizontally.Furthermore, the system allows to completely cancel the evaporation effect and therefore further water savings of about 20% less than the open system.Finally, the water, once depleted of nutrients for the growth of spirulina, is reused to irrigate the plants surrounding the company.In short, in both cases, the production of spirulina is controlled and has an eye towards the environment.The advice - if you are interested in using it - is to consult a doctor who can assess your general state of health and who can confirm the usefulness of supplementing the diet with spirulina.GreenPlanner wants to inform, educate and train people to have a positive impact on society, the biosphere and the economy.Edizioni Green Planner is a benefit company and is the first publishing house in Italy - and one of the first in the world - to become Certified B Corporation and to certify its financial statements with the Federation of the Common Good.