Spirulina is a microscopic aquatic plant. It grows natively to some lakes, but is commercially grown in tanks.
Despite being miniscule in size, spirulina is remarkably tough. While it
prefers the warm alkaline environment of lakes and ponds, it can also
tolerate extreme salinity and other severe conditions that occur in
volcanic lakes.
The name for this one-celled organism is taken from the Latin word
helix and refers to its spiral form, in which an impressive number of
nutrients reside. One of the few plant sources of vitamin B12, a single
teaspoon of spirulina contains more B12 than liver. Spirulina is also a
rich source of amino acids, antioxidants, protein, calcium and iron.
