Dried Cushuro Powder
Cushuro (Nostoc sphaericum) Medical & Nutritional Benefits
Cushuro, the “Caviar of the Andes,” is an incredible superfood. It provides more protein per serving than red meat, lots of iron, calcium, b vitamins, and antioxidants, as well as cytotoxins taht may inhibit the growth of cancerous tumors. It dries to around 1% of its wet weight, so a kilo is a huge quantity. A serving dry is a quarter teasoon. Our Cushuro is sourced from local Quechua people in the Sacred Valley of Peru, from pristine high country Andean lakes.
Nutritional Benefits
Cushuro, also known as Nostoc sphaericum, is a gelatinous, spherical cyanobacterium native to high Andean regions.
Exceptionally rich in protein (35–42% in fresh form, ~30% when dried), making it a high-quality plant-based protein.
Contains all essential amino acids, making it a complete protein
High in iron (up to 83 mg/100g dehydrated), calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, and other essential minerals
Rich in B vitamins (B1, B2, B5, B8), supporting energy metabolism and overall health
Provides dietary fiber and polysaccharides, contributing to digestive health and serving as functional food ingredients
Traditionally consumed as a dietary supplement and stabilizer, and now considered a "food of the future" for its nutritional density and versatility in food and aerospace industries
Medical Benefits
Malnutrition Prevention: Cushuro's dense nutrient profile has led to its use in government-supported programs to combat malnutrition, especially in children and vulnerable populations in Peru. Studies have shown it improves nutritional status in malnourished children, and its protein hydrolysates are easily digestible, making it suitable for clinical nutrition and supplementation.
Hepatoprotective Effect: Research on animals indicates that cushuro consumption can protect the liver, reducing triglyceride levels and preserving liver tissue against damage from high-sucrose diets. This suggests potential for supporting liver health in humans.
Functional Food Potential: The bioactive compounds in cushuro, including proteins and polysaccharides, offer antioxidant and health-promoting properties, making it a valuable ingredient for developing functional foods such as protein bars, shakes, and supplements.
Cytotoxins and Anti-Cancer Properties
Studies have established that the cytotoxins contained in cushuro inhibit cell division in cancer tumors, helpig to prevent or even stop growth.
Government Interest
The Peruvian government and international agencies have recognized cushuro's potential in addressing malnutrition, integrating it into national nutrition programs targeting children, pregnant women, and the poor4. These programs aim to improve health outcomes by providing nutrient-rich supplements like cushuro.
Relevant Sources for Further Reading:
NCBI - Nutritional and functional properties of Nostoc sphaericum
Study and characterization of cushuro proteins and polysaccharides (University of Leeds)2
Dialnet - Cushuro: Habitat, characteristics, nutritional value1
Revista Nutrición - Hepatoprotective effect of Nostoc commune (cushuro)3
Cushuro is a highly nutritious Andean superfood with significant protein, iron, and vitamin content, making it ideal for combating malnutrition and supporting overall health. It has demonstrated hepatoprotective effects and is being considered by governments as a strategic food supplement in public health programs. Its potential for cytotoxic and anti-cancer activity is promising but requires further research. For more scientific details, consult NCBI and the sources listed above. *These statements do not constitute medical advice.
Cushuro (Nostoc sphaericum) Medical & Nutritional Benefits
Cushuro, the “Caviar of the Andes,” is an incredible superfood. It provides more protein per serving than red meat, lots of iron, calcium, b vitamins, and antioxidants, as well as cytotoxins taht may inhibit the growth of cancerous tumors. It dries to around 1% of its wet weight, so a kilo is a huge quantity. A serving dry is a quarter teasoon. Our Cushuro is sourced from local Quechua people in the Sacred Valley of Peru, from pristine high country Andean lakes.
Nutritional Benefits
Cushuro, also known as Nostoc sphaericum, is a gelatinous, spherical cyanobacterium native to high Andean regions.
Exceptionally rich in protein (35–42% in fresh form, ~30% when dried), making it a high-quality plant-based protein.
Contains all essential amino acids, making it a complete protein
High in iron (up to 83 mg/100g dehydrated), calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, and other essential minerals
Rich in B vitamins (B1, B2, B5, B8), supporting energy metabolism and overall health
Provides dietary fiber and polysaccharides, contributing to digestive health and serving as functional food ingredients
Traditionally consumed as a dietary supplement and stabilizer, and now considered a "food of the future" for its nutritional density and versatility in food and aerospace industries
Medical Benefits
Malnutrition Prevention: Cushuro's dense nutrient profile has led to its use in government-supported programs to combat malnutrition, especially in children and vulnerable populations in Peru. Studies have shown it improves nutritional status in malnourished children, and its protein hydrolysates are easily digestible, making it suitable for clinical nutrition and supplementation.
Hepatoprotective Effect: Research on animals indicates that cushuro consumption can protect the liver, reducing triglyceride levels and preserving liver tissue against damage from high-sucrose diets. This suggests potential for supporting liver health in humans.
Functional Food Potential: The bioactive compounds in cushuro, including proteins and polysaccharides, offer antioxidant and health-promoting properties, making it a valuable ingredient for developing functional foods such as protein bars, shakes, and supplements.
Cytotoxins and Anti-Cancer Properties
Studies have established that the cytotoxins contained in cushuro inhibit cell division in cancer tumors, helpig to prevent or even stop growth.
Government Interest
The Peruvian government and international agencies have recognized cushuro's potential in addressing malnutrition, integrating it into national nutrition programs targeting children, pregnant women, and the poor4. These programs aim to improve health outcomes by providing nutrient-rich supplements like cushuro.
Relevant Sources for Further Reading:
NCBI - Nutritional and functional properties of Nostoc sphaericum
Study and characterization of cushuro proteins and polysaccharides (University of Leeds)2
Dialnet - Cushuro: Habitat, characteristics, nutritional value1
Revista Nutrición - Hepatoprotective effect of Nostoc commune (cushuro)3
Cushuro is a highly nutritious Andean superfood with significant protein, iron, and vitamin content, making it ideal for combating malnutrition and supporting overall health. It has demonstrated hepatoprotective effects and is being considered by governments as a strategic food supplement in public health programs. Its potential for cytotoxic and anti-cancer activity is promising but requires further research. For more scientific details, consult NCBI and the sources listed above. *These statements do not constitute medical advice.
Cushuro (Nostoc sphaericum) Medical & Nutritional Benefits
Cushuro, the “Caviar of the Andes,” is an incredible superfood. It provides more protein per serving than red meat, lots of iron, calcium, b vitamins, and antioxidants, as well as cytotoxins taht may inhibit the growth of cancerous tumors. It dries to around 1% of its wet weight, so a kilo is a huge quantity. A serving dry is a quarter teasoon. Our Cushuro is sourced from local Quechua people in the Sacred Valley of Peru, from pristine high country Andean lakes.
Nutritional Benefits
Cushuro, also known as Nostoc sphaericum, is a gelatinous, spherical cyanobacterium native to high Andean regions.
Exceptionally rich in protein (35–42% in fresh form, ~30% when dried), making it a high-quality plant-based protein.
Contains all essential amino acids, making it a complete protein
High in iron (up to 83 mg/100g dehydrated), calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, and other essential minerals
Rich in B vitamins (B1, B2, B5, B8), supporting energy metabolism and overall health
Provides dietary fiber and polysaccharides, contributing to digestive health and serving as functional food ingredients
Traditionally consumed as a dietary supplement and stabilizer, and now considered a "food of the future" for its nutritional density and versatility in food and aerospace industries
Medical Benefits
Malnutrition Prevention: Cushuro's dense nutrient profile has led to its use in government-supported programs to combat malnutrition, especially in children and vulnerable populations in Peru. Studies have shown it improves nutritional status in malnourished children, and its protein hydrolysates are easily digestible, making it suitable for clinical nutrition and supplementation.
Hepatoprotective Effect: Research on animals indicates that cushuro consumption can protect the liver, reducing triglyceride levels and preserving liver tissue against damage from high-sucrose diets. This suggests potential for supporting liver health in humans.
Functional Food Potential: The bioactive compounds in cushuro, including proteins and polysaccharides, offer antioxidant and health-promoting properties, making it a valuable ingredient for developing functional foods such as protein bars, shakes, and supplements.
Cytotoxins and Anti-Cancer Properties
Studies have established that the cytotoxins contained in cushuro inhibit cell division in cancer tumors, helpig to prevent or even stop growth.
Government Interest
The Peruvian government and international agencies have recognized cushuro's potential in addressing malnutrition, integrating it into national nutrition programs targeting children, pregnant women, and the poor4. These programs aim to improve health outcomes by providing nutrient-rich supplements like cushuro.
Relevant Sources for Further Reading:
NCBI - Nutritional and functional properties of Nostoc sphaericum
Study and characterization of cushuro proteins and polysaccharides (University of Leeds)2
Dialnet - Cushuro: Habitat, characteristics, nutritional value1
Revista Nutrición - Hepatoprotective effect of Nostoc commune (cushuro)3
Cushuro is a highly nutritious Andean superfood with significant protein, iron, and vitamin content, making it ideal for combating malnutrition and supporting overall health. It has demonstrated hepatoprotective effects and is being considered by governments as a strategic food supplement in public health programs. Its potential for cytotoxic and anti-cancer activity is promising but requires further research. For more scientific details, consult NCBI and the sources listed above. *These statements do not constitute medical advice.