Nostoc: A different food and their presence in the precordillera of Arica

The Nostoc is a colony of cyanobacteria, which may be dormant until the first rains hydrate him, forming spheres of 10 to 25 mm in diameter, similar to grapes. It is in the Andes Mountains, over 3000 m. It has ablue-greencolor and is food from centuries of some highland peoples. Has the ability to fix nitrogen from the air, and hydrogen and other elements. In South America it is also known as Cushuro, Murmunta, Llullucha or Llayta. Known from Central America to Brazil, consumed mainly in Peru and Bolivia. There in Asia: China, Indonesia, India, also in Europe: Germany, Spain, France. It is located in South Africa, used as natural fertilizer. In Los Andes is located on shores of lagoons, lakes and streams, sun drying is consumed in soups and entrees. Its infusion is used to contain excessive menstrual flow. As complementary food ensures that protects teeth and strong bones. The importance of the issue lies in analyzing a food supplement inexpensive, its use as bio fertilizer, medicine and ethanol production. It is intended todisseminate knowledge on a different type of food, which is very close to our northern cities and has proven its value for centuries. Resorted to recognized sources of international and local data looking for a practical application, rather than specialized information. It is a valuable item, given the growing demand for food in the world, being an economic nutritional supplement, available in the Andean countries and has probed for centuries it goodness: 100 g dried are obtained: 25.4g protein, 1.076 g of calcium and vitamin A.