Thursday, March 12, 2009

Aphanizomenon Flos-Aquae (Blue Green Algae) -- Why You Need It Everyday!

When it comes to superfoods found in nature, Blue Green Algae definitely makes the top ten list. This amazing source of goodness is one of the most nutritionally-dense substances on planet Earth, and it is also given to us in a form that can be easily digested and very efficiently assimilated. This simple but powerful organism contains so many nutritionally-potent compounds, that it is hard to believe that so many benefits can be found in this one source. Blue green algae is truly another health-protecting gift from our Creator.

There are virtually tens of thousands of types of algae found in nature, and quite a few of these are of the blue green variety. Algae is at the bottom of the food chain for many creatures, and is thus an important nutritional building block found world wide. However, you can't just go to your local pond or fishing hole and skim off some pond scum, as algae is often called. Many forms of algae and blue green algae are toxic to humans, and others have minimal nutritional value. The safest and most nutrition-packed species of blue green algae is called Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA), and is often harvested from pristine, cold, fresh-water lakes. Secure yourself a quality source of AFA, and you and your family will begin to reap the incredible health benefits it offers.

What is Blue Green Algae Composed of?

In scientific terms, AFA is classified as a micro-nutrient, but don't let the name fool you. There is nothing small about its nutritional value. The term "micro" refers to its tiny molecular structure that enables up to 95% of its nutrients to be absorbed. For example, AFA is an excellent source of protein of which 80% can be utilized by the body. In comparison, meat proteins only average about 20% assimilation.

Unlike some other types of algae, blue green (and particularly AFA) is especially beneficial to our health because of its synergistic ingredients. The blue tint of AFA is the result of a substance called phycocyanin that is a powerful enemy of free radicals, and also as a significant anti-inflammatory effect.

The green part of AFA is due to its high chlorophyll content. Chlorophyll is a complex phytonutrients that serves many valuable purposes including cleansing and detoxifying the body and helping to repair and rebuild damaged tissues. The best sources of AFA come from waters that receive a great amount of sunshine annually, thus increasing the chlorophyll content.

AFA is also high in vitamin B12, iron, and numerous enzymes and amino acids that provide needed building blocks for our bodies to maintain wellness. In addition, these critical substances act as a catalyst to increase the absorption of other nutrients. With AFA, the whole is definitely greater than the sum when it comes to benefitting our health.

Another favorable characteristic of AFA is its many carotenoids, which are power-packed phytonutrients such as lycopene, lutein, and beta carotene. These elements are very effective antioxidants that combat the deteriorating effects of free radicals.

AFA is also rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs) which provide many nutritional benefits including a stronger immune system and increased cardiac health. AFA is also an alkalizing food that lowers acidity in the body, the cause of many forms of illness.

How Can Blue Green Algae Benefit My Health?

Due to its impressive list of ingredients, AFA can be an excellent tool for preventing disease and pursuing wellness.

  • AFA is excellent for skin health, helping such conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne and for keeping skin moisturized and younger looking.

  • Blue green algae can also help to stabilize blood sugar and prevent hypoglycemia and diabetes.
  • It is also proven very useful for treating and preventing symptoms from allergies such as asthma, hay fever, and food allergies.
  • AFA is very beneficial to nerve cells, and has helped individuals who are hyperactive or are diagnosed with ADD. It can also sharpen concentration and improve memory.
  • Many athletes use AFA to increase performance and physical endurance. Even for those who don't work out intensely, AFA can boost energy levels and decrease fatigue.

The following are brief summaries of a couple of scientific studies:

  • Royal Victoria Hospital, affiliated with McGill University (Montreal) - Double-blind placebo-controlled study. Eating Aphanizomenon flos-aquae may help stimulate the circulatory system.
  • University of New Mexico - placebo controlled study. After eating Aphanizomenon flos-aquae for a period of one month, intestinal function can improve. Another placebo-controlled study suggests that eating Aphanizomenon flos-aquae can stimulate specific areas of the brain for increased mental alertness.
  • The first stage of an all-encompassing research project carried out at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal, Canada produced some noteworthy results. The project studied the effect of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae on the immune and endocrine systems, as well as on general blood physiology. It was determined that eating AFA had a extreme and unique effect on Natural Killer (NK) cells. The results were recently published under the title: Effects of the Blue Green Algae Aphanizomenon flos-aquae on Human Natural Killer Cells. It appears in Chapter 3.1 of the IBC Library Series, Volume 1911, Phytoceuticals: Examining the health benefit and pharmaceutical properties of natural antioxidants and phytochemicals. NK cells have the ability to search for and recognize cells that are cancerous or have been infected by a virus, and kill them. The team of research scientists at the Royal Victoria Hospital, led by Dr. Gitte S. Jensen, discovered that eating Aphanizomenon flos-aquae triggers the movement of 40% of the circulating NK cells from the blood to the tissues where their main function is to perform immune surveillance and eliminate cancerous and virally-infected cells.

As you can see, AFA Blue Green Algae is definitely an asset when it comes to your health and wellness routine. I highly recommend one of the most beneficial blue-green algae products that I have found, E-3 Live AFA from Klamath Lake.

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