Blue Green Algae contain Aphanizomenon flos-aquae harvested from Upper Klamath Lake in southern Oregon. Harvesting is done during the summertime, June to November. The algae is filtered to preserve the most vibrant blooms and then further purified by centrifugation. Then chilled and sold dried as a powder.

Blue Green Algae is 70% vegetable protein and has higher levels of beta-carotene than broccoli. The one-two punch potency of blue-green algae is that it contains a high concentration of nutrients- over 65 vitamins, minerals and enzymes and the complete spectrum of eight essential amino acids and ten nonessential amino acids… and they are all easily absorbed by the body. In fact up to 97% of the beneficial vitamins, minerals and enzymes found in blue-green algae are easily absorbed (some supplements are as low as 5-25% absorbable). AFA also contains the most biologically active chlorophyll of any known food.

In adults, stem cells have the function of repairing damaged cells. Unfortunately, as we age, stem cells have a reduced restorative ability and are more vulnerable to oxidative stress. This results in the body being less able to repair itself. Based on previous studies that showed blue-green algae can modulate immune function in animals, the Department of Neurosurgery at USF investigated the effects of AFA on cultured human stem cells. Researchers noted that preliminary results suggested an ethanol extract of AFA may promote human stem cell proliferation 

Powerful Immune System Enhancer

Aphanizomenon flos-Aquae (The scientific term for this particular Blue-Green Algae, for short AFA) contains a complete range of vitamins, essential amino acids, and naturally chelated minerals. AFA is also an excellent source of vitamin B12, as well as Omega 3 fatty acids, which protects against heart disease and lowers triglycerides.

Recent studies conducted by researcher Dr. Kilmer McCully have found that a shortage of the B-Complex vitamins (B-12, B6, and folic acid, abundant in Aphanizomenon flos-aquae) can result in a build up of homocysteine, a compound that contributes to heart disease.

In recent double-blind cross-over study performed at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal (1998), it was discovered that eating this particular algae triggered the migration of 40% (nearly one billion) of the circulating Natural Killer cells from blood to tissue within 2 hours of consumption. Natural Killer cells (NK cells) play an important role in the immune system. They are mainly responsible for the detection and removal of "sick cells" (a term coined by Dr. Neil Solomon, senior editor of this publication) that are altered either due to viral infection or malignant transformation. Many substances such as green tea and Ginkgo Biloba are known to improve the activity of NK cells. But until this recent finding on Blue-Green algae, no dietary substance was known to stimulate NK cells to migrate into the tissues to search and destroy "sick cells".

The double-blind placebo-controlled study conducted by the Royal Victoria Hospital, affiliated with McGill University in Montreal, included 50 healthy participants. Results suggested that Blue-Green Algae may help stimulate the increased production of red blood cells, an effect that may be due to its high content of B12.

The same study suggested that eating Blue-Green Algae for a period of three months may also contribute to reducing cholesterol. In support of this, a recent study performed at the Massachusetts General Hospital, affiliated with Harvard University revealed that feeding Blue-Green Algae to rodents significantly decreased blood cholesterol levels.

Another placebo-controlled study performed in collaboration with the University of New Mexico suggests that eating Blue-Green Algae stimulates specific areas of the brain, lending support to the prolific reports of increased mental alertness associated with the consumption of this Blue-Green Algae.

Finally, a recent preliminary data from Boston University suggests that eating Blue-Green Algae may reverse symptoms of essential fatty acid deficiency, specifically omega-3. An essential fatty acid is one that cannot be manufactured by the body and needs to be taken in as a food or food supplement. essential fatty acids are known among other things for their crucial role in the proper functioning of the immune system. Deficiency in essential fatty acids has been associated with cardiovascular disease. certain forms of cancer, arthritis, depression and skin problems.