ALGAE FOR HEALTH:
 
                 Blue-Green Algae
                                     (Aphanizomenon flos-aquae in Klamath Lake)

There are over 30,000 species of algae, 6000 are classified blue-green. Blue-green is the oldest form of algae. It's said to have been the first organism on Earth to photosynthesize (use the energy of the sun to make food for itself). Blue-green algae is what scientists search for first when they're looking for life on other planets because blue-green algae is what gets the whole process started.

It quietly processes the CO2 we use and then gives us back pure oxygen, plus a myriad of complex bio-chemical nutrients. Algae today provides some 90% of the Earth's oxygen while trees and all the other plants provide the other 10 percent. Algae represents 70% of the biomass on the planet and some algae can double or triple in volume several times a day.

Blue-green algae tests our for huge amounts of vitamin B12, beta carotene and all the chlorophyll (cleans the blood) you could possibly get in any food. It's high in protein and the amino acids in the protein are in almost the same exact proportion as what's ideal for people. Plus dozens of minerals and trace elements that we need because our topsoil is so depleted.

Topsoil and Nutrition

In 1948 you could buy spinach that had 158 milligrams of iron per hundred grams. But by 1965 the maximum iron they could find had dropped to 27 milligrams. In 1973 it was averaging 2.2 (that's from over 150 to less than 3). That means you'd have to eat 75 bowls of spinach to get the same amount of iron that one bowl might have given you back in 1948. Then there's cobalt. We need cobalt to process B12 (without B12 red blood vessels get weak) and yet many vegetables that used to have cobalt are testing out at zero cobalt.

There's some 60-some elements that have been found in plant tissue, and we're putting back 4 in most fertilizers (potassium, calcium, nitrogen, and phosphates). So food grows empty of value. Even organic fertilizer comes from animals fed from depleted soil.

In agriculture the pattern has been, move into some fertile place, farm till the soil's shot, then either move on to more fertile soil - or people stay and don't get the minerals and vitamins they needs, to they get less healthy, sluggish, don't function as well, and make illogical decisions. We have 1 in 6 children in America with learning disorders. Imagine a generation or two from now if the topsoil and nutrition continue to deteriorate.

Now the topsoil over pretty much the whole planet is exhausted. (see map on Original Algae Project page).

And when our topsoil is weak, our food is weak, and we are weak -- unless it's wild, like the algae where one inch of sediment from volcanoes on the bottom of Klamath Lake (it's 35 feet) is enough to keep the algae blooming for over 60 years.. Imagine a healthy people on a healthy planet...

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BLUE-GREEN ALGAE HEALTH BENEFITS:

Klamath Blue Green Algae is the most nutrient dense food on the planet, containing glyco-proteins, vitamins, minerals, simple carbohydrates, lipids and biologically active enzymes. Due to the algae's nutritious soft cell wall, these nutrients are readily available to the body. As the body uses only a small amount of energy to convert this superfood into fuel, consuming Klamath Blue Green Algae is a fast, efficient and energizing Food for the Brain way to improve any diet.

The discovery of the incredible food value concentrated in AFA, Aphanizomenon Flos Aquae, an ancient blue-green microalgae, has popularized this nutrient dense whole food that contains more protein, B12 and chlorophyll than any other food source. Klamath Blue Green Algae has such a complete nutritional profile, available in forms that are directly accessible and easily superior to any other algae on the market and has become the focus of much attention in the health food industry.

"The time has come for more resources to go into nutrition research, new food technology and ways to increase productivity per acre. We need to explore ways of capitalizing on photosynthesis and making better use of the sun's energy." James Kendrick, Jr. Former University of California at Berkeley Vice President for Agricultural Sciences.

The technical term APHANIZOMENON (genus) and FLOS-AQUAE (species) are actually zoological terms of classification that literally mean "invisible living flower of water" in Greek. Algae capitalize on the direct energy of the sun more than any other food. Primitive as they may appear, most are highly efficient photosynthesizers. Algae utilize light energy from the sun (greater than 10% conversion efficiency), carbon dioxide from the air, and hydrogen from the water to synthesize its bio-chemicals. Klamath Blue Green Algae is unique among all food grade algaes in that it also metabolizes molecular nitrogen directly from the air to produce proteins and other nitrogen containing bio-molecules.

NATURE'S HARVEST

Klamath Blue Green Algae is a wild, fresh water algae growing in natural abundance in Upper Klamath Lake. The precipitation that falls on the Southern Oregon Cascade Mountains washes tons of mineral-rich volcanic soil into the alkaline lake annually. This mineral-rich water, clean air, and high intensity sunlight make the unique ecosystem of Upper Klamath Lake the most perfect growth medium for A.F.A.

Klamath Blue Green Algae, unlike cultivated algae, is a naturally occurring perennial. Its survival depends on the heartiest strain reproducing itself, and its uncanny ability to communicate environmental and other conditions to each strand in the bloom. During summer months, the algae reproduces itself every four days, creating a massive bloom of up to 200 million pounds annually. Klamath Blue Green Algae is harvested fresh from the lake on a daily basis, screened to remove debris and excess water, fresh micro-filtered to be free of potential contaminants, then flash frozen and stored at -40º F until processing. Klamath Blue Green Algae is thoroughly laboratory tested, freeze-dried, never heat processed, and retains most of its biologically active vital nutrients in a naturally balanced profile.

FOUNDATION FOOD

Through the prolific manufacturing of proteins and sugars, algae provided the foundation nutrients for the planet's evolving ecosystem. As the algae multiplied, it gave the earth the raw materials it needed for its vast proliferation of more complex life forms.

Algae has been eaten in various forms for thousands of years. It is packed with beta-carotene and B-Complex biologically active vitamins, enzymes, chlorophyll, fatty acids, neuropeptide precursors (peptides are joined amino acids), lipids, carbohydrates, minerals, trace minerals, pigments and other essential growth factors. It contains all eight essential amino acids and both semi-essential amino acids. It is a concentrated source of arginine, known to build and tone muscle tissue. Most importantly, the essential amino acid profile of AFA is virtually identical to that required by the human body. No vital amino acids are wasted.

In trying to understand the physiological benefits of blue green algae we must also consider the impressive list of sugars it creates: "Alginics, fucoidins, galactans, agars, laminarins, mannans, ribose. to name only a few" (Armstrong, F., 1983). The algae use these complex sugars for all its bio-chemical needs, such as the building, repairing, and replacing of damaged structures.

Research has shown it's not only what you eat, but what your body absorbs and assimilates that is important. Microalgae, existing at the beginning of the food chain, provides the simplest form of balanced, whole food nutrients. Klamath Blue Green Algae has a very nutritious, easily digested, soft cell wall, comprised of a glucolipoprotein complex. This allows rapid absorption of vital nutrients with 95% assimibility, at almost no cost to the body's digestive energy supplies. Most of the nutrients in AFA are active and in forms that are directly useable by the body.

BRAIN FOOD

"The greatest value of A.F.A. is not only its nutrient concentration, but its effect on the nervous system, specifically the pituitary, pineal, and hypothalamus. People taking A.F.A. have reported an overall increase in mental alertness, mental stamina, short and long term memory, problem solving, creativity, dream recall, a greater sense of well being and centeredness." Dr Gabriel Cousens, M.D., author in Body, Mind, Spirit, April 1995.

Colonies of AFA exhibit intelligence by communicating between cells with neuropeptides; learning and adapting to changes in environment (Barry, W. T, 1977). Every other life form has modeled itself after some aspect of the algae. Its abundant neuropeptide precursors contribute to the brain's ability to process information and achieve a sense of well being and an enhanced state of mind.

"A tiny protein called substance P is a powerful neurotransmitter.It is composed of arginine, lysine, and proline, all of which are available in AFA. The amazing effect of substance P is that it enhances learning ability and elevates our sense of well being. It does this by stimulating the brain cells to grow more dendritic spines of brain cell "arms" that reach out and communicate with other brain cells." Algae to the Rescue,Karl J. Abrams.

The metabolism of nitrogen directly from the air, allows for the bio-synthesis of low molecular weight peptide groups. These are precursors of neurotransmitters, which are used by various regions of the brain and body to initiate the secretion of substances (such as hormones) that influence metabolic functions. These precursors have an overall positive effect on the nervous system. The ability of brain neurons to manufacture and utilize neurotransmitters is dependent upon the concentration of amino acids in the bloodstream. Some of AFA's aminos actually cross the blood-brain barrier in exactly the form they are found in the algae. Few other foods can make this claim.

COMPLETE PROTEIN

Protein is a central part of the body's energy; it provides for the replication and repair of cells, organs, and organ systems. Protein comprises a major portion of the blood and lymph, and creates a natural immunity by giving the body a means of recognizing invading foreign cells and viruses.

Most foods contain lipo-proteins that the body must convert to glyco-proteins before they can be used. Klamath Blue Green Algae contain both glyco-proteins and carbohydrates, so the body has access to these nutrients without using the body's own digestive energy reserves to convert them first. This is why small amounts can have such tremendous effects.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the "building blocks" of the entire body. Eight of the amino acids are considered "essential" because they cannot be produced inside the body; they must be assimilated from the food we eat. Two are considered semi-essential because they are necessary for proper growth in children. The other 12 amino acids are produced within the body. Proper quantities of all 22 amino acids (a low amount will limit the assimilation of the higher amounts) are required to maintain health in the body, aiding in the construction of new tissue, enzymes and hormones.

An almost perfect correspondence between AFA's amino acid profile and the needs of the body. Food and Nutrition Council.

Klamath Blue Green Algae is the perfect anabolic green food (anabolism refers to all biochemical reactions that involve the building of larger molecules to construct and repair cells). Six times richer in protein (laden with human like branched chain amino acids), and minerals than mother's milk, its minerals come in a form easily absorbed by the body.

NUCLEIC ACIDS

AFA contains about 3% nucleic acids, the richest of any commercially available food. Nucleic acids are responsible for growth and repair, unscheduled regeneration; and can prevent, stop, and reverse many aspects of ageing; enhance immunity, neutralize radiation poisoning, stimulate the return of memory, reverse organic brain disorders and genetic damage; and act as stress modulators.(Blue Green Algae and the Factors of Regeneration, Apsley, 1995).

CHLOROPHYLL, VITAMIN B-12, HEMOGLOBIN

Possibly the most fundamental correspondence between algae and human life is the relationship between chlorophyll, vitamin B-12 and hemoglobin. All three molecules exhibit a twelve around one geometry; chlorophyll around magnesium, hemoglobin around iron, and vitamin B-12 around cobalt. This relationship is mirrored in life by many natural and esoteric phenomena exhibiting the same geometry. When we eat algae, we are coming as close to eating light (energy) as currently possible for humankind.

Chlorophyll's virtues are in part due to its central magnesium atom. This rare mineral plays an important part in 325 different enzyme systems and helps control almost every one of our vital processes. Bruner, E.H., Effects of Oral Magnesium on Pulmonary. 1985

AFA has one of the highest percentages (2-3%) of chlorophyll of any food on the planet. When magnesium is delivered to the body chelated to chlorophyll it is especially easy to assimilate. Chlorophyll invigorates the intestinal lining, increases peristaltic motion, soothes inflammation, reduces excess pepsin and relives constipation.

Learn more about chlorophyll's cancer fighting properties.

VITAMINS

Vitamins are organic compounds that are necessary in small amounts to create enzymes and to promote the growth and maintenance of cells. AFA contains a full spectrum of vitamins, unusually complete for any single food. It is rich in B Vitamins, and contains the highest vegetable source of Vitamin B-12 and beta-carotene.

Two grams of AFA provide an equal amount of beta carotene to 80 grams of carrots, 1200 grams of iceberg lettuce, four tomatoes, or four cooked eggs. Critical Review in Food and Science and Nutrition, 1991.

Klamath Blue Green Algae also contains high amounts of both cis and trans forms of beta carotene (a precursor to Vitamin A), a known immune booster, powerful detoxifier and anti-oxidant, skin builder, and (according to the National Institute of Health) helps to prevent cancer. Beta-Carotene helps maintain the eye covering. As a team, beta-carotene, vitamin A and zinc are able to stabilize cell membranes, repair tissue, synthesize collagen and decrease healing time.

AFA has 12 vitamins, 27 naturally occurring or essential minerals, and 11 pigments some of which are precursors to other vitamins, enzymes and co-enzymes. Along with beta-carotene, AFA also contains bioflavinoids, RNA, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, selenium, and cysteine, making AFA one of the highest known sources of naturally occurring anti-oxidants or free radical scavengers.

"beta-carotene is the most potent free radical neutralizer or scavenger known today. beta carotene appears to block the process by which a normal cell can turn malignant." Dr. Charles Simone, physician and author of Cancer and Nutrition (McGraw-Hill, 1983)

AFA contains 8mcg/gr of Vitamin B-12 which catalyzes a variety of chemical reactions. B-12 works synergistically with so many other nutrients and enzyme systems that it is called the "rejuvenator and energizer" vitamin. It helps build red blood cells, can increase energy and repair the nervous system. It is vital for cellular respiration; deficiency results in pellagra, dermatitis, muscular weakness and fatigue.

MINERALS

Minerals have two general body functions - building and regulating. Any upset or lack of minerals contributes to decreased quality/energy of life or shortened life span. They build the skeleton and all soft tissues, and regulate heartbeat, blood clotting, internal pressure of body fluids, nerve response and transport of oxygen from the lungs to the tissues. Klamath Blue Green Algae contains a full spectrum of chelated, (organically bound) colloidal minerals and trace minerals. (enzyme bound) several of which are essential to optimum body functioning. The minerals in AFA have an assimilation rate of almost 100%. AFA can supplement the mineral deficient diet found in the vast majority of Americans.

For example: Chromium is vital to the manufacturing of energy inside the cell, lowers harmful LDL cholesterol and raises beneficial HDL cholesterol. It is the master nutrient for controlling blood sugar; (InterHealth, 1996) even a little can replenish a chromium deficient body. With chromium, glucose-hungry cells allow glucose to pass more easily from the bloodstream into the cell (almost twenty times more effectively). This single attribute may explain why people get an "energy boost" from AFA.

CARBOHYDRATES

Carbohydrates are the primary source of energy for all bodily functions and muscular exertion; they assist in the digestion and assimilation of other foods and provide the body with immediate available calories for energy. The carbohydrates in Klamath Blue Green Algae are straight chains of glucose molecules that are nearly identical to those found in glycogen, the carbohydrate stored in the liver that regulates blood serum glucose levels.

LIPIDS

Lipids provide the most concentrated source of energy for the body. They function as carriers for Vitamin A, D, E and K, and are important for the conversion of beta-carotene into Vitamin A. The lipids found in Klamath Blue Green Algae are commonly known as glyco-lipids, meaning they are composed of both sugar and lipid portions. The lipid moiety is important for the transportation of vitamins and minerals across the blood-brain barriers, and are also immune modulators and stimulants. There are no steroidal lipids (cholesterol) in KBGA.

Subtle white blood cells stimulation by the lipids of AFA causes immuno stimulating responses that benefit the entire immune system . Reitschel, T.R., Bacterial Endotoxins, Scientific American, August 1992.

Contained within the lipid portion of Blue Green Algae are essential fatty acids (the source of fat in AFA) needed for the utilization of fat soluble vitamins in the body. Klamath Blue Green Algae has high amounts of Gamma Linolenic Acid, which helps maintain hormonal balance and efficiency, the health of the heart as well as aiding in the prevention and correction of degenerative diseases.

FATTY ACIDS

AFA has no cholesterol; the entire amount of fat is in its essential fatty acids, of which a high amount is unsaturated and vital for optimal cellular functioning. These fats help maintain the flexibility of the cell wall.
 

         SPECIAL THANKS for Health Benefits Info:
          http://www.klamathbluegreen.com/content/view/57/33/

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