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 and cancer…
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.
This newly released data provides substantial information to explain the numerous benefits reported by people eating Blue-Green Algae. Ongoing research is being conducted to fully understand the effects of eating Blue-Green Algae on the human body. We now know that it may increase red blood cell production, reduce cholesterol, eliminate intestinal permeability, restore overall brain synchrony, and reverse essential fatty acid deficiency, as well as strengthen your immune system.
The day may be nearing when Blue-Green Algae will be as much a part of most people’s supplement arsenal as vitamin C.