What you need to know about Blue Green Algae

Blue Green Algae are a large and diverse group of small plant - like organisms which naturally grow in both large fresh water lakes and some salt waters. Surprisingly, these are not a form of algae but actually a form of bacteria.

Spirulina and Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA) are the most commonly utilised forms and have been given a ‘superfood’ status because of their abundant content of nutrients. Research shows that AFA is of the highest quality and is extracted from the beautiful Upper Lake Klamath in Oregon, USA.

Health benefits of Blue Green Algae

So what does Blue Green Algae contain and why does it provide us with a whole range of unique health benefits? There are no approved EU claims (2015), but the below properties are based on research and biological aspects.

• Contains all essential and most non–essential amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. These are necessary to health as they support our hormones, enzymes, muscles, cell repair, rebuild and neuron signalling in the brain.
• Known as the ‘brain superfood’, Blue Green Algae is a ‘complete’ protein. The vegetarian protein it contains is highly digestible (50-70%) making it a great addition to our daily diet!
• High in chlorophyll, the compound which gives plants its green pigment and is involved in converting sunlight to energy. Health benefits include: helps the liver to flush out toxins and supports kidney function; helps the digestive tract and maintains clearer skin through its cleansing abilities.
• Packed with anti-oxidants which are known to protect our cells from harmful compounds and help us stay healthy. Phycocyanin, is the anti-oxidant giving the characteristic blue pigment in Blue Green Algae. It works with chlorophyll and has powerful cancer protecting properties as mentioned in the Cancer Cell National (2013).
• Alpha-linoleic acid, (ALA) is an essential fatty acid and forms 50% of the lipids in Blue Green Algae. ALA is essential as the body cannot produce it. Its health benefits include: important nutrients for brain health; help to lower the bad type of cholesterol (EU commission, 2015); benefit low mood levels, and are essential to prenatal health. They support a reduction in inflammation and help in conditions like arthritis.
• May help balance the mood and help cope with stress with its content of ‘phenylethylamine’ (PEA)phenylethylamine (PEA (Kaufman,2012)
• B12 found in Blue Green Algae has several health benefits making it a very good choice for vegans and vegetarians who are often deficient in this vitamin. B12 helps to make sure our red blood cells are healthy and aids effective oxygen transport in the body. B12 plays a key role in the function of the brain and nervous system, and supports the metabolism of homocysteine (a health marker associated with heart disease, which should ideally stay low). The health benefit attributed to Blue Green Algae as providing a boost in energy levels, supporting a reduction in fatigue and improving the immune system may be due to its B12 content.
• Beta-carotene found in Blue Green Algae has shown to be higher than that found in carrots and broccoli. The body converts beta-carotene to vitamin A, which contributes to the maintenance of healthy skin, and vision but also supports the health of our immune system and the normal metabolism of iron.
• Chromium is amongst the array of minerals the Algae contains. Since chromium plays a role in the metabolism and glucose uptake in cells, Blue Green Algae may benefit those with blood sugar imbalances.

Blue Green Algae provides us with one of the most bio-available and absorbable forms of nutrients. Available in Amazing Grass RAW RESERVE GREEN SUPERFOOD which can be added to your daily smoothies!

References

Kaufman, R. (2012). The Brain's Natural Stimulant for Higher Performance and Longevityhttp://www.naturodoc.com/library/antiaging/PEA_science.htm

Benedetti, S. Benvenuti, F. Pagliarani S et al (2004). Antioxidant properties of a novel phycocyanin extract from the blue-green alga Aphanizomenon flos-aquae. -.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0024320504005958

Abeer A. Abu Zaid, Doaa M. Hammad and Eman M. Sharaf (2015). Antioxidant and Anticancer Activity of Spirulina platensis Water Extracts http://scialert.net/fulltext/?doi=ijp.2015.846.851