Blue Green Algae is the most Ancient Food
Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA) Blue Green Algae
is the first protein and most ancient food on
earth. At the bottom of the food chain, it is the most
nutrient-rich food (ounce for ounce) known to be created by nature.
This simple organism is complete nutrition in its most basic form -
the "building blocks of health". Wild AFA blue-green algae is a
superb natural source of nutrients for the body. It boasts
outstanding levels of chlorophyll, vitamin B12, beta-carotene,
iron, protein, enzymes, amino acids and many more complementary
nutrients in a completely assimable form. As a result, it can help
to increase energy, correct imbalances, oxygenate cells and realize
high levels of physical and mental health.
Blue Green Algae has been eaten for health
benefits by millions of people for thousand of years. In Africa,
Mexico, China, Japan and Europe, the healing powers of algae have
long been recognized. These algae contains an unusually large
proportion of high-quality protein (approximately 55 - 65%), with
all eight essential amino acids present in an ideal balance. It
also contains powerful antioxidants, a wealth of trace minerals,
vitamins (especially B vitamins), rare and essential fatty acids,
unique forms of sulfolipids and a variety of phytochemicals such as
phycocyanin, phycoerythrin, and chlorophyll.
The results of this research and testing have been impressive enough for UC Irvine
scientists to call it a "Super Food, capable of contributing to the
achievement and maintenance of wellness". Chlorophyll is a
very important part of the algae. Its molecular structure is almost
the same as that of the hemoglobin, which is responsible for
carrying throughout the body. Oxygen is the prime nutrient, and
chlorophyll is the central molecule for increasing the oxygen
availability to your system. Chlorophyll is vital for the body’s
rapid assimilation of amino acids. Algae is the highest known source
of chlorophyll.
Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA) Research
Extensive research was performed by the Royal Victoria Hospital
in Montreal, Canada, led by Dr. Gitte S. Jensen, on the effect of
Aphanizomenon Flos-Aquae (AFA) on the immune and endocrine
systems, as well as general blood physiology. The results were
remarkable. It was discovered that consuming AFA had a profound and
unique effect on natural killer cells. The results were published
under the title; Effects of the Blue Green Algae Aphanizomenon
flos-aquae on Human Natural Killer Cells,” Chapter 3.1 of the IBC
Library Series, Volume 1911, and Phytoceuticals: Examining the
health benefit and pharmaceutical properties of natural
antioxidants and phytochemicals.” The results were as follows:
Within two hours after eating 1.5 grams of AFA, an average of
40% of the blood natural killer cells (one billion) left the
bloodstream and migrated into the tissues. They further discovered
that in some cases the natural killer cells remaining in the
bloodstream had two to three times as many adhesion molecules as
they did before the AFA was consumed. After a few hours, the
natural killer cells returned to the bloodstream.
Health Benefits Attributed to AFA
The health benefits of AFA have been reported for more than two
decades, however, it is only recently that science has fully
explained the mechanisms by which AFA acts on the body. The
following are a few of the most notable benefits attributed to AFA:
- Stimulates the release of stem cells from the bone marrow
and, therefore, stands as an unequaled natural products for
regeneration and healing.
- Stimulates the migration of natural killer cells, a type of
lymphocyte involved in eliminating cancerous and virally infected
cells, offering powerful immune support
- An excellent source of highly bioavailable Omega-3 fatty
acids, carotenoids and chlorophyll which
promotes a healthy heart
and benefits the treatment of ADD
- Contains phycocyanin, the blue pigment, which helps prevent
inflammation and pain and protect the body against heavy metal
toxicity and pesticides
- Significant source of phenylethylamine (PEA), known to
increase mental alertness, concentration, elevate mood and
alleviate depression and symptoms of ADD
- Rich source of vitamins and minerals.
I'm using a
revolutionary AFA supplement,
a blend of 3 exotic, plant-based ingredients including the health promoting Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA) to support a more
significant increase in the release of your body’s own stem cells.
This product also contains a vast array of naturally occurring nutrients including phenylethylamine (PEA) which
supports mood. AFA is patented and certified organic. It also contains Aloe macroclada which is considered by the people of
Madagascar as a factor of rejuvenation and longevity. It has been documented to support an increase in the number of
circulating stem cells. Another ingredient, Undaria pinnatifida, is an ultra-pure marine algae that’s hand harvested from
wild seaweed and grown in the most pristine ocean waters. It has been clinically shown to support a long lasting increase in the
number of your body’s own circulating stem cells. Undaria pinnatifida is organic.
Other ingredients include:
Astragalus membranaceous Extract has been shown to have a beneficial role in maintaining telomere length.
Curcuma longa (Turmeric) – recently shows evidence that it may exert significant benefit in maintaining telomere length.
Cordyceps sinensis is associated with stamina, longevity and a wide variety of health benefits.
AFA's Effects on the Circulation And Immune Function
Journal of the American Nutraceutical Association
Vol. 2, No. 3, January 2000
A Peer-Reviewed Journal on Nutraceuticals and Nutrition
Mark Houston, MD
Department of Surgery,
McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Research and Development, Cell
Tech, Klamath Falls, Oregon
Consumption of a moderate amount (1.5 grams) of the blue-green
algae Aphanizomenon flos-aquae results in rapid changes in immune
cell trafficking. Two hours after AFA consumption, a generalized
mobilization of lymphocytes and monocytes, but not polymorph
nucleated cells, was observed. This included increases in CD3+,
CD4+, and CD8+ T cell subsets and CDl9+ B cells. In addition, the
relative proportions and absolute numbers of natural killer (NK)
cells were reduced after AFA consumption. No changes were observed
in the relative proportions of naive versus memory T cells, neither
in the CD4 nor the CD8 fractions. A mild but significant reduction
in phagocytic activity was observed for polymorph nucleated cells.
When freshly purified lymphocytes were exposed to AFA extract in
vitro, direct activation was not induced, as evaluated by tyrosine
phosphorylation and proliferative activity.
The first scientific report published on AFA was by Gabriel
Cousens, MD (1985), in the Journal of Orthomedicine on the
treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Several case studies were
presented where AFA appeared to noticeably reverse the progression
of this degenerative condition. Subsequently, Dr. Cousens has
continued to advocate the use of AFA especially for conditions
related to mental and emotional functioning. Since that study,
thousands of seniors have reported success using AFA on a daily
basis. Algae Nutritional
Properties
What follows are results from three studies on children and the
use of AFA: Nicaragua - University of Central America
Sevulla and Aguirre (1995)1, in their doctoral research studied
1,567 school children who were given 1 gram (4 capsules) of AFA a
day for six months.
- * A 54% percent increase in classroom participation was reported by teachers.
- A 21% percent increase in classroom attendance records was found.
- Overall, physical improvements in hair, skin and general health were observed.
- The school's ranking on standardized academic tests went from lowest to highest in the nation.
- Key Finding: A dramatic 81% improvement in the children's academic scores were reported
Harvard, Massachusetts - Center for Family Wellness
Claudia Jarratt and her staff (1997) conducted a landmark study
of 142 children who ate between .5 gm and 1 gm of AFA a day for ten
weeks.
* Improved social skills with peers
* Reduced anxiety and depression
* Less argumentative, controlling and demanding
behavior
* Increased ability to follow directions and
focus on tasks
Key Finding. Parents and teachers reported significant
improvements in children's problem behaviors in 10 out of 11
categories using the Achenbach rating scales. Sierra Vista, AZ -
The Stillwell Learning Center
Jeffrey Bruno, Ph.D., Joe-Jo Gittelman, and Barry Tuchfeld,
Ph.D. (1998) conducted a study of 31 children in a special
reading program who ate either 1.5 gm, 3 gm, or no AFA a day for
three months.
* Significant behavioral improvements on the
Conners Parent and Teacher Rating Scales
* A forty percent improvement on children's mean
score of memory recall
* A twenty percent improvement on children's
mean scores of concentration
* A dramatic increase in tutorial classroom
attendance records
* Overall reduced physical symptoms and
complaints
Key Finding. The AFA groups demonstrated a significant reduction
in toxic levels of aluminum. Toxic levels of aluminum are
correlated with learning problems and References:
- Bruno J, Gittelman
J, Tuchfeld B. Lowered aluminum, with better detoxification, and
improved cognitive, behavioral ratings by children eating
Aphanizomenon flos-aquae. Submitted for publication,
2001.
- Bruno J, Gittelman
J, Tuchfeld B. Lowered aluminum, with better detoxification, and
improved cognitive, behavioral ratings by children eating
Aphanizomenon flos-aquae. Submitted for publication,
2001.
- Buletsa B, Ihnatovych I, Lupych P, Pulyk O. The prevalence,
structure and clinical problems of multiple sclerosis in the
Transcarpathian area based on epidemiological study data. Lik
Sprava. Oct-Dec 1996; (10-12):163-5
- Cousens, G. Report
of Treatment of Alzheimer's condition with Aphanizomenon
flos-aquae, Orthomedicine, (Winter/Spring), Vol. 8, No. 1-2, 1985
(Editor's note: AFA was the algae used in this
study.)
- Sevulla I., and
Aguiree, N. Study On The Effects Of Super Blue Green? Algae,
Universidad Centro Americana, Nicaragua, 1995
- Jarratt, C., et
al, The Children and Algae Report, The Center for Family Wellness,
Harvard, MA, 1997.
Spirulina, a blue-green algae
Spirulina, a blue-green alga sold as a
supplement, is an excellent source of chlorophyll and
disease-fighting compounds called phytochemicals. Phytochemicals
(phyto is Greek for "plant") are compounds in plants and fruits
that imbue them with color and protect them against cellular damage
caused by free radicals. Researchers at the National Institutes of
Health are studying phytochemicals to understand their role in
disease prevention. Specifically, Spirulina (cyanophyta,)
has 62% amino acids, or 20 times more protein than Soy and 200
times more than beef. It is also the richest source of vitamin B12,
and it contains high levels of minerals, like Zinc. Spirulina has
10 times more carotenoids than carrots, and it is rich in
xanthophyl pigments, like chlorophyll. It
is also rich in oils, containing more omega 3s than fish oil, such as GLA.
Spirulina : The Microscopic Nutrient Powerhouse
How It Protects and Restores Health Mouth cancer is one disorder that may be
treated or prevented by phytochemicals, especially beta-carotene,
which is found in abundance in spirulina. This may explain why the
alga slowed and even stopped the growth of cancerous cells in
scientific studies. Padmanabhan P. Nair, Ph.D., a scientist with the
U.S. Department of Agriculture, recently demonstrated that
spirulina is a particularly potent inhibitor of mouth cancer. Nair
and his colleagues gave daily spirulina supplements to volunteers
in southwestern India for 12 months. The volunteers were alike in
many ways: All chewed tobacco and had precancerous lesions in their
mouths called leukoplakia. After taking the algae for one year, 45
percent of the volunteers had recovered, and the thick, white,
precancerous patches in their mouths completely disappeared.
Another 12 percent of the volunteers showed significant
improvement, raising the figure to 57 percent who benefited from
spirulina supplements(Nutrition and Cancer, 1995, vol. 24).
Spirulina is known as a 'wonder food' and was part of the staple
diet of the ancient Aztec civilization. This 3.6 billion year old
algae designed by nature can help restore our personal and
planetary health. Once called a "food of the future," now millions
of people around the world enjoy this food packed with unusual
phytonutrients, antioxidants and functional nutrients with proven
health benefits.
Animal Care with AFA and Blue Green Algae
Millions of people give great care and attention to their
personal health and nutritional well being, while ignoring some
important members of their family: the pets! Believing that animal
health is fully taken care of by regular visits to the vet and high
quality pet food, pet owners nationwide may be missing a crucial
part of the health equation. Many leading animal health experts
point to lifetime nutrient malabsorption as the leading cause and
hastener of many chronic ailments in the animal community.
"From domestic to wild, animals of all types have at least one
thing in common with humans: Optimal nutrition provides optimal
health," says Nancy A. Bozeman, D.V.M., M.S., B.S, of The
Animal Doctor Clinic, Arlington, TX. According to Dr. Bozeman,
obtaining a high level of nutrition is more elusive than one might
think. "While 'gourmet' or 'fortified' pet food may be a hopeful
solution," she says, "A big bag of synthetic supplements may not be
the way to optimize an animal's health. Regardless of the
treatments an animal may need, if you don't have superior nutrition
you can't have superior results."
- Maintaining your pets (dogs, cats, birds,
reptiles) on a daily amount of AFA may provide the following benefits:
- Lustrous coats, silkier hair, more vibrant colors, better skin and less brittle nails.
- Better general health, lessening of symptoms reported in arthritic animals.
- Old animals act and feel younger.
- reduced stress, better temperaments,
increased immune systems, increased energy levels.
Testimonials of Animal Recovery
It was March 3, 2000, three days after my trip from India when my son yelled to me in the kitchen,
“Mom, Echo’s legs just collapsed, she can’t get up!” Echo is a purebred Australian shepherd who has reached the age
13 on a vegetarian diet, mostly dry dog food. Her arthritic condition made some show a year prior to her lame condition.
I was using the AFA already and noticed all-around better health! But my family had full responsibility for Echo’s care in the
month I was gone and went back to the old dog food regime, which I don’t blame them, keeping up with the raw food prep
takes some conscious effort and time. I talked to a friend who recommended Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA).
Within 3 months, she was up and running again. The AFA was her primary food mixed with her regular old vegetarian dog food.
She was taking it easily as I was too. The AFA was giving her energy and movement improved in her back legs.
We all need love and attention to make any healing progress and I’m convinced
that the AFA from AFA is from a loving source sold by caring people who also experience it’s healthful loving qualities that
nurture from within." Kathleen Abelson - Ashland
Cat´s and dog´s testimony
Walter, Cinnamon, Sparkle and Creampuff
"We've had terrible problems with all our animals (three cats and a
dog) peeing and pooping where they aren't supposed to, on our
hardwood floors under the table, on chair legs, on beds and in
closets, etc. I started giving all four of them the AFA products,
especially supplementing with enzymes, probiotics, Super Sprout
& Algae and CoQ10 (in addition to Animal Matrix), based on what
I had read and heard from our great holistic vets and on the chat
list. It has helped tremendously. I started all this AFTER we took
them to the vet and they couldn't find anything wrong with them,
and couldn't even suggest anything to try! According to the vet,
our 10-year-old schnauzer, Walter, was simply experiencing "doggy
Alzheimer's" for instance, and had "forgotten" that he was
housebroken! The CoQ10 seems to have helped him the most, so maybe
he was right. Anyway, it's such a relief and so fantastic to have
something that works! To me it is just an "experiment in miniature"
on what these products can do for us people too! Certainly made a
believer out of my husband, who I have to admit was very skeptical
at first, but now he takes the products religiously, and his
digestive system is on track as a result." Sharon Wenger Los
Angeles, CA
AFA contains unique molecules that modulate various aspects of human health
Phenylethylamine (PEA) known as the
"molecule of love." Beside enhancing concentration and attention,
PEA is a natural mood elevator and anti-depressant. But the most
extraordinary discovery is the ability of AFA to stimulate stem
cell release and migration, making AFA the first natural compound
known to stimulate the natural innate phenomenon of healing,
regeneration and repair in the human body.
The only known source of this specific variety (AFA) of
blue-green algae is Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon. Known for being one
of the world's most pristine lakes, it is surrounded by ancient
volcanic mountains, and plentiful with rich sediment. Klamath Lake
now has more than 37 feet of this sediment, which is why it is
known to be one of the most nutrient and mineral rich areas on
earth. The nutrients in this lake, plus the lake's pure water from
fresh mountain springs, combined with an average of 300 days of
sunshine per year, are the components that allow this most pristine
environment to grow a perfectly nutrient-rich food.