Aphanizomenon flos-aquae AFA (Blue-Green Algae)

Klamath Blue-green Algae is one of the most nutrient dense foods on the planet and has superfood status due to the high concentrations of glyco-proteins, vitamins, minerals, lipids and biologically active enzymes. Due to the algae's nutritious soft wall, these nutrients are readily available to the body.

Amazing Blue Green Algae

Over 3 billion years ago, the first life forms appeared on earth; they were blue green algae. Today, they are found everywhere. Algae provide 90% of the oxygen for our planet and every other life-form has evolved from the humble blue-green algae. They provide the staple diet of countless plants and animals.

The algae we use, is wild algae growing only in Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon, USA. This is one of the largest, pure, alkaline lakes in the world, nestled high in the Cascade Mountains, in a protected, unpolluted area. The lake is fed by clear, clean rivers, streams and underground springs, carrying mineral-rich lava silt from the surrounding mountains.

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 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.

NASA has researched spirulina and it is consumed on the space station.

How is Blue-Green Algae Cultivated?

Most blue-green algae products 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. The AFA is then chilled and sold frozen or dried at low temperatures and sold as a powder.

Not all Algae is Created Equal

Many people ask us about the difference between Klamath Blue Green Algae (Aphanizomenon Flos Aquae or AFA), spirulina and chlorella. AFA and spirulina are blue green algaes while chlorella is a green algae, which means it has an indigestible cellulose wall. This wall must be mechanically broken in order for the body to be able to digest it. This is a very expensive process and is reflected in the cost of the product.

Spirulina and chlorella are cultivated in man-made ponds whereas AFA is wildcrafted from Upper Klamath Lake where it grows in a pristine, mineral rich environment that cannot be duplicated synthetically. The difference in energy one receives from these whole foods is similar to the difference between cultivated produce and foraged wild vegetables and fruits. In general, one needs to take only a third as much AFA per day.

Spirulina and Chlorella are usually heat processed for commercial distribution. The cell walls of Spirulina are carmelized during spray drying, making it difficult for enzymes to penetrate the algae cells during digestion. This results in low assimilation of proteins and other nutritional components. Spray drying can also kill enzymes, losing heat sensitive components and decreasing beta-carotene due to the high temperatures that may be involved.

Natural Compounds in Organic Blue-Green Algae

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.

Antioxidant Activity of Blue-Green Algae

Aphanizomenon flos-aquae is rich in compounds that provide antioxidants. A measurement called the “oxygen radical absorbance capacity” (ORAC) is used to determine free radical scavenging capacity of foods and other substances purported to contain antioxidants. Italy’s University of Urbino Carlo Bo applied the ORAC method to edible AFA. The outcome was positive in favor of researchers supporting the use of AFA as a dietary antioxidant supplement to relieve oxidative stress.

The University of Urbino Carlo B conducted another study designed to evaluate the ability of AFA to provide defense against oxidative damage to normal human red blood cells and plasma. Results suggested AFA lowered oxidative damage in both. Furthermore, AFA delayed the depletion of enzymes that are beneficial to the body.

A Japanese study found that a product containing blue-green algae from lake Klamath exhibited considerable antioxidant activity and was an effective adaptogenic; that is, a substance that helps the body adapt to protect against stressors.

The Shocking Truth about Vitamin & Mineral Supplements

Your body is composed of over 10 trillion cells, most are replaced every 7 years. For new cells to be programmed properly by your DNA and for your cells to function correctly - your body requires an extensive array of vitamins, minerals and amino acids.

Some vitamins and amino acids are produced in the body. However, there are about 90 minerals, vitamins and amino acids referred to as "essential vitamins minerals and amino acids" which your body doesnot produce and thus it needs to get them from outside sources. (More properly they should be called "dietarily essentials" or "essential in diet.").

Since most of the foods we eat today severely lack these essential nutrients due to harsh manufacturing processes and thoroughly depleted soils, people in ever increasing numbers are relying on dietary supplements to get these vital nutrients.

....Plants can take minerals from the soil, break the strong bonds, and incorporate the minerals into their physical beings. The minerals we eat should come from the plant kingdom....Once the minerals become a part of the plant kingdom, the bonds are no longer strong; in fact, they become very weak....Our metabolic systems can use these plant minerals easily and effectively."

AFA fortifies the liver, assists in rejuvenating stem cells and the generation of neurotransmitters. Although there are other algaes, such as spirulina, Hippocrates Institute Director of Education Richard Salome says that blue-green algae’s cellular structure makes it less dense and therefore easier for the body to use. Blue-green algae crosses the brain barrier, while other algaes cannot,

The Amazing Connection Discovered ...

Blue-Green Algae and Stem Cells

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 and so the research confirmed ...