Blue Green Algae Supplements Support Good Nutrition

By Sally Delacruz


When temperature, sunshine, and available nutrients reach ideal levels, many bodies of water can become clouded by a pervasive, greenish-looking substance. These blooms are actually a population explosion of microscopic life forms, most of which are not useful as human food, and a few of which can actually be deadly. The edible varieties are used in part to make blue green algae supplements, a popular dietary and nutritional aid.

The organisms are biologically fascinating. While people might assume that their characteristic green color makes them members of the plant kingdom, these creatures are actually tricky to classify. Plant-like processes takes place internally, but they also have properties considered more bacterial in form and function. They have successfully lived for eons almost everywhere on earth, and have even been found underneath glacial ice.

Products made from algae include agar, usually derived from salt-water members of this family. Some varieties are named for their characteristic cyan blue color, which occurs as a result of bacterial photosynthesis, a method of deriving energy directly from sunlight normally used only by plants. When processed into consumable tablets or powder, some of the products made from algae have been glowingly called the most promising food of the future.

While the term super-food may be a misnomer, harvesting this lowest-on-the-food-chain creature has become increasingly profitable. In North America, Klamath Lake in Oregon is a prime location, with its relatively pollution-free waters and ideal climate. The most commonly commercially farmed types are in the classification Spirulina, said to be the richest variety nutritionally.

It is not hard to understand the consumer enthusiasm these products generate. The same process that gives these tiny organisms their color also makes them relatively high in vegetable proteins, including beta-carotene. They contain a wide spectrum of essential vitamins and minerals, including amino acids, and also may have generate antioxidant properties. These characteristics have given rise to many health claims.

Although few of those benefits are scientifically proven, advocates suggest using it to aid in weight loss, to ease depression and anxiety, or to address female reproductive health issues. The substance is said to boost the immune system and even reduce early stages of oral cancer, while eliminating chronic fatigue due to low energy levels. Some of the products are even recommended as a way to help conquer ADHD, or attention-hyperactivity disorder.

Algae derivatives undoubtedly have provided real advantages for users, but there has been considerable past controversy and issues of legality regarding some assertions. While using this dietary addition to treat or influence specific conditions is neither harmful nor toxic, any realistic and beneficial medical outcome attributed to taking these products is subjective, differing from person to person.

While neither a medicine nor a drug, this food can be used in pill form, dissolved in water or juice, or sprinkled as a powder. There is little or no danger of over-dosing, although daily use is not recommended for pregnant women. Those who do partake regularly say that the substance increases emotional well-being and daily energy, improves physical functions overall, and imparts a feeling of robust health.




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