Why am I bluish? Phycocyanin in blue green algae

Phycocyanin 

The antioxidant phycocyanin is a pigment that provides the intense blue color in blue-green algae. Phycocyanin can constitute up to 15 percent of the dry weight of a blue-green algae harvest; this is approximately twice the concentration of the phycocyanin found in spirulina. The rare, blue- colored phycocyanin helps inhibit the growth of certain cancer colonies, reduces inflammation of the colitis, fights chronic inflammation, supports the liver, protects against free-radical damage, improves the production of neurotransmitters, and aids production of rejuvenating stem cells.

Phycocyanin operates with our own internal pigment bilirubin to keep the liver functioning at optimal levels. Phycocyanin helps with the formation of neurotransmitters by acting to assist in the attachment of one amino acid to another. Phycocyanin has been shown to inhibit the enzymes cyclooxygenase (COX-2) and lipoxygenase. COX-2 and lipoxygenase are enzymes associated with the production of inflammatory compounds. When COX-2 and lipoxygenase are inhibited naturally with phycocyanin, the inflammatory and pain- forming reactions in the body are slowed and/or stopped.

Usual combinations of unusual food

You can add AFA to your favorite smoothies,

sprinkle on salads,







mix in water to taste,

and of course combine it with Chocolate.

Remember:

It is highly potent substance and powerhouse of nutrients. Start slowly to avoid cleansing reactions. Begin with 1/4 tsp (or less) in pure water, fresh juice, or a smoothie. Increase slowly to 1 or more tablespoons per day.

What to look for? Best blue green algae products.

 For years, dried AFA algae products dominated the market. Of the dried AFA algae products, the Refractance Window drying technology methods are considered the best; look for this designation on product labels. In recent years, the company E3Live has made fresh-living liquid AFA algae available as well as other unique AFA formulas and products.


What is E3Live® Blue-Green Algae?

E3Live® is a fresh water, liquid, blue-green algae, or cyanophyta, known as Aphanizomenon Flos-Aquae (AFA). AFA was one of the first life forms to develop and it's one of the most ancient foods on earth! E3Live® AFA is wild-grown, organic, and harvested from Upper Klamath Lake during its peak nutritional growth cycle. The result is not a supplement, but a whole, raw food that's packed with nutrients to simultaneously stimulate the immune, endocrine, nervous, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular systems.

A Brief History of E3Live®

E3Live has been offering natural organic health products since 1991. As stewards of the Earth and humble caretakers of the precious gifts of Mother Nature, they take great pride in their reputation and offer only the best quality products. Their goal is to empower and educate those seeking inspiration to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Unparalleled Product Quality

Winner of Best Superfood: 2011 World Veg Fest Weekend VegHealth Awards!

E3Live is very selective when it comes to harvesting, filtering, testing and formulating their products. The harvesting and purity requirements they abide by exceed typical quality and safety standards. They adhere to strict Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) to maintain Certified Organic status and Kosher certification. Rest assured, E3Live products are among the best in the world.

Why is E3Live® the Best Blue-Green Algae Available?

• E3Live® is expertly harvested from the pristine waters of Upper Klamath Lake.
• 100% all natural and stimulant free.
• E3Live® is the ONLY Aphanizomenon flos-aquae that is is unprocessed, live, liquid and delivered frozen.
• Winner of Best Superfood: 2011 World Veg Fest Weekend VegHealth Awards!
• Winner of Single Best Superfood: 2011 Best of Raw Awards!
• No artificial ingredients or coloring.
• No sugars, wheat, yeast, corn or diary.
• Certified Organic!
• Kosher certified for Passover!

Blender Babes :D

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

AFA contains alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and the long-chain omega-3 fatty acid known as docosahexanoic acid (DHA). Nearly 50 percent of the fat (oil) content of AFA is composed of these omega-3 essential fatty acids. In general, most diets worldwide are deficient in omega-3 fatty acids and excessive in omega-6 fatty acids and rancid trans-fatty acids. An excess of omega-6 fatty acids and trans-fats leads to an inflammatory response in the body, which eventually develops into a contributing factor in cardiovascular disease, immunity challenges, neurological problems, and skin disorders. Omega-3 fatty acids such as ALA and DHA support immunity by helping to attract immune cells to the sites of injury, chronic pain, and cellular damage while calming the inflammatory response. Humans manufacture only small amounts of DHA internally through the consumption of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid commonly found in hempseed, chia, flax, as well as other seeds. This amount of DHA is usually not enough to meet the demands of our nervous system, especially in a high-stress environment.

Traditionally, DHA was acquired directly from eating seafood and fish. With the onset of more seafood allergies and the problems of mercury and PCBs polluting fish, safer forms of DHA have been discovered in other foods. AFA is one of those foods. DHA is a critical essential fatty acid used in the production and maintenance of healthy eyesight (retina), brain and nervous system tissue, cardiovascular “slipperiness,” and sperm. Long- chain omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA make our cardiovascular system too slippery for calcium- forming nanobacteria (microscopic barnacles) to attach and begin to calcify the arteries causing arteriosclerosis.

 A deficiency of DHA has been correlated to ADD symptoms, Alzheimer’s, arthritis, autoimmune conditions, cardiovascular disease, depression, low brain serotonin levels, neuroses, postpartum depression, and skin disorders. The therapeutic consumption of omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to improve one’s mood and cardiovascular conditions. The consumption of omega-3 also inhibits the formation of breast, colon, pancreatic, and prostate cancer.

Immune system boost with blue-green algae

I n Primordial Food, Drapeau cites research performed by a team of scientists affiliated with the University of Illinois. The team was composed of one board-certified forensic examiner and microbiologist, one surgeon, and three physicians. More than two hundred cases were reviewed in this study. The study concluded that AFA appears to be effective in treating various viral conditions, chronic fatigue, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), depression, inflammatory diseases, and fibromyalgia. The study suggests that AFA acts on the immune and nervous systems and prevents inflammation.

Studies done on AFA have demonstrated that it stimulates the migration of stem cells from the bone marrow into the blood and brain (mostly due to the actions of the blue pigment phycocyanin), stimulates white blood cells, and inhibits COX-2 activity, preventing inflammation and improving nervous- system health, as well as one’s overall mood. Drapeau also cites research indicating that AFA, when consumed daily for several weeks, helps move natural killer (NK) cells out of the blood and into the tissues to patrol for and destroy damaged and diseased cells. Although green tea and ginkgo biloba leaf improve the activity of NK cells, no other substance has been found that stimulates this patrolling work. Researchers have discovered that a blue-green algae protein reduces the ability of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Ebola virus.

 The antiviral protein, known as cyanovirin-N (CV-N), can extend the survival time of Ebola-infected mice. There is currently no treatment for Ebola infection, which causes severe and often fatal hemorrhagic fever. “CV-N is extremely effective against a broad range of HIV strains,” said Barry O’Keefe, PhD, of NCI’s Center for Cancer Research, one of the authors of the study. “CV-N is the first molecule known to inhibit Ebola infection by interfering with the virus’s ability to enter cells.” CV-N inhibits HIV and Ebola infection by binding to the outside of the virus and physically blocking it from entering healthy cells. The protein attaches to a particular sugar molecule on the virus surface.

Klamath Lake Blue Green Algae — The Ultimate Brain Food and Aphrodisiac

Phenylethylamine (PEA) - "Love molecule"

Also found within AFA algae is a concentrated level of phenylethylamine (PEA), an adrenal and brain chemical naturally synthesized in our bodies from two amino acids: phenylalanine and tyrosine. PEA increases the activity of neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) in parts of the brain that control our ability to pay attention and stay alert.Elevated PEA levels occur when we are captivated by a good book, movie, or project; this happens specifically during those moments when we are so focused that we lose all track of time, food, and the outside world. PEA is noticeably abundant in the brains of happy people.

PEA has also been dubbed the “love molecule.” It helps to create feelings of attraction, excitement, and euphoria. When we fall in love our PEA levels increase; we become peppy and full of optimism. The brain releases PEA when we are sexually aroused. PEA levels can peak during orgasm. When the brain is flooded with PEA, the neurotransmitter dopamine is then blocked from being deactivated and dopamine levels rise.

Elevated dopamine levels are associated with increasing mental concentration and a positive attitude. PEA also increases the effectiveness of another neurotransmitter, nor-epinephrine, which increases feelings of joy. In one experiment, investigators found that aerobic exercise can elevate the body’s levels of (PEA). PEA is part of the endorphin-induced “runner’s high” that enhances energy, mood, and attention. When researchers had twenty healthy young men run on a treadmill for 30 minutes, they found that the average concentration of PEA in the participants’ urine increased by 77 percent. In addition, the research indicated that patients suffering from depression and bipolar disorder had lower-than-normal levels of PEA in their urine.

PEA is found premade and in great natural abundance in two foods that we know: cacao and blue-green algae (especially in blue phycocyanin). These two foods can significantly elevate the presence of PEA in our brain. AFA and cacao keep our PEA levels high, no matter what is happening in our life. Blue-green algae works synergistically with cacao in creating a strong ability to focus and pay attention even if we suffer from Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD).

 One study looking at blue-green algae as a brain food followed 109 students who were fed blue-green algae. The study concluded that the children had a significant improvement in the ability to focus, follow directions, and concentrate. In addition the children experienced a reduction in argumentative, demanding, and combative behavior, fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression, an improvement in social skills, and fewer signs of emotional and behavioral withdrawal. Drapeau references a study in Primordial Food that indicates oral doses of PEA at the rate of 10 mg per day decreased symptoms of depression in 60 percent of the patients tested. In addition, PEA did not cause the patients to gain weight, as most people do with antidepressants; instead, they actually lost weight. AFA contains approximately 2 mg per gram of PEA. AFA concentrates are now available that contain 10 mg of PEA per gram. PEA has no side effects; chemical dependency issues and tolerance limits over time (i.e., doses may stay the same over long periods) are not a concern. PEA appears to be the primary active ingredient that inhibits appetite and helps people to lose weight when they consume AFA blue-green algae. In a double-blind crossover study involving human patients, supplementing the diets of obese outpatients with 2.8 grams of blue-green algae three times daily over a four-week period resulted in a statistically significant reduction of body weight.

Need some proteins?

AFA algae is a complete protein source containing approximately 60 percent protein.
 Eighteen amino acids (protein building blocks) are present in AFA algae. The protein and amino acids in AFA is in highly assimilable glycoprotein and amino acid peptide forms instead of the lipoprotein form found in animal products such as beef and chicken (which are usually cooked into even more difficult-to-digest forms of protein). Therefore, it takes less energy to digest and utilize algae protein. Additionally, neurotransmitters for brain health can be produced from AFA protein more easily and swiftly due to its ease of digestibility.

Protein is used to construct, maintain, and repair every tissue in our bodies from our bones, teeth, muscles, nerves, glands, heart, blood, liver, skin, hair, and everything in between. A lack of protein is mostly associated with muscular weakness, slow healing, and brain chemistry imbalances.
 An excess of animal protein is associated with heart disease, kidney disease, cancer, and colon cancer. It is becoming more and more clear that plant-based, complete protein sources are of critical importance for the future—this is exactly what superfoods provide and this is exactly what AFA algae provides. Some of the free amino acid peptides found in AFA may be responsible for helping to detoxify our bodies of heavy metals.

 Dr. Gillian McKeith reports in her booklet Miracle Superfood: Wild Blue-Green Algae that in her clinical experience AFA algae has been effective in chelating (removing) dangerous, toxic heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, and mercury. She recommends consuming 0.21 to 0.35 ounces (6 to 10 grams) of AFA blue-green algae daily for severe cases of heavy-metal toxicity.

Health benefits

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Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA) blue-green algae are made primarily of soft proteins and polysaccharides that are easily digested by our intestinal bacteria that in turn then feed our blood and cells. This “softness” makes AFA one of the most digestible and utilizable protein foods in all of nature. This “soft” characteristic is unusual for plant cells, but is common for animal cells; this is a reason why blue-green algae are often considered 25 percent animal. AFA is loaded with chlorophyll (1–2 percent of its dry weight).

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Chlorophyll helps build our blood due to the presence of the pyrol ring in chlorophyll, which is identical to the pyrol ring found in hemoglobin. Chlorophyll helps fight leukemia as well as certain forms of skin and liver cancer. Additionally, chlorophyll helps to deodorize the bowels. AFA contains an extraordinarily high concentration of the blue-pigment phycocyanin (15 percent) which helps preload the immune system by stimulating the production of more stem cells from the bone marrow. Stem cells are the basic form of all cells and can be transformed into any cell (including T-cells, NK cells, macrophages, and other immune system cell artillery). AFA is known to contain an exceptional forty major and trace minerals, picked up from the constant stirring of nearly thirty feet of mineral sediment at the bottom of Klamath Lake. Minerals are the atomic matrix of our bodies and are necessary to build every tissue including our bones, teeth, skin, hair, nails, internal organs, muscular system, immune system, and nervous system.

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Generally, the more domesticated our food is, the more mineral deficient it becomes. Weston Price’s work in Nutrition and Physical Degeneration demonstrated that the more one adopts a “civilized”
diet, the more quickly mineral deficiency symptoms appear. Mineral deficiencies have been associated with every degenerative and chronic condition known to humankind. The key solution to mineral deficiencies appears to be including wild foods in our diet. AFA is a wild food. AFA is an excellent source of B vitamins including appreciable amounts of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, and B12. In general, B vitamins fight stress by helping to more efficiently convert polysaccharides and other carbohydrates into glucose for immediately available energy, endurance, and stamina.
The vitamin B12 found in AFA may or may not be usable by the human body. Dr. Gabriel Cousens’s clinical research indicates that the vitamin B12 in AFA does not increase serum B12 levels in human blood, indicating that the B12 in AFA is unavailable. AFA is also an important source of vitamin C. AFA contains omega-3 fatty acids, including the long- chain omega-3 fatty acid known as docosahexanoic acid (DHA). AFA also contains the phospholipid choline. This makes AFA a brain and nervous system supporting food.

Straight from Klamath lake

Klamath Lake blue-green Algae

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Klamath Lake blue-green algae is a form of microalgae phytoplankton that differs from spirulina in that it prefers fresh water as opposed to brackish, salty water. At least forty thousand species of microalgae phytoplankton have been identified, not only including blue-green algae, but also ocean- dwelling marine phytoplankton species, seaweeds, fresh water pond algae, and mosses of many colors. Microalgae phytoplankton form the basis of the food chain. Fossil evidence indicates they were very likely the first organisms to populate the Earth and are still here eons later. Some scientists believe microalgae have been on Earth for approximately 2.8 billion years. Microalgae are responsible for an estimated 80 to 90 percent of the planet’s overall food supply and oxygen supply. Microalgae obtain their energy through the process of photosynthesis. It is through algal photosynthesis that the Earth’s early atmosphere was converted into its present oxygen- rich state. It seems clear that algae have been the primary developers of the Earth’s atmosphere since life appeared on Earth. Blue-green algae (of the Cyanophyta family) are extremely hardy survivors and can adapt to a wide range of light, heat, carbon dioxide levels, oxygen levels, and unique aqueous physical environments. Blue-green algae are the richest sources of chlorophyll found in nature. They photo-synthesize better than any plant on Earth. Blue-green algae are similar in structure to a soft bacteria with chlorophyll, phycocyanin, and other pigments. Like bacteria, blue-green algae are prokaryotes because they lack a membrane-bound nucleus. The genetic information in blue-green algae (DNA and RNA) is easily absorbed by our intestinal flora (friendly bacteria that live in our digestive system). This helps our intestinal bacteria and consequently our bodies digest and connect with the eons-old information contained within blue-green algae, allowing us to improve our immune system and to better adapt to changing conditions in our environment.

Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA) blue-green algae is a particular type of wild blue-green algae
that populates its natural habitat—a giant shallow body of water known as Klamath Lake in Oregon. At 125 square miles, Klamath Lake is the largest lake in Oregon. It is also at a relatively high altitude, 4,139 feet above sea level. In his booklet Primordial Food, Christian Drapeau writes:

"Klamath Lake is located in a relatively undeveloped area, surrounded by publicly owned land such as the Crater Lake National Park, the Winema National Forest, the Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge, and the Tule Lake National Wildlife Bird Refuge. With the Cascade Mountains to the west, thousands of square miles of National Park to the north and east, and the city of Klamath Falls located downstream at the southern end of the lake, Klamath Lake is virtually untouched by industrial activity and pollution."

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AFA is a nitrogen-fixing algae that draws nitrogen from the atmosphere to build world-class protein. AFA has been harvested, filtered, cleaned, and dried from Klamath Lake for worldwide consumption since the 1970s. AFA blue-green algae from Klamath Lake has become a popular superfood among health enthusiasts all over the world. Blue-green algae is a wild food with a fantastic array of brain-specific phytochemicals, a huge selection of antioxidants, minerals (especially iron, zinc, selenium, and magnesium), amino acids (it is a complete protein), vitamins, enzymes, and many unique nutrients. Blue- green algae is one of the richest food sources of antioxidant compounds, including carotenoids (beta- carotene, lycopene, and lutein), chlorophyll, and phycocyanin.

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It's all about that Algae

What is Algae?

Algae are the most important life forms on Earth. Still, many can't answer the question, "What is algae?" First of all, "algae" is plural, so it is better to ask "What are algae?"
The word “algae” embraces a huge variety of life forms, and scientists don’t always agree on which organisms are algae, and which ones aren’t.
You may think of algae as plants that float in the water, but that’s not exactly correct. Like plants, algae make their own food by photosynthesis. But algae aren’t planted in the ground, so they aren’t really plants.
Furthermore, some algae don’t live in the water, they might live in the soil or in the snow, and some algae have even been found floating in clouds. So you can think of algae as photosynthetic life forms that usually float in the water.
There are huge numbers of algae. Everything from the tiniest photosynthetic bacterium to a giant kelp that grows 200 feet tall are considered algae.

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Why are algae so important?

The oceans cover about 71% of the Earth’s surface, yet algae produce more than 71% of the Earth’s oxygen; in fact, some scientists believe that algae produce 87% of the world’s oxygen.
They also help remove huge amounts of Carbon Dioxide from the air. Carbon Dioxide causes global warming, so algae are one of our most important allies in the fight against climate change.
They are the basis of most food chains in the ocean and in fresh water. No algae, no fish.
Someday, algae may allow us to stop burning petroleum.