Blue Green Algae

Blue Green Algae is found in saline lakes and ponds in Central and South America and Africa, and is used throughout the world as a nutritional supplement. Also commonly called Spirulina, Blue Green Algae has similar properties to Chlorella, but it is higher in protein. Blue Green Algae contains chlorophyll, which is essential in maintaining healthy digestion and cleansing the bowels. Blue Green Algae also contains 65-70% vegetable protein.  The protein contained in Blue Green Algae is especially beneficial, as it contains none of the harmful fats or cholesterol found in meat. It also contains a host of vitamins and nutrients, and is one of the few non-meat sources of Vitamin B12. Blue Green Algae is especially high in beta-carotene, calcium, iron, niacin, and phosphorus. Blue Green Algae is used for health rejuvenation and weight reduction, and is considered an excellent blood and colon cleanser. Blue Green Algae is possibly the most nutritious substance known to man. Adding Blue Green Algae to cultured immune system cells significantly increases the production of infection fighting cytokines, say immunologists at UC Davis School of Medicine and Medical Center. Their finding was published in the Journal of Medicinal Foods. A number of animal studies have shown Blue Green Algae to be an effective immunomodulator (an agent that can effect the behavior of immune cells). In rats, Blue Green Algae inhibited allergic reactions by suppressing the release of histamine in a dose-dependent fashion. In cats, Blue Green Algae enhanced the ability of macrophages to engulf bacteria, and in chickens Blue Green Algae increased antibody responses and the activity of natural killer cells, which destroy infected and cancerous cells in the body. While extensive human studies have not been done, several reports also suggest Blue Green Algae has therapeutic effects on hyperlipidemia and obesity. In one study, Blue Green Algae decreased total serum cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, while increasing high-density lipoprotein. A 1986 study of obese patients showed a significant reduction of body weight after including Blue Green Algae in the diet for four weeks. In the UC Davis study, researchers evaluated the secretion of the cytokines interferon-gamma, interleukin-4, and interleukin-1beta in the lab to get a better understanding of Blue Green Algae's potential regulatory effect on the immune system.

(This herbal ingredient can be purchased from Viable Herbal Solutions in powdered and capsule form as part of our Single Herb sales program.)