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.
Modern products made from this group include agar, a common ingredient in foods and industrial applications. Named for their cyan blue color, humanly edible forms obtain this pigmentation through bacterial photosynthesis, which is normally the way plants derive energy from sunshine. This substance has been highly praised by some nutritionists, even having been called a solution to future world food shortages.
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.
The excitement these products generate among health-conscious consumers is easy to understand. Because of their unique internal processes, the same factors that give them their vibrant color also makes them higher in beta-carotene and vegetable proteins. Their anti-oxidant characteristics are well-known, and they also contain essential minerals and vitamins. These substances have been the source of substantial 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.
Regarded as food supplement and not a medication, the substance can be taken in pill form, sprinkled over other dishes, or combined with juice or water. Over-dosing is next to impossible, although pregnant women are advised to discontinue use. People who use it daily report an increase in energy and a greater sense of physical well-being, with an improvement in many physical functions.
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.
Modern products made from this group include agar, a common ingredient in foods and industrial applications. Named for their cyan blue color, humanly edible forms obtain this pigmentation through bacterial photosynthesis, which is normally the way plants derive energy from sunshine. This substance has been highly praised by some nutritionists, even having been called a solution to future world food shortages.
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.
The excitement these products generate among health-conscious consumers is easy to understand. Because of their unique internal processes, the same factors that give them their vibrant color also makes them higher in beta-carotene and vegetable proteins. Their anti-oxidant characteristics are well-known, and they also contain essential minerals and vitamins. These substances have been the source of substantial 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.
Regarded as food supplement and not a medication, the substance can be taken in pill form, sprinkled over other dishes, or combined with juice or water. Over-dosing is next to impossible, although pregnant women are advised to discontinue use. People who use it daily report an increase in energy and a greater sense of physical well-being, with an improvement in many physical functions.
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