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.
These tiny creatures are fascinating. Although their distinctive color makes them seem like true plants, they are actually not that simple to classify. They do exhibit many plant-like characteristics, but some of their internal functions more closely resemble those of bacteria. This dual personality has allowed them to survive on Earth for eons, adapting to hostile environments that would have doomed other creatures.
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.
The designation as super-food may be hyperbole, but it is true that this product family has created a new market. Klamath Lake in southern Oregon is one of the best farming locations due to the local climatic conditions and a lack of pollution. Most commercial growers harvest types of Spirulina, which contains the highest levels of nutrients and can be controlled relatively easily.
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.
Even though science has not yet substantiated these results, the substance is used to help drop extra pounds, relieve chronic anxiety and depression, and even to mitigate some female reproductive health problems. Daily use is said to reduce early stages of oral cancer, bolster the immune system, and relieve chronic fatigue while boosting energy. Users say it helps with the common problems associated with ADHD (hyperactivity-attention disorder).
Some of those unproven assertions have created controversy and sparked legal action in the past, regardless of any nutritional advantages. Using this type of supplement as a natural aid is probably neither toxic nor harmful in recommended amounts, but the actual results cannot be easily duplicated in a laboratory. They are subjective, and vary widely for each individual.
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.
These tiny creatures are fascinating. Although their distinctive color makes them seem like true plants, they are actually not that simple to classify. They do exhibit many plant-like characteristics, but some of their internal functions more closely resemble those of bacteria. This dual personality has allowed them to survive on Earth for eons, adapting to hostile environments that would have doomed other creatures.
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.
The designation as super-food may be hyperbole, but it is true that this product family has created a new market. Klamath Lake in southern Oregon is one of the best farming locations due to the local climatic conditions and a lack of pollution. Most commercial growers harvest types of Spirulina, which contains the highest levels of nutrients and can be controlled relatively easily.
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.
Even though science has not yet substantiated these results, the substance is used to help drop extra pounds, relieve chronic anxiety and depression, and even to mitigate some female reproductive health problems. Daily use is said to reduce early stages of oral cancer, bolster the immune system, and relieve chronic fatigue while boosting energy. Users say it helps with the common problems associated with ADHD (hyperactivity-attention disorder).
Some of those unproven assertions have created controversy and sparked legal action in the past, regardless of any nutritional advantages. Using this type of supplement as a natural aid is probably neither toxic nor harmful in recommended amounts, but the actual results cannot be easily duplicated in a laboratory. They are subjective, and vary widely for each individual.
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.