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FRESHWATER ALGAE OVERVIEW
(Spirulina & Chlorella)
Packed with protein, nutrients and chlorophyll that are easy for the body to assimilate, the algae spirulina and chlorella have been extolled as near-perfect foods, gifts from the dawn of life on earth: Algae are among the earth's oldest life forms. While they may not be the solution to all nutritional problems, both types of algae do indeed make supplements that address a range of health needs. In particular, because they are such rich sources of protein, they can round out meatless diets. Spirulina, with its additional supply of the B vitamins, essential fatty acids and carotenoids, has a long history of food use; it was, for example, a staple in the diet of the Aztecs. As a rich source of chlorophyll as well as basic nutrients, chlorella is believed by some to cleanse the blood of toxins, buffer the effects of radiation, boost immunity and even fight cancer. Research has yet to hear these benefits out.
Spirulina and chlorella are available as liquids, tablets, capsules and powders at health food stores. Many "green drinks" contain one or both of these algae. One of the most popular uses of these algae is as a breath freshener - the chlorophyll content accounts for this effect. For bad breath, it is suggested that you chew tablets or swish some juice around in your mouth.
THERAPEUTIC EFFECT OF FRESHWATER ALGAE
Useful for supplementing vegetarian diets, weight-loss diets and fasts, fresh water algae is used for increasing energy and resistance under conditions of stress or weakness. Algae supplies easily digestible, complete protein (protein containing all the essential amino acids) to vegetarians, those who are fasting or dieting and those who have trouble digesting other forms of protein. The vitamins and minerals algae contain are useful as a supplement in these cases. Algae's protein might, in addition, stabilize blood-sugar levels for diabetes and hypoglycemics.
COMPONENTS OF FRESHWATER ALGAE
Spirulina, a blue-green alga, contains up to 70 percent protein, chlorella, about 60 percent. Both are rich in beta carotene as well as other carotenoids, all antioxidants that may lower cancer risks. They also contain essential fatty acids, including gamma-linolenic acid, which are vital for nerve and brain function and also help relieve eczema and other skin conditions. Calcium, iron, magnesium and zinc are among the minerals supplied by spirulina; A, D, B-1, B-2 and B-12 are among its vitamins. Besides chlorophyll, chlorella contains the vitamin B-complex and vitamins C and E.
Vegetarians tend to have vitamin B-12 deficiencies. Although spirulina and other algae have high levels of this vitamin, it may not be in a form the body can use, so algae may not offset such deficiencies.
SAFETY CONCERNS
In recent years, there has been concern about algae contaminated by pollution in lakes where they were harvested. As a result, algae products are now subject to more stringent controls.
FRESH WATER ALGAE NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENT
For added protein and nutrients, take 3-5 tablets or 2-3 teaspoons of powdered spirulina or chlorella 2 to 3 times daily. Mix the powder with fruit or vegetable juice. If you are under unusual stress, you can take up to 12 spirulina or chlorella tablets or capsules over the course of the day. Take 100 mg or vitamin C along with every algae pill. Together, the algae and extra vitamin C fortify your immune system - stress tends to weaken your resistance. The high-dosage supplement may also improve your energy level and your ability to concentrate at such times.
GREEN SMOOTHIE FOR ENERGY
1 Banana
1/2 Cup Plain Live-Culture Yogurt
1/2 Teaspoon Spirulina or Chlorella Powder
1/4 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1 Cup Apple Juice
1/8 Teaspoon Vitamin C Powder (500 mg)
1 Teaspoon Lecithin
1/8 Teaspoon Liquid Vitamin B
Combine all the ingredients in a blender, blending well. This smoothie gives you an extra boost of nutrition and energy. It is also an easy low-calorie way to ensure that your vitamin, mineral and protein intake is adequate while you are dieting.
CLAIMS & COUNTERCLAIMS OF FRESHWATER ALGAE
Algae have been found to contain various antiviral and anticancer compounds, at least in lab experiments; other compounds increased immune-cell levels in lab animals. This may prove promising. Claims that spirulina can suppress the appetite and that chlorophyll in algae improves bad breath or other odors have not, however, been supported thus far.
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Nutrition Basics - Spirulina
CHLORELLA
Chlorella belongs to the eucaryotic cell category of algae and lives in fresh water as a single celled plant containing a nucleus and an enormous amount of readily available chlorophyll. Its size is about that of a human erythrocyte (red blood cell) (between 2-8 microns in diameter. The name chlorella derives from two Latin words meaning "leaf" (green) and "small", referring to the unusually high content of chlorophyll which gives chlorella its characteristic deep emerald-green color. Chlorella is also rich in protein (about 58 percent), vitamins (all of the B vitamins, vitamin C and E), rare trace minerals, amino acids, "C.G.F." (Chlorella Growth Factor) and other beneficial substances. In fact, it is virtually a complete food. It contains more vitamin B-12 than liver does, plus considerable amount of beta-carotene. It has a strong cell wall, however, which makes it difficult to gain access to its nutrients. Consequently, it requires factory processing to be effective.
Under favorable growth conditions; strong sunlight, pure water and clean air, chlorella multiplies at an incredible rate. The process of reproduction can generally be divided into several steps; growth-ripening-maturity-division. At the division stage, a "mother" cell divides into 4 "daughter" cells. This complete reproduction cycle can take less than 24 hours.
Chlorella is one of the few edible species of water-grown algae. It may be taken in the form of tablets or capsules, or added to foods such as pasta or cookies. Taken in any form, chlorella can improve the nutritional quality of your daily diet. The increase in processed and refined foods in the diet of modern man make chlorella an important food supplement for anyone interested in better health.
Chlorella also contains a growth-promoting substance, making it valuable as an ingredient in breads and fermented drinks. If chlorella extract is added to the dough before yeast fermentation, the visual appearance and flavor of the loaf can be enhanced. It will also keep the bread fresher for a longer period.
Chlorella can also be added to other foods to improve their flavor. Examples of these include wine, cakes, cookies, cheese, ice-cream, mayonnaise, pasta, rice and soft drinks.
Chlorella can have a strengthening effect on body cells by supporting the functioning of our metabolic pathways. The chlorophyll in chlorella can help speed the cleansing of the bloodstream. In tests, Chlorella was added to the diet of mice with "fatty liver". After administration of this diet over an extended period there was a marked reduction in this fatty condition.
Mice that were injected with cancer cells showed a higher resistance to this challenge if they had been fed with chlorella, Another test showed that chlorella Growth Factor will improve their resistance to abdominal tumors and increase the number of immune cells in the abdominal cavity.
Chlorella can promote cell reproduction, reduce cholesterol and increase hemoglobin levels. Since chlorella is such a broad-spectrum product, it can help to support and repair organs and tissues that have been injured by a variety of causes. Chlorella is very high in RNA and DNA, and has been found to protect against the effects of ultraviolet radiation.
Numerous research projects in the USA and Europe have indicated that chlorella can also aid the body in the breakdown of persistent hydrocarbon and metallic toxins such as DDT, PCB, mercury, cadmium and lead as well as strengthening the immune system response.
The fibrous materials in chlorella will also improve digestion and promote the growth of beneficial aerobic bacteria in the gut.
Other research programs have indicated that regular use of chlorella can help to guard against heart disease, reduce high blood pressure and lower serum cholesterol levels.
Studies show that chlorella is an excellent source of protein, especially for people who cannot or choose not to eat meat.
Chlorella is the most beneficial green plant from under the sea that can be added to a person's diet for the health and wellbeing of the human body. With the many positive findings of scientific researchers around the world, this food should become an indispensable part of our daily diet so that we can enjoy the many health benefits that it has to offer.
CHLOROPHYLL & GREEN DRINKS
"Green Drinks" are natural food formulas made from plants that are good detoxifiers and blood cleansers, as well as sources of chlorophyll, minerals, enzymes, and other important nutrients. Generally, they can be made fresh using a juicer or blender or are sold in powdered form to be mixed just before use. Many different companies market green drink formulas.
Green juices cleanse the body of pollutants and have a rejuvenating effect. Made from a variety of green vegetables, green juices are rich in chlorophyll, which helps to purify the blood, build red blood cells, detoxify and heal the body, and provide the body with fast energy.
Green juices can be made with alfalfa sprouts, cabbage, kale, dandelion greens, spinach, and other green vegetables, including wheatgrass. Wheatgrass juice is particularly important in any cancer treatment, especially when radiation therapy is involved.
To sweeten and dilute your green juices, try adding fresh carrot and apple juice. No other fruit juices should be added. Steam distilled, quality bottled or filtered water is another good addition.
Although green juices have great health benefits, they should be consumed in moderation. Try drinking about 8 to 10 ounces a day. The following is an excellent "green drink":
GREEN FOODS & CHLOROPHYLL SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS
Alfa Max, Alfalfa Extract, Nature's Way, 525 mg, 100 Caps
Nature's Way Alfa-Max Alfalfa Extract capsules is a 10x extract of fresh green Alfalfa leaves.
Barlean's Greens Superfood Supplement, Barlean's, 9.3 oz.
Barleans Greens is a concentrated storehouse of important nutrients that are stripped from modern day food. With equal proportions of organic barley leaf, rye leaf, oat leaf and alfalfa leaf, Barleans triple potency formula combined with this other green ingredients, gives you the benefit of well over 7000 mg of green superfoods per serving!
Barlean's Greens Superfood Supplement, Barlean's, 120 Caps
Barleans Greens is a concentrated storehouse of important nutrients that are stripped from modern day food. With equal proportions of organic barley leaf, rye leaf, oat leaf and alfalfa leaf, Barleans triple potency formula combined with this other green ingredients, gives you the benefit of well over 7000 mg of green superfoods per serving!
Barley Grass, Certified Organic, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 250 Tabs
Barley Grass is harvested in the spring in its early stage of growth on fertile organic Kansas soil and is then carefully dehydrated and tableted to ensure preservation of all its fragile nutritional elements.
Barley Grass Greens, Gluten Free, Nature's Way, 500 mg, 100 Caps
Nature's Way Barley Grass has twice the fiber content of bran and is specially grown without the use of herbicides or pesticides.
Barley Grass Powder, 100% Organic, Vegetarian, NOW Foods, 2 lbs.
NOW Foods Barley Grass Powder can help heal stomach and colon disorders as well as pancreatitis, and is an effective anti-inflammatory.
Chlorella Green Algae, Nature's Way, 410 mg, 100 Caps
Green Algae Chlorella is helpful as a support for long-term debilitating systemic conditions which lower energy and resistance; such as diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, allergies, and infections.
Chlorella Powder, 4 oz. Bulk
Chlorella is rich in chlorophyll, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, fiber, and amino acids.
Chlorella Powder, 100% Pure, NOW Foods, 4 oz. Bulk
Chlorella powder is rich in chlorophyll, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, fiber, and amino acids.
Chlorella Tincture, 2 fl. oz.
Chlorella is rich in chlorophyll, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, fiber, and amino acids.
Chlorofresh, Chlorophyll Supplement, Nature's Way, 50 mg, 90 Softgels
Chlorofresh, Chlorophyll Supplement, is used chiefly as an aid to reduce odor from a colostomy or ileostomy and to reduce fecal odor due to incontinence. Special chlorophyll from premium alfalfa leaves. Concentrated for maximum effectiveness. Chlorofresh capsules also work effectively as an internal breath freshener.
Chlorofresh, Liquid Chlorophyll Supplement, Mint Flavor, Nature's Way, 16 fl. oz.
Chlorofresh is used chiefly as an aid to reduce odor from a colostomy or ileostomy and to reduce fecal odor due to incontinence. Chlorofresh liquid is also a good mouthwash and internal breath freshener.
Chlorophyll With Alfalfa Powder, NOW Foods, 100 mg, 90 Caps
Chlorophyll is a unique substance found in all green plants and is sometimes called the blood of plant life. Identified as sodium-copper chlorophyllin, this water soluble extract is derived exclusively from alfalfa through a natural process.
Cruciferous Vegetable Blend (Protectamins), Nature's Way, 60 Caps
Detoxify your body naturally with Nature's Way Cruciferous Vegetable Blend.
Eco-Green Multi, NOW Foods, 120 Tabs
Multi-Vitamins can help fill in the areas lacking in our diets, and are formulated to provide a broad range of nutrition.
Green Food Powder, Barlean's Greens, Gluten Free, 4.7 oz.
Barlean's Greens contains only what is listed on the label. No other ingredients or fillers of any kind have been added.
Green Phyto Foods, NOW Foods, 1000 mg, 90 Tabs
These green foods naturally contain high concentrations of chlorophyll and are harvested seasonally to take advantage of high potencies of naturally occurring nutrients. Everyone should consume green superfoods daily.
Green Phyto Foods, Vegetarian Powder, NOW Foods, 10 oz.
Green Phyto Foods is a potent vegetarian blend of 30 nutrient dense superfoods containing a variety of vitamins, minerals, fiber, chlorophyll, enzymes and herbs.
Greens Pack Fruit & Vegetable Supplement, Trace Minerals, 30 Packets
Greens Pack Fruit & Vegetable Supplement, has an antioxidant ORAC score equal to more than 15 servings of organic fruits and vegetables in every packet.
Green SuperFood Powder, 8 oz.
Mix Green SuperFood powder with water, juice or your favorite smoothie. 25 Enzyme Rich Power Plant Super Foods Formulated in a Great Tasting Blend!
Green SuperFood Single Serving Packets, 15 Packets
The best tasting and most convenient way to help achieve your 5 to 9 daily servings of fruits and vegetables with our single serve packets of Green SuperFood!
Kyo Green Barley Grass Supplement, Powdered Drink Mix, Energy, Vegetarian, Kyolic, 10 oz.
Kyo Green Barley Grass Supplement powdered drink mix is the best combination of nutrients from the Land and Sea. Immune enhancing organic barley and wheat grasses grown in the pristine highlands of Japan are blended with protein-rich, readily-absorbable chlorella and kelp to support cardiovascular health.
Liquid Colloidal Mineral Enriched With Blue Green Algae, Dynamic Health, 32 fl. oz.
Dynamic Health Laboratories' Liquid Colloidal Mineral enriched with Blue-Green Algae synergizes specific ingredients to maximize the health benefits available from this unique blend.
Liquimins Greens 4 Health, Trace Minerals, 32 oz.
Greens 4 Health is a dietary supplement formulated to provide essential green foods, fruits, vegetables, vitamins, minerals, trace minerals, and superfoods for the most complete liquid foods product to promote optimum health and wellness.
Living Green Liquid-Gel Men's Multi-Vitamin, Irwin Naturals, 90 Gels
Living Green Liquid-Gel Men's Multivitamins uses powerful botanicals from whole living plants that are targeted to meet the unique nutrition profile that men need, including prostate health support.
Macro Greens Nutrient-Rich Super Food Supplement, 2 oz.
Macro Greens is a non-allergenic nutrient-rich super food supplement that optimizes pH for stimulant-free health and surpasses the nutrition of five servings of fruits and vegetables without the calories or carbohydrates.
Macro Greens Nutrient-Rich Super Food Supplement, 12 Single Serving Packets
Miracle Greens is an abundant source of antioxidants, co-nutrients, enzymes, B-vitamins, minerals, amino acids and acidophilus cultures for those who prefer to get A-Z nutrition from whole foods.
Macro Greens Nutrient-Rich Super Food Supplement, 30 Day Supply, 10 oz.
Made with certified organic barley grass, Macro Greens is a harvest of natural herbs and non-dairy acidophilus cultures. Macro Greens is an abundant source of anti-oxidants, co-nutrients, enzymes, vitamins, minerals and amino acids.
ProGreens Powder With Advanced Probiotic, Allergy Research Group / Nutricology, 9.3 oz.
ProGreens is an all-natural blended variety of "Super Foods" that provide broad-spectrum nutritional support from certified organic grasses and natural food factors not found in isolated vitamins or mineral concentrates.
ProGreens With Advanced Probiotic, Allergy Research Group / Nutricology, 180 Caps
ProGreens is an all-natural blended variety of "Super Foods" that provide broad-spectrum nutritional support from certified organic grasses and natural food factors not found in isolated vitamins or mineral concentrates.
Spirulina Blue Green Algae Powder, 4 oz. Bulk
Spirulina Blue Green Algae is a highly digestible food, spirulina is at least 60% vegetable protein, which is predigested by the algae.
Spirulina Blue Green Algae Tincture, 2 fl. oz.
Spirulina is rich in chlorophyll, beta carotene, vitamins (including Vitamin B-12), minerals, amino acids, DNA, RNA, and enzymes.
Spirulina Green Blends Cleansing Formula Powder, 7.4 oz.
Earthrise Green Blends Cleansing Formula is a Spirulina-based green food that contains five key ingredients to help detoxify the body naturally.
Spirulina Micro Algae Supplement, Nature's Way, 380 mg, 100 Caps
Nature's Way Spirulina Algae Supplement is specifically useful for those on a weight control program and as a mild appetite suppressant that helps control dietary cravings.
Spirulina, 100% Organic, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 120 VCaps
Spirulina helps protect the immune system, reduce cholesterol, aid in the absorption of minerals and has been used in the treatment of diabetes, glaucoma, liver pathologies, cancer, increasing neurotransmitter formation, and it acts as an appetite suppressant.
Spirulina Natural, Earthrise, 500 mg, 180 Tabs
Earthrise Spirulina Natural is a concentrated source of antioxidants and total carotenoids which help protect the body from damaging effects of free radicals.
Spirulina Natural Powder, 6.3 oz.
Earthrise Spirulina Natural is a concentrated source of antioxidants and total carotenoids which help protect the body from damaging effects of free radicals.
Spirulina Powder, 100% Natural, Vegetarian, NOW Foods, 1 lb.
Spirulina helps protect the immune system, reduce cholesterol, aid in the absorption of minerals and has been used in the treatment of diabetes, glaucoma, liver pathologies, cancer, increasing neurotransmitter formation, and it acts as an appetite suppressant.
Super Green Energy Food Supplement, Nature's Secret, 300 Tabs, 20 Convenient Day Packs
Super Green Energy Food, Green SuperFood Supplement, contains 6 superfoods and an Ultimate Bio-absorption Formula with 16 co-factors to ensure optimum digestion and assimilation of Ultimate Green.
Super Veggie Powder, Truman's Best, 3.5 oz.
Super Green are great for survival storage or if you are on the go.
Vital Greens, Vital Earth, 180 Caps
180 Capsules - 30 Day Supply. 100% complete, live whole food nutrition. Concentrated blend from 'Land and Sea'. Rich in antioxidants, natural living plant enzymes, whole food vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and more.
Wheat Grass, Certified Organic, Green Super Food Powder, NOW Foods, 9 oz.
Wheat Grass is a rich source of many nutrients. The whole leaf vegetable grass is then carefully dehydrated and made into a powder to ensure preservation of all its fragile nutritional elements.
Wheat Grass Powder, Organic, 8.5 oz.
This organic wheat grass powder is an exceptional fine grind that is easy to mix. Add a tablespoon of wheat grass powder with your favorite juice, water or smoothie. One 8.5 oz. bottle has 30 servings.
Wheat Grass Powder, Single Serving Packets, Organic, 15 Packets
Single serve Wheat Grass Powder packets. Easy mixing fine ground wheat grass, box of 15 packets.
Women's Living Green Liquid-Gel Multi-Vitamin, Irwin Naturals, 90 Softgels
Women's Living Green Liquid-Gel Multivitamins sets a much needed new standard in today's world of low nutrition and high stress.
Herbal Remedies: Green Food Supplements / Green Supplements & Products
Herbal Remedies: Chlorella-Spirulina Algae-Phytos Supplements & Products
Herbal Remedies: Chlorella Supplements & Products
Herbal Remedies: Spirulina Supplements & Products
Herbal Remedies: Spirulina / Blue-Green Algae Information
OTHER RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS AVAILABLE FROM AMAZON.COM
Barley Green from AIM International: This product contains a combination of barley juice and kelp. Recently, the AIM company launched their own green barley powder, BarleyLife, and will soon discontinue marketing the original BarleyGreen Premium. However, this original BarleyGreen Premium that has benefited millions for over 20 years, will still be available through YH International, Dr. Hagiwara's company.
EarthSource Greens & More from Solgar (Tablets) and EarthSource Greens & More from Solgar (powder): This formula combines four organically grown grasses (alfalfa, barley, kamut, and wheat), Hawaiian blue-green spirulina, and Chinese chlorella with three potent immune-stimulating mushrooms (maitake, reishi, and shiitake), plus powdered broccoli, carrots, red beets, which supply phytonutrients. Its fruit flavor comes from fresh fruit powders.
Green Magma from Green Foods Corporation: Green Magma is a pure, natural juice of young barley leaves that are organically grown in Japan and are pesticide-free. Brown rice is added to supply vitamin B-1 and nicotinic and linoleic acids. Green Magma contains thousands of enzymes, which play an important role in the metabolism of the body (see Enzymes), plus a high concentration of superoxide dismutase (SOD). The powdered product may be added to juice or quality water.
Kyo-Green from Wakunaga of America: This is a combination of barley, wheatgrass, kelp, and the green algae chlorella. The barley and wheatgrass are organically grown. It is a highly concentrated natural source of chlorophyll, amino acids, vitamins and minerals, carotene, and enzymes. Chlorella is a rich natural source of vitamin A, and kelp supplies iodine and other valuable minerals. See Chlorella above and Kelp for more information.
ProGreens from Nutricology: ProGreens includes organic alfalfa, barley, oat, and wheatgrass juice powders; natural fiber; wheat sprouts; blue-green algae; sea algae; fructooligosaccharides (FOS); lecithin, standardized bioflavonoid extracts; royal jelly and bee pollen; beet and spinach extracts; acerola juice powder; natural vitamin E; and the herbs astragalus, echinacea, licorice, Siberian ginseng, and suma.
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BarleyGreen Products
Kits To Grow Your Own Barley & Wheat Grasses
All About Green Barley (Barley Green)
Juicing With A Green Barley Grass Juice Plus More Juices
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