The cloudy, pervasive murk that appears in some bodies of water when sunshine, temperature and nutrients reach optimal levels is called a bloom. It is actually a population explosion of microscopic life forms, the majority of which are not suitable for human consumption. While a few are actually deadly, there are edible varieties which are specifically grown to make blue green algae supplements, an increasingly popular dietary 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.
Understanding consumer excitement about these products is not difficult. The same biological process that gives these organisms their bright colors also helps increase the amount of healthy vegetable protein, while creating high levels of beta-carotene. The amounts of amino acids, minerals, and vitamins are comparatively high, and the substance is known to possess antioxidant properties. These positive factors have generated numerous health claims.
Although difficult to prove scientifically, enthusiasts recommend it as a way to ease anxiety and depression, an aid for losing excess weight, and a palliative for certain female health complications. It is said to reduce inflammation, suppress certain oral cancers, and boost flagging immune systems. Some recommend taking it for chronic fatigue, or to combat the effects of hyperactivity-attention disorder (ADHD).
Even though it does provide excellent nutritional support, some extreme claims regarding inherent, beneficial properties cannot actually be proven, and have generated legal actions and controversy. Although there is no realistic evidence against taking this supplement over the long term, any claims about actual medical advantages fall into the area of subjective interpretation, and are different for every user.
While neither a medicine nor a drug, this food can be used in pill form, dissolved in water or juice, or sprinkled as a powder. There is little or no danger of over-dosing, although daily use is not recommended for pregnant women. Those who do partake regularly say that the substance increases emotional well-being and daily energy, improves physical functions overall, and imparts a feeling of robust health.
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.
Understanding consumer excitement about these products is not difficult. The same biological process that gives these organisms their bright colors also helps increase the amount of healthy vegetable protein, while creating high levels of beta-carotene. The amounts of amino acids, minerals, and vitamins are comparatively high, and the substance is known to possess antioxidant properties. These positive factors have generated numerous health claims.
Although difficult to prove scientifically, enthusiasts recommend it as a way to ease anxiety and depression, an aid for losing excess weight, and a palliative for certain female health complications. It is said to reduce inflammation, suppress certain oral cancers, and boost flagging immune systems. Some recommend taking it for chronic fatigue, or to combat the effects of hyperactivity-attention disorder (ADHD).
Even though it does provide excellent nutritional support, some extreme claims regarding inherent, beneficial properties cannot actually be proven, and have generated legal actions and controversy. Although there is no realistic evidence against taking this supplement over the long term, any claims about actual medical advantages fall into the area of subjective interpretation, and are different for every user.
While neither a medicine nor a drug, this food can be used in pill form, dissolved in water or juice, or sprinkled as a powder. There is little or no danger of over-dosing, although daily use is not recommended for pregnant women. Those who do partake regularly say that the substance increases emotional well-being and daily energy, improves physical functions overall, and imparts a feeling of robust health.
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