Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, or AFA, is a type of blue-green algae that is believed to be a superfood due to its high nutrient content. While there are many different types of this algae, some with no health benefits, AFA is known for its potential to increase energy and immunity, reduce depression, and improve mood and focus. AFA is also rich in antioxidants and chlorophyll, which may increase oxygen availability in the body.
Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, or AFA for short, is also popularly known as “blue-green algae” and is believed to be a superfood in many cultures. However, considering AFA as a superfood can be somewhat misleading, as there are many different types of this algae, and some of the types have no health benefits at all. Still, the claims touting the benefits of AFA are numerous, from the anecdotal to the well-documented. In fact, while no solid clinical evidence has yet been found to support its therapeutic uses, many mainstream medical authorities support the notion that seaweed is beneficial.
The basis for many of the health claims made about Aphanizomenon flos-aquae is that it is believed to be the foundation of the entire food chain on the planet. Some AFA studies show that a large portion of its nutrients, more than 95 percent, are efficiently absorbed when consumed, making its many micronutrients highly available to the consumer. By comparison, digested meat proteins average about 20 percent assimilation, while the protein assimilation rate of AFA in mammals is about 80 percent.
In general, the microphyte grows in cold, clean, freshwater lakes. Both the toxic and non-toxic types can be found throughout the world. In the United States, much of the non-toxic AFA sold for human consumption comes from Upper Klamath Lake in Oregon.
Commercially, AFA comes in four main forms: compressed tablets, encapsulated powder, lyophilized crystals, and freshly frozen liquid. Some algaculturists report using organic, wild-brewed techniques instead of artificial ponds to ensure optimal nutrient profiles. The highest quality Aphanizomenon flos-aquae brands generally contain a wide range of essential and digestible nutrients.
AFA is mainly used to increase energy and immunity. As a result, it is popular with athletes, people suffering from acute or chronic health challenges, and those generally looking to improve longevity and vitality through nutritional supplementation. Others eat the seaweed to reduce depression or improve mood and focus.
AFA’s blue dye comes from its phycocyanin component, which is a powerful antioxidant and has been studied for its marked anti-inflammatory effect. Furthermore, Aphanizomenon flos-aquae is photosynthetic and produces its own food, chlorophyll, from sunlight. Chlorophyll, which gives AFA its green tint, has a similar molecular structure to hemoglobin in the human body. Hemoglobin carries oxygen to all tissues, so it is believed that AFA’s chlorophyll content also works to increase oxygen availability in the body.
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