AFA algae - action and application

AFA algae - action and application / Naturopathy
The blue-green AFA-algae are not bred like other algae (for example Spirulina or Chlorella algae), but they grow naturally in the upper Klamath lake. This is located in a national park in Oregon / USA. The AFA algae only thrive there, they do not grow elsewhere. Like the spirulina algae, they belong to the so-called cyanobacteria. AFA is the abbreviation for Aphanizomenon flos- aqua, which means "invisible flower of water".


contents

  • Poisons in the algae
  • AFA algae a miracle cure?
  • ingredients
  • spectrum
  • acidosis
  • general health
  • loss in weight
  • skin
  • Learn
  • immune system
  • production method
  • Summary

The special thing about these blue-green plants is the composition of the water in which they thrive. This is a special combination of minerals due to volcanic activity in the area where Klamath Lake is located. That is also the reason why the AFA algae only grow there and can not be bred.

The AFA algae grow exclusively in the Klamath Lake in Oregon / USA. (Image: MichelaD./fotolia.com)

The repeatedly mentioned term "organically grown" in connection with the AFA algae is thus completely wrong. They grow in the wild, they are not grown, what should be "organic" enough. The natural product is gently freeze-dried and marketed as a dietary supplement.

Poisons in the algae

Unfortunately, toxins in the AFA algae are reported again and again. And this of course deters many consumers from buying this supplement. The poison is mainly the substance Microcystin meant. But also contamination by bacteria or heavy metals are associated with the AFA algae. The Klamath algae is a natural product and can therefore be contaminated solely by their living conditions.

However, this does not necessarily mean that it is no longer recommended as a dietary supplement. Also, in the context of the controversial discussions, it became known that there is a harmful limit to the alleged poison burden, which was quite underrun in tests. Unfortunately, no clear results are known.

If you would like to take this algae preparation, you should be aware of the following: Labeled by the manufacturer, it must be clear on the packaging that the product is free from any contamination. Thus, a healthy adult, if he complies with the permitted quantities, take the AFA algae. Since there are no findings with regard to children, pregnant women and nursing mothers, these should absolutely avoid appropriate preparations. Individuals suffering from autoimmune disease should not take the AFA algae either. This is because the algae have an immunostimulating effect, which is contraindicated in the context of an autoimmune process.

For the application, the Afa algae are offered in the form of capsules, powders and pressed tablets. (Image: ExQuisine / fotolia.com)

AFA algae a miracle cure?

Again and again comes a so-called "miracle cure" on the market. Whether they are algae or other plants or fungi ... they are not all miracle products. They go through the press for a few months, filling in blogs and articles on the internet and then nobody talks about them anymore. Everyone should form their own opinion about it, inform themselves and then decide whether the well-prized preparation is the right one. In a nutshell - the AFA algae is not a panacea. However, it contains ingredients that can be beneficial to our health - but far from any magic potion that applies to any other dietary supplement.

ingredients

By growing in the Klamath lake, which contains water from the surrounding volcanic mountains, the AFA alga is particularly rich in vitality. It contains mainly high quality protein, rich in essential amino acids such as

  • tryptophan,
  • phenylalanine,
  • lysine,
  • methionine,
  • tyrosine,
  • glycine,
  • cysteine,
  • Glutamic acid and many more.

Glutathione, one of the strongest antioxidants, is made up of glycine, glutamic acid and cysteine. This body's own antioxidant protects us from harmful substances and is therefore extremely important for the immune system. If the body does not produce enough of it, it could lead to chronic illnesses over an extended period of time. This substance can be supplied via the AFA algae.

Other ingredients include polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as gamma linolenic acid. This is one of the most important and valuable fatty acids found in breast milk. It also contains EPA and DHA fatty acids necessary for the development of the human brain. Alpha linoleic acid, EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are the most important omega-3 fatty acids. These are essential, which means that the body can not make it itself, but we need to take it extra. The omega-3 fatty acids are important for protein synthesis, for cell metabolism, for hormone production, for the prevention of inflammation and much more.

The AFA algae contain about 40 minerals that are bound to enzymes, which allows the human body to absorb them better. Furthermore, it contains valuable phytochemicals such as phycocyanin and chlorophyll. Likewise, this natural product has a large number of vitamins, such as: beta carotene, the entire vitamin B complex, vitamin C, vitamin K1, folic acid, biotin. Also minerals and trace elements such as boron, calcium chromium, copper, fluorine, iron, magnesium, selenium, sodium and much more are included.

Also, healthy omega-3 fatty acid is included in the Afa algae in addition to numerous important minerals. (Image: evgeniybelyaev / fotolia.com)

spectrum

Even without scientific evidence, the AFA algae are said to have a particularly positive effect on the brain. Thus they should be able to improve the information processing and also the function of the glands in the brain like hypothalamus, pituitary gland and Epiphyse. This is noticeable in an increase of the memory and concentration. Use in children suffering from ADD or ADHD remains controversial.

The proportion of omega-3 fatty acids is supportive of skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and eczema.

acidosis

The AFA algae grows in an extremely alkaline water and is itself a base-rich plant. In the presence of hyperacidity, this supplementation, along with a diet change, is worth a try.

general health

The AFA algae should also have a positive effect on the general state of health. They contain the complete vitamin B complex and many high-quality amino acids, which can contribute to a good general condition, good mood, and inner peace.

loss in weight

Those who want to lose weight should do so in a balanced way. The vital substances contained in this natural product support this approach and additionally ensure that no food cravings develop.

skin

For skin problems, the AFA algae can be used both internally and externally. In particular, the essential fatty acids contained therein have a positive effect on the appearance of the skin.

The algae powder can be used to prepare a mask:
For this, one tablespoon of algae powder are mixed with 4 tablespoons of wheat germ oil or sesame oil and a teaspoon of honey and half a cup of avocado. The whole is applied and washed off after about 20 minutes with lukewarm water. If you want, you can add some aloe vera gel to the mask - preferably fresh from the plant.

The Afa algae is ascribed a particularly positive effect on the brain or the concentration and the memory. (Image: picture-waterfall / fotolia.com)

Learn

Time and again it is said that the AFA algae have a positive effect on the human brain. It is designed to help with learning and exams, as it leads to better concentration and memory.

immune system

The vital substances in the natural product, the antioxidants, the essential fatty acids - all together can have a positive effect on the immune system.

production method

The manufacturing process for the AFA algae preparations is usually a gentle drying process. From this, capsules and pellets are produced. The powder is also available on the market. The capsules should get a shell of pure vegetable cellulose and the pellets without binder. Generally, a natural product does not contain a preservative. As already mentioned, it should be clear on the packaging that the product has been adequately controlled and, above all, contains no impurities.

Summary

In summary, it can be said that the AFA algae are neither a "superfood" nor a "miracle cure" and certainly not a panacea. This natural product contains healthy ingredients, but still everyone should inform themselves before taking, form their own opinion and then decide whether this supplement is suitable. (Sw)