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.
Biologically speaking, these are unusual creatures. Because of their bright green color, people assume that they belong to the plant kingdom, but correct classification is not that simple. While they definitely possess plant-like characteristics, other properties are predominantly bacterial in function and physiology. These organisms have adapted over the ages to nearly every environment and temperature range.
Some salt-water species already provide agar for both industrial and commercial food production. Fresh-water species may sport their namesake cyan blue pigmentation, which is a result of internal photosynthesis, or the method plants use to process energy from the sun. Commercially grown varieties are transformed from pond scum to powders or tablets, and have been declared one of the most promising ways to end world malnutrition.
Although it may be hyperbole to call it a super-food, this green soup has become a source of profit for some farmers. One prime location in North America is Klamath Lake in the State of Oregon. With its ideal climate and unpolluted water, conditions are ideal for raising creatures at the very bottom of the food chain. Spirulina is the variety most often grown, and is said to possess the greatest nutritional properties.
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.
Although few of those benefits are scientifically proven, advocates suggest using it to aid in weight loss, to ease depression and anxiety, or to address female reproductive health issues. The substance is said to boost the immune system and even reduce early stages of oral cancer, while eliminating chronic fatigue due to low energy levels. Some of the products are even recommended as a way to help conquer ADHD, or attention-hyperactivity disorder.
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.
Biologically speaking, these are unusual creatures. Because of their bright green color, people assume that they belong to the plant kingdom, but correct classification is not that simple. While they definitely possess plant-like characteristics, other properties are predominantly bacterial in function and physiology. These organisms have adapted over the ages to nearly every environment and temperature range.
Some salt-water species already provide agar for both industrial and commercial food production. Fresh-water species may sport their namesake cyan blue pigmentation, which is a result of internal photosynthesis, or the method plants use to process energy from the sun. Commercially grown varieties are transformed from pond scum to powders or tablets, and have been declared one of the most promising ways to end world malnutrition.
Although it may be hyperbole to call it a super-food, this green soup has become a source of profit for some farmers. One prime location in North America is Klamath Lake in the State of Oregon. With its ideal climate and unpolluted water, conditions are ideal for raising creatures at the very bottom of the food chain. Spirulina is the variety most often grown, and is said to possess the greatest nutritional properties.
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.
Although few of those benefits are scientifically proven, advocates suggest using it to aid in weight loss, to ease depression and anxiety, or to address female reproductive health issues. The substance is said to boost the immune system and even reduce early stages of oral cancer, while eliminating chronic fatigue due to low energy levels. Some of the products are even recommended as a way to help conquer ADHD, or attention-hyperactivity disorder.
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.
0 comments:
Post a Comment