Blue-green algae: Containing Over 64 Vitamins And Minerals, Blue-Green Algae Boosts Your Immune System And Fights Inflammation

Blue-green algae (Aphanizomanon flos-aquae, or AFA) is something that we have brought to your attention before. Back in June, we told you about E3RenewMe, an anti-ageing formula, which contains AFA as its main ingredient. Blue-green algae is a well known source of over 64 vitamins and mineralsand is known for its immune and anti-inflammatory benefits. 

However, now it appears that even more positive research is emerging that demonstrates its positive effects on immunity, inflammation, and nervous functions, which encompasses a staggering list of health conditions. It also is looking like it can benefit conditions that dont seem to have anything to do with immunity or inflammation, such as depression, and even blindness.

Thats why we at HSI were excited to learn from Tamera Campbell, CEO of the Oregon-based Vision Inc., about their product called E3Live, which is a frozen, live form of blue-green algae.

1,000 times better at getting immune cells where they need to go

In the largest and most extensive study to date, blue-green algae was shown to stimulate immune cell migrationthe process that gets the immune cells where they need to go.
 
One human study found that within two hours AFA was able to trigger the migration of nearly 40 per cent of circulating natural killer cells, the cells responsible for scavenging and killing virally infected cellseven cancer cells.

Research has also shown that AFA contains the polysaccharide responsible for stimulating the immune system. The University of Mississippi, in the US, isolated this polysaccharide from AFA and showed that it has the ability to stimulate macrophage activitythe front line of the immune system. This study demonstrated that these polysaccharides are between 100 and 1,000 times more active than polysaccharide preparations that are currently used to treat cancer.

But one of AFAs unique benefits is its ability to rein in the immune system at the same time that it stimulates it to do its job. We often talk about how many health problems result from the inability of the immune system to stop a disease process in its initial stage.

But Campbell pointed out that People think in terms of stimulating the immune system, but we forget that the immune system is by far the main producer of inflammatory mediators and free radicals. Stimulating the immune system may also mean promoting inflammation and enhancing oxidation in the body. AFA doesnt let that happen.

It is the colour in the compound that fights inflammation

AFA keeps the immune system from being over-stimulated to the point where it causes more harm than good, which actually makes it even more effective as an anti-inflammatory. One of the main problems with anti-inflammatories like NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors is that they trigger an extreme immune response, which can lead to cell and tissue damageespecially in the stomach.

But AFA contains a natural COX-2-inhibiting compound called phycocyanin, which is actually a pigment that gives blue-green algae its intense blue color. Apparently
phycocyanin does not reach greater than 60 per cent inhibition of COX-2, which is still enough to offer pain-relieving benefits. And thanks to its immune-regulating action, it relieves pain without the potentially harmful side effects of prescription anti-inflammatories.

AFA also contains significant amounts of the omega-3 fatty acid alpha linolenic acid (ALA). Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to inhibit the formation of inflammatory prostaglandins.

So AFA boosts and regulates the immune system and fights inflammation. It is believed that just those three abilities make it useful for relieving any number of conditions, from arthritis to cancer.

Thaw your way to better health

There are several products that contain AFA. However, Campbells product, E3Live is the only AFA that is live, liquid and delivered to you closest to its natural state. It will arrive frozen, and it should stay that way until youre ready to use it.

The recommended dose is to take 1 teaspoon per day for four or five days. Its best to take the thawed product straight and swish it around in your mouth a bit to maximize absorption. After the first four or five days, gradually add a second teaspoon. The standard amount is 1 to 2 teaspoons per day. But Campbell says that since E3Live is considered a food, theres really no way to overdose.

But even though overdosing isnt a threat, there are a few cautions. First, E3Live is high in vitamin K, which is used in the body to control blood clotting. So if you're currently taking any prescription blood-thinning medications (like Coumadin), you should be working closely with your doctor because excessive amounts of vitamin K, which can cause blood clots,  may decrease the effect of the medication.
 
Second, due to the levels of vitamin K and that even though AFA is a natural COX-2 inhibitor, its still a good idea to keep an eye on some of the risk factors that have been associated with these types of substances (natural or synthetic)namely a higher chance of potentially dangerous blood clots. If you decide to try E3Live, have your doctor run a couple regular tests to make sure your blood is flowing smoothlya functional platelet assay and a fibrinogen level check.

Also, if you havent detoxed lately (or ever), your body may possibly experience a detox response when you try E3Live. Detox effects can include slight diarrhea, headaches, and even pimples as your body pushes out the accumulated toxins. The length of time the detox effects will last is relative to your lifestyle and diet. For example, if you have been eating a Big Mac and a diet coke while smoking on your way home thats next to the chemical plant - well you can expect a longer detox.

Not only is E3Live a good source of 64 vitamins and minerals, but it could also potentially help you recover from a cold, boost your immune system, and fight the inflammation of illnesses like arthritis. So E3Live may be worth a try for its many positive healthy benefits.

1  JANA 2000;2(3): 50-8
2 Planta Medica 2001;67(8): 737-42
3 Inflamm Res 1998;47: 36-41
4 Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2000;277(3): 599-603
5 JANA 2001;3(4): 24-30