Sunday, April 11, 2010

Blue-green algae AFA (Aphanizomenon Flos Aquae)

0 comments Posted by trandafir at 2:57 PM
Aphanizomenon Flos Aquae or AFA for short is one of nature's original superfoods and one of the last remaining sources of wild nutrition available in commercially significant quantities.

AFA belongs to one of the oldest known families of organisms on earth - Cyanophyta - commonly known as blue-green algae. It differs from other micro-algae such as Chlorella and Spirulina, insofar as it grows wild in an optimal environment allowing it to develop a truly remarkable nutritional profile. That environment is Upper Klamath Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Oregon. The lake is constantly replenished by snow and water runoff from one of the most highly active volcanic regions in the world and this unique source of pure rich mineral water at high altitude, together with a great opportunity for photosynthesis (300 days of sun per year) and cold winters forcing the algae to produce truly essential fatty acids, create what many scientists consider: the most nutrient abundant food source on our planet!

AFA is capable of:

Replenishing nutritional deficiencies

Delaying/reversing premature aging

Repairing cell damage

Improving mental focus and concentration

Increasing energy and sense of well-being

Boosting the immune system

Promoting growth of strong nails, smooth skin, and healthy hair

Normalising blood-sugar levels

Supporting digestion and healthy intestinal flora

Stabilising mood swings and lifting mild to moderate depression

Clarifying and sharpening eyesight

Promoting a healthy blood lipid profile

Increasing endurance and strength

It is capable of delivering these benefits by presenting over 70 nutrients in an organic, highly absorbable form:

28 Minerals and oligoelements - Klamath algae is the only food to contain the full range of minerals and trace elements needed to keep the human body fully functional.

14 Vitamins - the complete and balanced spectrum. It is an excellent source of B vitamins, guaranteeing over 200% RDA of the increasingly elusive B12, in just 1 gram! (1).

20 Amino Acids - including all the essential ones in a proportion almost identical to that considered ideal for the human body (Food and Nutrition Council, 1980). AFA improves the body's ability to absorb and utilise proteins from food, making it extremely important for children, adolescents, athletes and anyone wishing to optimise protein metabolism (2).

Antioxidants - as well as being extremely rich in anti-oxidant pigments, Klamath algae has a broad range of 15 carotenoids in their natural alpha and gamma forms. And as science has now definitively shown, only this natural spectrum of carotenoids is capable of true anti-oxidant and anti-cancer activity (3).

Essential Fatty Acids - Klamath algae has an excellent profile of EFAs and is one of the richest vegetable sources of Omega-3 and Omega-6 in proportions considered optimal for human consumption (2:1). (Other algae such as Spirulina and Chlorella have practically no Omega-3). This high quality Omega-3 is important for health and low levels in the diet are associated with raised LDL cholesterol and triglycerides (4).

Nutraceutical Molecules - AFA is rich in specific molecules: Phycocyanins - powerful anti-oxidant/anti-inflammatory molecules, Phenylethylamine - a brain amino acid directly responsible for increasing the activation and transmission of important neuro-transmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine, and Polysaccharides - shown to be potent immunomodulators (5).

Chlorophyll - AFA has a very high concentration of chlorophyll, which contributes to the cleansing and detoxification of the blood. Recent studies confirm that dietary sources of chlorophyll have anti-tumor and hepatoprotective actions (6).


RECENT STUDIES CONFIRM THE HEALING POWER OF AFA

The health benefits of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA) have been reported for more than two decades and the clinical evidence base supporting its role in health promotion is growing:


Inflammation

A review of cases with proven clinical records by a panel of five physicians from the University of Illinois established a therapeutic ability of the algae in relation to: inflammatory and osteoarthritic conditions, fibromyalgia, allergies both nutritional and respiratory, neurological conditions such as depression and attention deficit disorders (7).

High Cholesterol and Triglycerides

Klamath algae has been shown to rapidly normalise the metabolism of fats contributing to a significant reduction in cholesterol and triglycerides (6). A recent study performed at the University of Urbino in Italy, using Klamath algae and Phycoplus® (phycocyanin extract) confirmed this lipid lowering effect along with a significant reduction in lipid oxidation, the basis of cardiovascular and hepatic diseases and cell ageing (8).

Hypoglycaemia, Diabetes and Obesity

AFA has been proven to inhibit the pancreatic production of alpha-amylase, thereby decreasing excessive glycaemic levels and to partially inhibit the intestinal activity of two enzymes, sucrase and maltase, which are responsible for the assimilation of sugars into the bloodstream. Together these findings show how AFA can contribute to the resolution of the famed Syndrome X, that combination of excessive glycaemia and hyperinsulinaemia which is at the root of today's metabolic disorders such as hypoglycaemia, diabetes and obesity (9).

NB Loss of control of blood fats and sugar causes rapid physical and mental ageing!

Stress, Depression, Anxiety

Disorders such as depression, anxiety and attention deficit disorders figure prominently in the retrospective study quoted earlier. Until recently, Klamath algae's ability to improve stress and nervous conditions was attributed to its general nutritional properties. But lately, it has been discovered that Klamath algae, if processed using the Refractance Window® technology, contains a significant amount of phenylethylamine (PEA), a brain amino acid directly responsible for increasing the activation and transmission of important neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine. Supplementation with 10-60mg of PEA was able to cure 60% of clinically diagnosed depressions (10). Klamath algae, and especially a specific algae extract-Phycoplus®, contain enough PEA to promote better mood, relieve stress, help with moderate to serious depressions, and possibly solve problematic yet still not clearly diagnosed conditions such as ADHD (11). Indeed, PEA has been named the "love molecule" due to its increased endogenous production in states such as intense concentration, joyful activities and love (12).

Another extraordinary discovery is the ability of AFA to stimulate stem cell release and migration, making AFA the first natural compound known to stimulate the natural innate phenomenon of healing, regeneration and repair in the human body.

References

1) HERBERT, V. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 1988, 48, 852-8.

2) KUSHAK, R.I. J. American Nutraceutical Association 2001, 3,4, 35-39.

3) MAYNE,S.T., et al. FASEB J. 1996,10, 690-701 and PRYOR, W.A., et al. Nutraceutical Rev. 2000, 58 (2 Pt 1), 39-53.

4) KUSHAK R.I. J. American Nutraceutical Association 2000, 2, 3, 59-65.

5) PUGH N., et al. Planta Medica 2001, 67, 737-742.

6) DASHWOOD, R., et al. Mutation Res. 1998, 399,2,245-53. CHERNOMORSKY,S., et al. Teratog Carcinog Mutagen 1999, 19, 5, 313-22.

7) KRYLOV, V.S., et al. (2002), Retrospective epidemiological study using medical records to determine which diseases are improved by AFA.

8) BENEDETTI, S., et al., Stato antiossidante e perossidazione lipidica in soggetti sani in risposta alla supplementazione con "Phycozym" 2003.

9) KUSHAK, R.I., et al. Gastroenterolgy 1999, 116, A559.

10) SABELLI, H., et al. J Neuropsyc Clinical Neuroscience 1996,8,2,168-71.

11) BAKER et al. Biol Psychiatry 1991,29,1,15-22.

12) SABELLI, H.C., MOSNAIM, A.D. Am J of Psychiatry 1974,131,6,695-99.
source: www.simplyvital.com
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America's Leading Adult Stem Cell Scientist Christian Drapeau

0 comments Posted by trandafir at 9:23 AM
Original article (http://www.interviewplatform.com): HERE

Christian Drapeau Last week President Obama signed an executive order removing restrictions on Embryonic Stem Cell research. In this second of a series of interviews with Adult Stem Cell scientist Christian Drapeau, we ask for his comments.
Christian Drapeau Interview – March 10, 2009

IP: What is your position regarding Obama’s reversal of Bush’s stem cell policy?

Christian Drapeau: President Obama was facing a significant dilemma. It is a very delicate situation, mostly because the information that has been presented to the American public was twisted to serve political aims.

IP: What information are you referring to and in what way was it twisted?

Christian Drapeau: An emphasis was placed on the intrinsic value of a human embryo and the emotion around it was manipulated to gather an opposition to embryonic stem cell research, mostly to tap politically in the built around this idea. The problem does not lie with stem cell research, it lies with in vitro fertilization.

Christian Drapeau: If we value human life, and I certainly do, then we should not be creating human life in a test tube. Once it is created, it is a much greater honoring of that human life to use it for a greater purpose, instead of destroying it by throwing it down the sink, which is the normal fate of a human embryo in a fertility clinic. Embryonic stem cell research would utilize a fraction of the human embryos that are routinely destroyed in fertility clinics, and yet the focus has been strictly on embryonic stem cell research.

IP: So you are supporting embryonic stem cell research?

Christian Drapeau: The situation is not as black and white as portrayed in the media. No, I do not support embryonic stem cells research, but not for the reasons that are normally expressed. I believe that human life is sacred, but we have already breached the sacred by creating human embryos in test tubes for the purpose of in vitro fertilization. Once they are created, a minority will develop into infants, the greatest majority are simply destined to be destroyed. So at that point what is the most sacred, letting this human life disappear in vain or allowing it to serve a higher purpose?

Christian Drapeau: Letting a human embryo die in vain is giving greater importance to a possible though improbable life, while turning our backs to living people affected by diseases. But more importantly I do not support embryonic stem cell research simply because it is not the solution that is being trumpeted in the media. Embryonic stem cells present many problems, aside for the ethical dilemma that surrounds them. They present significant risks of tumor formation, their manipulation in vitro opens the door to contamination, and the genetic manipulation that they often involves is yet another breach of the sacred. Why wrestle with all these issues when adult stem cells have shown much greater promise, without the downside.

IP: In what way are adult stem cells a better alternative?

Christian Drapeau: Adult stem cells are often compared to embryonic stem cells using standards and methods developed for embryonic stem cells; of course they do not compare well in that context. But if we use adult stem cells according to protocols designed to tap into the potential of adult stem cells, then not only do they compare well, but they surpass embryonic stem cells. Forget the test tube, in the body, if you take an adult stem cell and place it in the liver, it will form a population of liver cells. If you place it in the pancreas, it will form a population of pancreatic cells, and likewise if it is place in a muscle, in the skin, in the retina… an almost any organ and tissue of the body.

IP: How can we take advantage of the promise of adult stem cells, how can we practically tap in their potential?

Christian Drapeau: There are many ways of tapping into the potential of adult stem cells. Probably the most common and one of the safest approaches is the extraction of one’s own stem cells, their proliferation in vitro, and then the re-injection of one’s own stem cells in one’s blood or organ. But here again there are risks of contamination or malignant transformation of cells. Probable the safest, easiest and most efficient use of adult stem cells is to stimulate the release of one’s own stem cells from one’s bone marrow. When they are released, stem cells will find on their own the areas of the body in need of repair. They will migrate in the affected tissue and will become cells of that tissue, effectively repairing the tissue. Stem cells from the bone marrow constitute the natural renewal system of the body.

IP: What would you tell Obama if you had a chance to speak with him on this whole issue?

Christian Drapeau: I would tell him, “This debate is a delicate issue that has unnecessarily divided the American people, with both side of the debate having at heart the well-being of the people involved. On one side the focus is put on the embryo, which is a possible though improbable life, while on the other side the focus is on living people affected by diseases. It is a very difficult debate because it is essentially a debate between honoring early human life on one side, and honoring existing human life on the other side. Both views are based on a true concern of honoring human life.

Christian Drapeau: This being said, it is overall an unnecessary debate that divides the nation, as it ignores the fact that adult stem cells are a much better option than embryonic stem cells. Despite what is commonly promoted in the media, adult stem cells show great promises. Hundreds of scientific studies over the past few years have clearly established the quasi unlimited potential of adult stem cells, without the risk of tumor formation seen with embryonic stem cells. Your stem cell policy must contain an emphasis on adult stem cells.”

Christian Drapeau is the author of The Stem Cell Theory of Renewal which is available through Sutton Hart Press www.suttonhart.com. To learn more about Christian, America's best known Adult Stem Cell and Stem Cell Nutrition scientist, visit www.christiandrapeau.com

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