Superfoods have become all the rage in the wellness and healthy-living niche. From blueberry smoothies to chia-infused water, more and more people are getting on board with the idea of branching out their diets to more unique and beneficial food options.
What is probably one of the most profound superfoods on the scene is wild blue-green algae. More specifically, Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, also known as organic Wild Microalgae™. In the sections below, we will take a look at AFA in particular as it is one of the most popular and arguably most beneficial of the blue-green algae supplements on the market.
So what is AFA? Simply put, it’s a type of wild-crafted blue-green algae that is harvested from Klamath Lake in Southern Oregon. Due to its high concentration of both macro and micronutrients as well as other compounds like antioxidants, AFA is considered by many as one of the most powerful of all superfoods.
Perks of Taking AFA Daily
Is AFA really worth all the hype? Or is it just another trendy food?
To answer this question, here are some of the key benefits. But, be warned, by the end of this list you will be ready to add this superfood to your daily diet.
Naturally Sourced
Not many superfoods are actually grown organically in the wild. That is not the case with AFA. This microalgae only exists naturally in Klamath Lake in harvestable quantities. It’s harvested using methods that keep it in pristine condition.
Raw Food Processing
More often than not, supplements processed into capsule or powder forms have to be heated or cooked which can negatively impact the nutrient profile of the finished product. That’s not the case with AFA, that is, when New Earth is your source.
At New Earth, we protect the integrity of this special superfood from harvest to finished product. The harvesting process is a fine art that protects the integrity and nutrient profile of this delicate microalgae. It takes sophisticated technological know-how to harvest, cool, process, and dry in a way that preserves its delicate balance of nutrients. It goes from harvest, to quick cooling, to multiple cleanings, to water removal, to fast freezing and storage...all in a few hours.
The algae is dried at a temperature below 40C, preserving its phytonutrients, vitamins, chlorophyll, and enzymes and maintaining its status of raw food. Thus, maintaining the important compounds and nutrients that feed your body.
Rich in Micronutrients
Micronutrients are crucial nutrients that are required throughout life, in small quantities—sometimes even minuscule quantities. Micronutrients include vitamins, minerals, and trace minerals. Failing to obtain even small quantities of micronutrients can adversely impact health. There are close to 30 vitamins and minerals that the body cannot manufacture—these are called “essential micronutrients.” Essential micronutrients must be obtained from outside sources such as food and/or supplements.
So, exactly how many micronutrients does AFA contain? Over 70, including over 60 minerals and 13 different vitamins.
These include vitamins like A, C, E, and K. It also has 9 of the B-complex vitamins. All these play a variety of roles from promoting the body's defense system to facilitating cellular regeneration.
AFA also has several minerals including calcium, iron, and sodium. It also has rarer trace minerals like chloride, manganese, and chromium.
Antioxidant Effects
There are several studies endorsing AFA as a fantastic source of antioxidants that help protect the body from harmful molecules called free radicals. These mighty antioxidants quench free radicals to avoid damage to our body’s cells and tissue.
AFA contains the following antioxidants: Phycocyanin (PC), Chlorophyll, Beta-carotene, Superoxide dismutase (SOD), and Glutathione.
It Has All 20 Standard Amino Acids
There are 22 amino acids in existence. 20 of these are universal, existing in different plants and animals. Organic Wild Microalgae happens to be one of the few options out there that contains all 20 of these very important amino acids.
These are used as the building blocks for different proteins in the body including hormones, enzymes, and neurotransmitters used to maintain normal body functions. The amino acids also play a role in promoting the body’s defenses by forming antibodies that fight foreign and potentially harmful antigens.
Rich in Essential Fatty Acids
Essential fatty acids are those fats that our bodies cannot produce by themselves, so they must be obtained from our diets. Although your body can synthesize most of the fats it needs from the food you consume, there are two essential fatty acids that your body is unable to synthesize – linoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linoleic acid (ALA). These fats can only be found in our foods and they’re used to build some specialized fats known as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that help in the normal functioning of all body tissues.
AFA is rich in Essential Fatty Acids including ALA, which is also known as omega 3, omega 6, and DHA.
There are many health benefits associated with consuming EFAs with the biggest being that they are essential for our wellbeing and our bodies cannot produce them. They also have a positive impact on heart health, brain function, and the body's natural responses.
Feel-Good Effects
Finally, you have the mood-boosting effects of compounds in AFA to look forward to with daily consumption. This microalgae supplement contains a compound known as phenylethylamine (PEA) which is in a family of neurotransmitters. This compound acts as a brain stimulant with mood-boosting effects.
It could also improve cognition and functions like concentration and memory through the same stimulating effects on the neurons in the brain. It is therefore the ideal way to start the day as it gives you an instant pep to your step.
Capitalize on These Benefits
This amazing Mother Nature-produced superfood is about as close to a perfect food as we get. And, it comes with a whole host of benefits for those that consume it daily.
At New Earth, we’ve made it our mission to provide convenient access to this powerful superfood and all the amazing health benefits highlighted above. Our line of nutritionals have been tried and true for over 30 years now. And, we have you covered no matter your preference, whether its capsules, tablets, or powders.
Whatever it is you choose, you can rest assured knowing that you have access to the highest quality AFA available. We earned certifications by several third-parties including Kosher, Halal, and USDA Organic, which guarantee that you are getting the very best ingredients processed in our state of the art facilities.
Try our AFA Risk-Free
Ready to put this superfood to the test? Browse our collection, choose the supplement that speaks to you, and do it all risk-free with our 60-day empty bottle guarantee.