The frozen food that’s preventing, fighting, and healing everything from colds to blindness

Eating blue-green algae almost sounds like a double-dare. But this is one dare worth taking. Blue-green algae (Aphanizomanon flos-aquae, or AFA) is a well-known source of over 64 vitamins and minerals—all the nutrients the body needs. Humans have consumed it for thousands of years. African and American natives recognized the value of including it in their diet and stored dried algae for year-round use and trade. One of the things that made it so valuable was its ability to adapt to extreme environments—from hot springs to Antarctica’s ice.

But research has shown that its adaptability goes beyond climate changes. AFA seems to have positive effects on immunity, inflammation, and nervous functions, which encompasses a staggering list of health conditions. But it also appears to benefit conditions that don’t seem to have anything to do with immunity or inflammation, such as depression, weight loss, and even blindness.

While blue-green algae itself has been around basically forever, people have only been reaping the benefits of AFA supplements for about two decades. But the benefits are standing the test of time. In fact, Tamera Campbell, CEO of Oregon-based Vision Inc., told me that enthusiastic reports of “healing” from customers who use her AFA product E3Live are an everyday thing at her company.

But she wanted more than testimonials—she needed solid research. So Campbell’s company teamed up with the research team to determine the active components in AFA that were causing such dramatic results. Now, thanks to their efforts, we know more about why AFA works, what exactly it does in the body, and what makes Campbell’s E3Live product a step above the rest.

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

According to the largest and most extensive study, AFA has been shown to stimulate immune cell migration, the process that gets them where they need to go.

One human study demonstrated that within two hours AFA was able to trigger the migration of nearly 40 percent of the circulating natural killer cells, the cells responsible for scavenging and killing virally infected cells—even cancer cells.

Research has also shown that AFA contains the polysaccharide responsible for stimulating the immune system in the first place. The University of Mississippi isolated this polysaccharide from AFA and showed that it has the ability to stimulate macrophage activity—the 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 the most unique benefits of AFA is its ability to reign in the immune system at the same time that it stimulates it to do its job. We always 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 to me 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 doesn’t let that happen.

Colorful compound fights inflammation

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

But AFA contains a natural COX-2-inhibiting compound called phycocyanin. Phycocyanin is actually a pigment that gives blue-green algae its intense blue color. Apparently phycocyanin does not reach greater than 60 percent inhibition of COX-2, which is enough to offer pain-relieving benefits. But, 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. Just those two actions make it useful for relieving any number of conditions, from cancer to arthritis. But research indicates that it goes beyond simply being protective. Studies have found that it contains two active compounds that could initiate the release of unique cells located in the bone marrow that exist for one purpose—to replace damaged cells. These cells go to damaged cells and actually become the type of cell they replace in order to repair the trouble and regenerate the organ—from your skin to your heart and everywhere in between. These two compounds are the focus of current research regarding the treatment of degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

Feel-good algae that helps you shed the pounds

The benefits I’ve mentioned are truly just the tip of the iceberg. For example, Campbell told me that AFA has been shown to help balance cholesterol levels and gut flora.

It also has a profound effect on metabolism and body weight.

In a double-blind crossover study patients taking 2.8 grams of blue-green algae three times daily over a four-week period had a statistically significant reduction of body weight.

In addition, AFA contains a molecule called phenylethylamine (PEA). PEA is a compound naturally produced by the brain that is responsible for pleasure and mental awareness. It’s even been called the “molecule of love” because it increases mental energy, concentration, attention, elevates mood, and alleviates depression.

In fact, a study at Rush University and the Center for Creative Development showed that 10 mg. of PEA per day produced sustained relief of depression in 60 percent of the participants, including some who hadn’t responded to other treatments.

Campbell told me that she and the research team are also experimenting with the effect of AFA on blindness. A special isolate was given to the mother of Campbell’s assistant, who is completely blind. After just three weeks, she’s had some astounding improvements and is able to see black and white lines. They’re also testing the same isolate on another blind person who is experiencing similar results. Don’t get me wrong—neither Campbell nor Vision, Inc. is making any claims about E3Live being able to cure blindness. At this point they are simply exploring the potential with eager individuals. What will come of it remains to be seen.

Thaw your way to better health

E3Live is a frozen, live form of AFA, so it will arrive at your door frozen. The directions explain to store the bottles in the freezer. Put one aside to partially thaw, then pour it into a small refrigerator bottle for easy dosing.

The dosage (remove the word dosage here) protocol is to take 1 teaspoon a day for four or five days (remember you may experience detox effects). It’s best to take the product straight and swish it around in your mouth a bit to maximize absorption. But if you have trouble with the taste (some say it tastes like fresh cut grass smells), you can mix it in water or juice. Just be sure the juice isn’t loaded with sugars or salt, or E3Live will work against these immediately, and you will lose some of the potency. After the first four or five days, gradually add a second teaspoon. The standard amount is 1-2 tablespoons a day. But Campbell says that since E3Live is considered a food, there’s really no way to overdose. In fact, she takes a bottle a week, which is more than double the standard amount.

But even though overdosing isn’t a threat, there are a couple of warnings you need to know. First, E3Live is high in vitamin K, which is a natural blood thinner, so if you’re currently taking any prescription blood thinning medications (like Coumadin), you should be work closely with your doctor. Also, if you haven’t detoxed lately (or ever), your body may possibly experience a detox response when you try E3Live. Detox effects can be slight diarrhea, headache, and even pimples as your body pushes out the accumulated toxins.

For more information on the benefits of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, Click Here

What Cecilia Says- This stuff is awesome! When I take it on a regular basis I notice a difference. I like to put it in my smoothies. Orange juice, blueberry, banana, and E-3live is a good mix.