Beneficial effects of AFA on adult stem cells make it the anti-aging algae

Sunday, November 24, 2013 by: Sue Woledge
Tags: Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, anti-aging algae, adult stem cells

(NaturalNews) Studies have revealed that the consumption of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA) has beneficial effects on adult stem cells. That's great news for those concerned about the effects of aging, because stem cells are incredibly important to our health, playing a major role in the ability of the body to age well.

Aphanizomenon flos-aquae - otherwise known as AFA - is a microalgae. It is similar to its better known cousins spirulina and chlorella, but has different growth habits and produces different effects in the human body.

While AFA, spirulina and chlorella are valued by health-conscious people for the amazing nutrition they provide and their associated health benefits, all microalgae are important to the survival of our planet. At least 40 thousand species have been identified. They form the basis of the food chain and are estimated to provide 80-90% of the world's food and oxygen, but only a handful of these species are consumed by humans. AFA is one of those.

What are stem cells and what do they do?

Stem cells are created in the bone marrow and have been discovered to be the very foundation of the body's healing system. When organs or tissues are damaged in the body, stem cells are released from the bone marrow and move to the damaged tissue where they become the cells that need to be replaced.

For example, if the liver is damaged, stem cells will be released and become liver cells, repairing the damaged liver and restoring health. If the skin is damaged, stem cells will again be released. They are transported to the damaged area where they morph into skin cells, repairing the skin and returning it to a healthy condition.

Stem cells are how the body heals itself. The human body is constantly breaking itself down and rebuilding throughout our lifetime. Cells are damaged or die off and are then replaced. However, adult stem cells are more susceptible to oxidative stress and may have a reduced restorative capacity as we age. Problems occur when stem cells are unable to be released fast enough to repair damage as it occurs. This is when ill health and aging become apparent.

AFA helps to support stem cells as we age

AFA contains more chlorophyll than any other food. Chlorophyll itself is incredibly beneficial to health and is only one atom away from hemoglobin (our oxygen-carrying red blood cells). Perhaps this is part of the reason why AFA has been shown in studies to promote proliferation of human stem cell numbers, increasing their ability to reverse the breaking down of the body and potentially slowing or halting the aging process.

How do I take AFA?

Aphanizomenon flos-aquae is best taken in a powdered form to avoid the fillers and binders often found in tablets. It can be mixed in water or juice, or added to a smoothie and taken once or twice a day. It's also a great idea to take it in a blend combined with spirulina and chlorella, as all three have different beneficial effects in the body.

Combined, these three microalgae truly provide the body with superb nutrition and have numerous positive effects on health; however, always ensure that you buy an organic brand from a reputable source to ensure no contamination with pesticide residues or heavy metals.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.whoi.edu

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

http://www.stemcellnutrition.net

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

http://science.naturalnews.com

http://science.naturalnews.com

About the author:
Sue Woledge is a natural therapist, writer and the owner of www.ahealthymeal.com and here.