While it doesn't necessarily sound like the most appealing food on the planet, it is certainly one of the most incredible for our health: Blue Green Algae. Also known as "cyanobacteria", blue green algae is exceptionally dense in nutrients, containing 64 known vitamins and minerals, plus chlorophyll and enzymes. Being one of the most effective transformers of sunlight into food, esoteric nutritionists believe its consumption can enhance our own life force through this direct "stepping down" of the Sun's energy.

The technical name "cyanobacteria" refers to an entire phylum of bacteria which convert sunlight to usable energy using chlorophyll for photosynthesis (as do plants). The algae has played a crucial roll in the formation of the Earth's atmosphere, accounting for a significant percentage of the oxygen we breathe today. As a protein source, it also plays a critical part in the nitrogen cycles (protein creation) of the world's oceans, and has been dubbed "Earth's first food".

The Earth's first food was definitely not a poor source of nutrition -- supplementation has been shown to correct nutritional deficiencies of limited protein and iron. It's use has reduced vision problems associated with vitamin A deficiency. Further, it is an excellent source of essential fatty acids, particularly GLA, also found in popular oils like Borage and Evening Primrose.

Blue green algae supplements are often used as concentrated, easily-absorbed energy sources. One or more tablespoons per day are also used by individuals during internal cleansing programs. The incredible level of antioxidants, and toxin-absorbing (as well as blood-oxygen enriching) chlorophyll, complete protein, and trace minerals make it ideal for use to keep one's energy levels high and assist the detoxification process. The total nutrient absorption is about ninety-seven percent, nearly three times that of typical dietary supplements -- so really small amounts are able to provide a potent amount of energy.

Other positive health benefits documented from use of blue green algae include reduction of food cravings (helpful for weight loss), reduction of aches and pains, and reduction of headaches. The algae offers so much nutrition to the brain, its use can improve cognitive function and mood, and decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression. Many children with attention deficit disorder are nutrient-deficient. Rather than supplementing with individual nutrients, blue green algae provides an entire synergistic complement of nutrients that work together to correct these deficiencies.

A daily dose of this nutrient-rich superfood is often one of the first modifications to one's diet a naturopath will recommend. It's simple to do; you can even consume it in capsules if the idea of eating dried "pond scum" isn't so appealing. Many users comment that taking their "greens" is one of the most noticeable, effective dietary changes they've ever made -- they even get a bit concerned when they're close to running out!

There are many ways to add blue green algae to your diet. Possibly the most cost effective is supplementation with simple spirulina powder. If you're not a fan of the flavor, find it in capsules or tablets. Blue green algae harvested from Klamath Lake is thought by some natural health practitioners to be the ultimate form of dietary cyanobacteria. Several companies produce green algae, grass and vegetable powder blends -- some even include enzymes and beneficial bacteria as well. While the cost is somewhat higher, these synergistic complexes of greens may be the most profoundly health supportive food supplements available today. Whichever you choose, practitioners always recommend working up from a teaspoon a day to your final desired dose, and give your body time to adjust to the detoxification and radical new support it's receiving.