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"Since 1950, at least 70,000 new chemical compounds have been invented and dispersed into our environment through new consumer commodities, industrial products, and food. We are by default conducting a massive clinical toxicological trial. And our children and their children are the experimental animals."
—H. Needleman and P. Landrigan, Raising Children Toxic Free, 1994 222
"Methionine was probably one of the first amino acids available in Earth’s ancient primordial seas billions of years ago. This amino acid was (and is still) used by primitive bacteria and blue-green algae to biosynthesize glutathione, possibly Earth’s first antioxidant (protection) tripeptide molecule. Methionine in this form has been shown to help humans detoxify lead and copper contamination in the blood." 224
Blue-green algae is one of the richest food sources of detoxifying polypetides, including methionine and glutathione, along with B-vitamin precursors. Once ingested, these molecules are modified as needed. Such polypeptides are essential in the protection of DNA, the family jewels, and are essential in the chemistry of detoxification. 226 Also glutathione, along with ascorbate, may help to protect against polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) oxidation. 227
When microalgal supplementation was given to rats consuming a high fructose (60%) diet, a preventive effect on the liver triglyceride level was observed, along with lowered plasma cholesterol. The researchers reported that the microalgae helped reduce liver fats that were elevated by the excessively fructose-rich diet. 233
Stimulate Liver Function
Chlorophyll, which microalgae contains in abundance, can help to stimulate liver function, increase bile secretion, and protect cellular functions. 234 Also, "chlorophyll appears to promote regeneration of damaged liver cells." 235
Medical researchers have demonstrated that green microalgae increase the detoxification of harmful chemicals like chlordecone, dioxin, and PCBs. 241 In a study of chlordecone poisoned rats, ingested algae decreased the half-life of the chemical toxins from 40 to 19 days. 242
Several grams of Aph. flos-aquae blue-green algae eliminated excessive aluminum from children in a three-month study. Also, parents reported significant decreases in negative health symptoms, suggestive of improved detoxification pathways. 243 Aluminum exposure in humans is unavoidable. Some aluminum absorption occurs with the ingestion of food and medicines. Greater amounts of aluminum are present in antacids. 244 Blue-green algae may be helpful for dialysis patients, who have a greater risk for aluminum accumulation and an increased risk of neurotoxicity.
Blue-green algae have been shown to reduce lead toxicity, as well. 245 The beneficial effects of blue-green algae may be due to the presence of the abundance of antioxidants, including beta-carotene and SOD enzymes. Numerous studies have demonstrated a strong relationship between childhood learning disabilities and body stores of heavy metals, particularly lead. 246, 247
Blue-green algae have multiple liver-protective factors, including amino acids (e.g., methionine, arginine, and isoleucine), chelating trace minerals, and potent antioxi-dants, such as phycocyanins and superoxide dismutase (SOD).
