The Klamath seaweed is quite successful in the world of food supplementation. Here are its properties and the correct methods of use.
Klamath alga is a fresh water alga with interesting characteristics. Boasting excellent nutritional properties, the Klamath alga is in fact quite popular in the context of food supplementation, so much so that it is considered, in some respects, qualitatively superior to the more famous Spirulina algae.
Furthermore, some experimental observations attribute to the Klamath alga different healing properties, although some points of interest still need to be clarified.
In the following paragraphs we will provide more details about the benefits of the Klamath algae, the contraindications and the relative methods of use. Finally, purely practical indications about its commercial availability will follow.
What is Klamath seaweed
Adding details to what was mentioned in the introductory part, the Klamath alga is a blue-green algae native to the homonymous lake located in Oregon, in the north-western area of the United States. Although the common name is the most used, the scientific name of this alga actually corresponds to the complicated “Aphanizomenon flos-aquae”, which describes a species able to grow in a completely spontaneous way within the aquatic environment.
Based on the data available to date, the Klamath algae stands out for its nutritional characteristics worthy of attention. As for macronutrients, this species boasts the content of essential fatty acids of the Omega-3 and Omega-6 series, which are involved in numerous cellular mechanisms.
Similarly, the Klamath seaweed is known for its protein and amino acid content, with particular reference, in the latter case, to essential amino acids. Furthermore, these are also present in free form, and therefore easily assimilated by the body. For reasons of clarity, it is important to specify that the normal quantities of use of the Klamath seaweed (2-3 g / day) make the macronutrients just described less relevant for nutritional purposes.
As far as micronutrients are concerned, however, the normal daily amount is perfectly suited to general nutritional needs. A few grams of Klamath seaweed represent, in fact, a good supplementary source of vitamins and minerals.
Specifically, this alga is known for its excellent amount of vitamin A and B vitamins, such as thiamine, niacin and folic acid.
In relation, again, to the latter group of vitamins, an excellent quantity of vitamin B12 should be highlighted , although there are conflicting opinions about its bioavailability. In the light of some studies, it seems that the alga in question contains, for the most part, an analogue of vitamin B12 that is biologically inactive in humans. Other observations made on a product based on Klamath seaweed seem to confirm the usability of the seaweed, and related products, in order to integrate vitamin B12.
In addition, the Klamath seaweed boasts a good supply of vitamin K and iron. Finally, compared to marine algae, Klamath algae has a lower quantity of iodine and a better potassium / sodium ratio.
Klamath seaweed: properties and benefits
Although further confirmation of the currently available data is appropriate, the Klamath seaweed appears to have a positive effect on various aspects of human health. Various experiments carried out starting from the seaweed in its entirety, and on some components considered individually, have brought to light antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating properties. Furthermore, the Klamath seaweed is also often used as a tonic-restorative and as a “hunger-breaking” remedy.
In addition, it seems that the Klamath algae can positively influence the symptoms associated with menopause and lipid metabolism. Finally, the potential implication of the Klamath alga in the treatment of psoriasis is very interesting. Let’s see below an in-depth analysis of the individual properties of the Klamath alga and its bioactive components.
✓ Klamath algae and oxidative stress
Oxidative stress is a relevant factor in the onset of many pathologies, among which cardiovascular, neurodegenerative and cancer diseases are highlighted. In order to limit the damage related to oxidative stress, it is therefore necessary to resort to nutritional expedients of the antioxidant type. Klamath algae also fits into this context, which, thanks to its rich spectrum of micronutrients and the content of particular biologically active substances, seems to have strong antioxidant properties. Among these substances, a pigment known as phycocyanin emerges, which seems to act by counteracting the deleterious effects related to free radicals.
The presence of vitamins A, C, and E, as well as the minerals zinc, copper and selenium participate in the antioxidant potential of the Klamath seaweed. Although the quantity of these minerals does not reach high percentages, they remain equally noteworthy for their synergistic effect.
✓ Klamath algae and inflammation
The search for natural substances with anti- inflammatory properties represents an important area of investigation. Phycocyanin, that is the pigment already discussed for its antioxidant properties and present in abundance within the Klamath algae, seems to be fully among the phytochemical components capable of counteracting inflammatory processes . In fact, some studies conducted on laboratory animals suggest that phycocyanin can act positively on tissues subject to these processes. On the basis of what has been observed, oral supplementation with extracts obtained from the Klamath algae therefore appears to be suitable for the treatment of inflammatory states.
✓ Klamath algae and immune system
In a completely intuitive way, the conservation of well-being is closely linked to the efficiency of the subject’s immune defenses and, therefore, to the body’s ability to react promptly to potential dangers. According to some observations conducted on humans, it seems that the Klamath alga and the bioactive components contained in it may have a positive impact on the immune “surveillance” mechanisms. In other words, Klamath seaweed could function as a nutritional support, for example, in efficiently fighting bacterial and viral infections.
✓ Klamath seaweed and tonic-restorative activity
Regardless of their nature, events harmful to human health, as well as the succession of particularly hard and stressful days, can strongly affect the psycho-physical state of the organism and affect various aspects of daily life. The rich composition in amino acids, vitamins and mineral salts gives the klamath tonic and restorative properties, placing it among the nutraceutical remedies aimed at restoring global energy and well-being.
✓ Klamath seaweed and weight control
In some cases, managing a low-calorie diet can be quite difficult, especially in the initial stages. In this regard, it may be useful to resort to the use of natural products that can help the weight loss process. As for the Klamath algae, it is included among the natural resources capable of facilitating the dietary path.
Specifically, the Klamath seaweed contains a substance known as phenylethylamine and classified as an “anorectic” substance. To a slight extent, and in any case completely subjective, the intake of Klamath seaweed can therefore contribute to the control of the sense of appetite. A further paragraph will be dedicated to the potential usefulness of the Klamath seaweed for weight loss, reported later.
✓ Klamath algae and lipid metabolism
Given their importance, blood values related to cholesterol and triglyceride levels are among the most requested blood tests. In fact, in order to preserve cardiovascular health, it is necessary that these parameters fall within the norm. Regarding the Klamath algae, some experiments conducted on laboratory animals show a certain implication of its bioactive components on lipid metabolism. In particular, it has been suggested that supplementation with Klamath seaweed extracts may lead to a lowering of blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
✓ Klamath algae and menopause
It is well known how the physiological period of menopause can be accompanied, albeit in a somewhat subjective way, with unpleasant symptoms capable of affecting the quality of life. The potential benefits deriving from the nutraceutical use of the Klamath seaweed are inserted in this context. In particular, it seems that dietary supplementation with algal extracts can positively affect the psycho-physical well-being of postmenopausal women, alleviating various symptoms related to this condition. Based on these observations, Klamath algae ranks as a potential natural alternativeto hormone replacement therapy, with which it is often used to treat the symptoms of menopause. Considering the side effects often associated with this therapeutic approach, the usefulness, in this case, of the Klamath algae and related resources is evident. We remind you, however, that it is always advisable to rely on the opinion of your doctor.
✓ Klamath algae and psoriasis
Psoriasis is a very complex pathological condition, the origin of which is due to the combination of multiple factors. The search for phytotherapeutic remedies for psoriasis also includes studies on the Klamath seaweed and the biologically active substances it contains. In particular, some observations conducted on patients suffering from psoriasis suggest that the intake of Klamath seaweed extracts can induce a good therapeutic effect, causing, in some cases, the regression of symptoms (eg: disappearance of the blisters).
How klamath seaweed is used and when it can be useful to take it
Now that we have what klamath algae is good for, it may be useful to provide some details on how to use it for supplementary purposes.
Specifically, it is possible to use the klamath algae to cope with particularly stressful and expensive periods from an energy point of view, or in addressing the psycho-physical problems related to menopause. Similarly, the Klamath seaweed could represent an additional aid in the management of some dietary regimes, whether they are aimed at weight loss or at correcting the lipid profile (triglycerides, cholesterol).
Furthermore, the relative supply of vitamin B12 would make the Klamath alga useful in the context of vegan diets, although, in the light of the doubts still outstanding, it is preferable to associate additional sources of this vitamin. In general, the Klamath alga could represent a valid support for the overall well-being of the organism.
It is advisable to take the Klamath seaweed during the morning, expecting the quantities indicated by the manufacturer of the preparation. In general, as regards powdered products, it is preferable not to exceed the daily dose of 2-3 gr, while, as regards capsule supplements, the dosage can vary from one to three capsules per day.
Contraindications of the klamath seaweed
As with any other supplement or nutraceutical product, the consumption of Klamath seaweed could be contraindicated in some physiological and pathological conditions. The use of products based on Klamath seaweed and / or its extracts is contraindicated in infancy, pregnancy and lactation.
Due to the effects documented to date on the immune system, it is not recommended to take the Klamath algae, and related products, in case of autoimmune diseases. In this regard, it is appropriate to add some observations about Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, which is a known pathology that affects the thyroid gland. Although the effects of the Klamath seaweed on this condition are poorly documented, the connotation of “autoimmune disease” makes it preferable not to associate its consumption.
Based on its vitamin K intake, it is preferable not to take Klamath algae in conjunction with anticoagulant drug therapies. It is important not to exceed the recommended daily doses of 2-3g, in order not to incur undesirable gastrointestinal effects (stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, etc.).
Finally, particular attention should be paid to potential hypersensitivity reactions. In order to dispel any doubts about the contraindications of the Klamath algae and one’s subjective condition, it is good practice, in any case, to seek the advice of the attending physician.
Does klamath help you lose weight?
As we have seen above, the Klamath seaweed is one of the botanical species used for anorectic purposes. The latter term refers to the ability of some substances (in this case of the phenylethylamine contained in the Klamath seaweed) to act on the nervous system by limiting the sense of appetite, which can often make any weight loss path particularly torturous. For the sake of clarity, it is therefore necessary to specify that the Klamath seaweed could only act as a “hunger-breaker” and that, in no case, can it induce weight loss in a direct way.
In any case, it is good practice that the use of the Klamath seaweed is included in a diet adapted to the individual, slightly hypocaloric and including all the nutrients necessary for metabolic functions.
Alga klamath: prices and purchase
As mentioned above, Klamath seaweed is commercially available in the form of powder or tablet products, easily available at pharmacies, parapharmacies and herbalists. As for the purchase prices, they may vary, as for all supplements, depending on the size and the manufacturer, although they do not reach figures outside the market average. With regard to the quality and safety of products, it is absolutely advisable to opt for company brands that comply with current legislation on food supplements.
