The Battle of Algae AFA vs Spirulina

What is the Difference between these Two Remarkable Superfoods?

Algae is truly one of the worlds greatest gifts. It helps to oxygenate our world, provides a habitat for wildlife and some strains provide the human body with optimal nutrition. Rich in vitamins, trace elements, amino acids, and essential fatty acids, organic Wild Microalgae® and Spirulina are both known as superfoods and are remarkable strains of blue-green algae.

So, what exactly is the difference between these two remarkable superfoods?

Spirulina and organic Wild Microalgae are both freshwater algae, however, their habitat and harvesting processes are quite different. While Spirulina exists in the wild, a majority of the superfood that you find on the shelves is cultivated in controlled environments.

Organic Wild Microalgae, also known as Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA) is a rare blue-green algae that is found abundantly in only one place in the world, upper Klamath Lake in southern Oregon. The wild proliferation of this amazing, nutrient-rich superfood, can only be attributed to the area’s unique climate and geological history, and the lake’s expansive surface area and shallow depth. All made possible by the eruption of Mt. Mazama over 7000 years ago.

This historic eruption left the entire Klamath Basin blanketed in tons of pyroclastic nutrients–the massive annual blooms of AFA may not have otherwise been possible. In a way, we have a volcanic eruption to thank for one of the most nutrient dense foods on the planet.

Spirulina and AFA are both superfoods with an exceptional array of nutrients but when it comes to nutrient profiles AFA takes the lead.

Spirulina is filled with multiple pigments including allophycocyanin, chlorophyll, carotenoids and phycocyanin; a variety of B vitamins including B1, B2, B3, B6, and B9; lipids; protein; vitamins A, C, D, and E; and essential and trace minerals.

It is a robust algae that when dried is roughly 60% protein making an excellent source of plant-based protein.

Organic Wild Microalgae, on the other hand, is a near perfect superfood. This strain of blue-green algae contains all 20 standard amino acids, making it a complete source of protein. It also contains 13 necessary vitamins, 23 trace elements and elements, essential fatty acids, antioxidant pigments phycocyanin and chlorophyll, and the mental energy activator phenylethylamine (PEA).

What’s more, AFA has a well-rounded nutritional composition with an ideal balance of complex sugars, fiber, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.

When it comes down to it, these two strains of blue-green algae are superb superfoods, but when compared side by side AFA wins the battle. Interested in putting AFA, the nutritional powerhouse to the test for you and your horses?