A capsule of blue green algae has become my cup of tea. For the past month I have started my day in this way. At first it was one capsule followed by my usual green tea, but soon the desire for caffeine slipped away completely leaving me fumbling for another morning ritual - taking a pill is over in two seconds, while drinking tea can last a good 30 minutes, depending on how you drag it out.

Blue green algae is a superfood, that is, a member of the elite class of consumables that are so good for us they've been elevated to superhero status. Blue green is jammed with so many nutrients that it's been classified as the most nutrient dense food on the planet. Algae contain glycoproteins, vitamins, minerals, simple carbohydrates, lipids, and biologically active enzymes. And the best part is that algae are designed to be quickly and easily metabolized. The plant's soft cell wall allows the body to convert it to fuel without exerting excess energy.

Algae is linked to overall health and vitality - giving the body decidedly more energy (hence my new morning routine) - but it's also prized for its affect on the brain. "The greatest value of A.F.A. is not only its nutrient concentration, but its effect on the nervous system, specifically the pituitary, pineal, and hypothalamus. People taking A.F.A. have reported an overall increase in mental alertness, mental stamina, short and long term memory, problem solving, creativity, dream recall, a greater sense of well being and centeredness," explains Dr. Gabriel Cousens, author of Conscious Eating.

Though algae are omnipresent, a fixture at the bottom of the food chain consumed by tiny organisms to full-grown human beings, not all algae are created equal. My favorite brand happens to grow in a very specific spot in Oregon. Upper Klamath lake, the largest body of fresh water in the state, has proven to be the perfect breeding ground for blue green algae. Precipitation washes volcanic soil from the Southern Oregon Cascade Mountains into the alkaline lake. The combination of mineral-rich water, crisp clean mountain air, and targeted, high-intensity sunlight create the perfect ecosystem for blue green algae or A.F.A. - an acronym derived from algae's genus: aphanizomenon and species: flosaquae. Each capsule of Klamath Blue Green Algae contains a flash-frozen, freeze-dried bit of nature at its finest.

But even a sun-soaked plant from an expansive Oregon lake is not always perfect. Blue green algae are often criticized for their risk of contamination. According to sources like Berkeley Wellness algae that are harvested from natural lakes may be exposed to toxic substances like microcystins and heavy metals. Before the flash-freezing, Klamath screens its algae for debris and micro-filters it to ensure that it is free from potential contaminants. That said, Health Canada (like the U.S. FDA) has warned consumers to consider contamination risks before taking blue green algae or giving it to children.

There are numerous brands of algae available today - Ancient Sun and Cell Tech are two among many - but Klamath has won me over with its sourcing and processing.

Image: Upper Klamath Lake from arcweb.sos.state.or.us

Klamath Blue Green Algae

Cost: $19.95 for 60 capsules

Where to Buy it: Local health food stores, online at Klamath Blue Green