Proteins are made up of amino acids. There are at least 20 identified amino acids, nine of which are essential yet cannot be produced or stored by the body; they must be obtained from the food that we eat. Non-essential amino acids are also needed, but the body can produce these itself. Essential amino acids and sufficient nitrogen obtained from our food are needed to synthesize the non-essential amino acids.
As a matter of fact, the body can synthesize thousands of different types of proteins and enzymes from the set of basic amino-acids. Each type of protein has a unique, genetically defined amino acid sequence that determines its specific shape and function. They are called upon to serve as enzymes, structural elements, hormones, immunoglobulins, and more. They are involved in a myriad of metabolic processes including oxygen transport, muscle contraction, electron transport and other activities throughout the body including the all important photosynthesis and energy metabolism.
Because of the important role proteins play in our overall health and well being, they are often referred to as the building blocks of life.
BAC contains all known amino-acids
Amongst its many nutrients, BAC’s protein content derived from the best microalgae on earth has a distinct advantage over other forms of food, algae or supplements. The algae contained in BAC are 45-65% protein and are made up of all known essential and non essential amino acids. The proteins in BAC are biologically complete, which means they provide all nine essential amino acids in their proper ratios. Most plant foods are not complete proteins because they lack one or more amino acids. In fact, with its human-active B12 content (more than that found in liver), BAC is literally the most complete protein source on earth.
The quality of a protein depends on the quantities of amino acids contained in it. The more closely the protein matches the body’s requirements, the higher the quality. The algae in BAC make up a “complete protein” because they contain all of the essential amino acids. This means that by consuming BAC, we can get our necessary intake of protein without subjecting our digestive system to the hard work of processing animal derived proteins.
The proteins in BAC are 85-95% digestible, which makes it one of the most efficient sources of protein. In fact, the spirulina in BAC is second only to a dried egg supplement with regards to usable protein, and higher than any common food in the form in which it is usually purchased. The algae in BAC have cell walls that are composed of soft mucopolysaccharides. This means that unlike certain grasses or chlorella, they contain little or no cellulose, which makes it extremely easy for the body to digest and assimilate them. BAC’s amino acids are delivered to the body for rapid absorption. That is one of the many reasons why we call BAC an “extremely efficient food.”
Protein digestibility is important for many people and especially important for people suffering from intestinal mal-absorption or digestive disorders. Older people typically have difficulty digesting complex proteins and may be on restricted diets. They will find BAC’s protein an ideal way to ensure they receive the nourishment they need. BAC is an effective supplement for those who suffer from malnutrition diseases where the ability of the intestine to effectively absorb nutrients has been damaged. Given to malnourished children, it is more effective than milk powders because milk’s lactic acid can be difficult to absorb.
What this means is that BAC is an ideal food source for people who suffer from mal-absorption, people who are fighting cancer and cannot gain weight after or during chemo therapy treatment, people with high protein requirements like athletes, long distance runners and bikers, bodybuilders, and malnourished or frail people
Blue-green algae, and the spirulina family in particular, have a primitive structure with few starch storage cells, cell membrane proliferation and rich amounts of ribosomes, which are the cellular bodies that manufacture protein. This unique organization of nutrients along with chlorophylls allows for efficient photosynthesis and protein formation.
Unfortunately, our body does not store amino acids in anticipation of replenishing deficient ones with subsequent meals. In the process of protein synthesis for the body’s repair and maintenance, all dietary protein factors must be present simultaneously, or the amino acids are wasted.
Furthermore, even if complete protein is consumed, digestive difficulties can prevent assimilation of all needed elements. BAC provides all the required amino acids in a form that is much easier to digest than that of fish, eggs, meat or soy.
Essential amino acids found in BAC:
ISOLEUCINE : Required for optimal growth, intelligence development and nitrogen equilibrium in the body. Used to synthesize other non-essential amino acids.
LEUCINE : Stimulator of brain function, increases muscular energy levels.
LYSINE : Building block of blood antibodies, strengthens circulatory system and maintains normal growth of cells.
METHIONINE : Vital lipotropic (fat and lipid metabolizing) amino acid that maintains liver health. An anti-stress factor, it calms the nerves.
PHENYLALANINE : Required by the thyroid gland for production of thyroxine which stimulates metabolic rate.
THREONINE : Improves intestinal competence and digestive assimilation.
TRYPTOPHAN : Increases utilization of B vitamins, improves nerve health and stability of the emotions. Promotes sense of calm.
VALINE : Stimulates mental capacity and muscle coordination.
Non-essential amino acids found in BAC:
The algae in BAC supply all non-essential amino acids. “Non-essential” does not mean that these amino acids are not needed by the body, but merely indicates that the body can synthesize them itself if it needs to, provided that the appropriate nutritional building blocks are available. Nevertheless, the body is better served if these excellent protein components are readily and totally available from dietary sources, since all the amino acids must be on hand as the cells manufacture enzymes, proteins, hormones, brain chemicals and other products of metabolism. Of the thousands of biochemical substances acting and interacting in the human body, not one is derived from a vacuum; the body is ultimately dependent upon nutrient intake for all of its functions.
ALANINE : Strengthens cellular walls.
ARGININE : Important to male sexual health as seminal fluid is 80 percent arginine. Also helps detoxify the blood.
ASPARTIC ACID : Aids transformation of carbohydrates into cellular energy.
CYSTINE : Aids pancreatic health, which stabilizes blood sugar level and carbohydrate metabolism. Has been used to alleviate some symptoms of food allergy and intolerance.
GLUTAMIC ACID : With glucose, one of the principal fuels for the brain cells. Has been used to reduce the craving for alcohol and stabilize mental health.
GLYCINE : Promotes energy and oxygen use in the cells.
HISTIDINE : Strengthens nerve relays, especially in the auditory organs. Has been used to reverse some cases of deafness.
PROLINE : A precursor of glutamic acid.
SERINE : Helps form the protective fatty sheaths surrounding nerve fibers.
TYROSINE : Slows aging of cells and suppresses hunger centers in the hypothalamus. Can be synthesized from phenylalanine. Involved in proper coloration of hair and skin, including protection from sunburn.
Knowing what I now about BAC, I am assured that I get my essential amino-acids each and every day. I am mostly vegetarian and I no longer need to worry about eating meat, fish, or even eggs to get the essential proteins. And for this peace of mind, I only need to eat a few capsules of BAC every day.
In addition to all the virtues of BAC in regards to protein, I ask you to recall th past and current research with dairy cows. When dairy cows consume a few capsules of BAC each day, their daily protein consumption is reduced by 1.25 lbs. Why is that? The researchers explain that since the cows are able to assimilate more proteins/amino-acids from their food, and better synthesize and utilize the existing proteins and enzymes stored in their body, they no longer need to consume as much protein.
That translates into a bonus for us humans. Eating BAC’s amino acids complements the protein in our regular food like beans and other vegetables, increasing their assimilation and quality. Furthermore, when consuming BAC, our cells become more efficient at utilizing and synthesizing proteins and enzymes.