June 17, 2008, product call script: The Value of Superfood Nutrition

Hello, and good evening, everyone. This is Charlotte Carreira your VP of Marketing & Sales, and I am so pleased that you have joined us for our monthly Simplexity Health product training call with Russell Mariani. Russell is the director of client services at the Center for Functional Nutrition in South Hadley, Massachusetts. He is a long-time successful IBA with Simplexity Health and is also a member of our training team.

I would like to start the evening with our statement of purpose.

Our Vision

We choose to help build a sustainable world of prosperity and abundant health, where all people will one day have ready access to the life-enhancing benefits of natural, whole-food nutrition and the opportunity to realize personal success.

Ok, tonight's call topic is: The Value of Superfood Nutrition (or super micronutrition)

Superfood Nutrition is the first of the four building blocks that make up the foundation of the Simplexity Health product line. Tonight we will be discussing the concept of Superfood Nutrition in general, and the role of Super Blue Green® Algae: Alpha Sun®, Omega Sun®, and Simply SBGA, in particular.

Just as I like to remind everyone, myself included, about our remarkable vision, I also like to remind us all about the core thinking that guides our product selection and production. Our products stay true to a simple philosophy:

The human body is a marvelously designed living organism with the ability to grow, regulate, repair, and defend itself when given natural, premium, full-spectrum nutrition.

Our remarkable, high-performance products support this simple philosophy and can therefore have a profound effect on the quality of our health. Each of our products is designed to effectively address the body's need for one or more of the four basic nutritional building blocks:

So, Russell Mariani...I guess the very first question is this: What do we mean, or what are we referring to when we use this term "Superfood Nutrition"?

(Russell)
The word "nutrition" and the word "food" are often used interchangeably, but that's not really fair to either word. Nutrition includes all the things we normally think about when we think of food: grains, beans, vegetables, fruits, seeds, nuts, chicken, fish, hamburgers, pizza, spaghetti, popcorn, and on and on and on. But it also includes things like macronutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, fats, and fiber, and micronutrients such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, pigments like chlorophyll, and antioxidants like beta-carotene. Nutrition also includes all the other most basic and essential physiological needs: oxygen, water, movement, rest, digestive enzymes, probiotics, and much more. So nutrition refers to the raw materials we expect to find in normal foods as well as the raw materials outside of normal foods that the body needs to maintain all of its many physiological functions. And of course, meeting the basic physiological needs of the body via nutrition is the basic definition of Functional Nutrition...an important term for us in Simplexity Health.

So food is food, but the word "nutrition" covers a whole lot more. Nutrition is much more comprehensive. It covers all the many things in our diet, in our lifestyle, in our environment...even in our thoughts and dreams. It includes all the things that truly nourish us best.

(Charlotte)
Interesting. What else can you tell us about the term Superfood Nutrition?

(Russell)
A superfood, as the name implies, is different from a normal food such as broccoli or cauliflower or potatoes. A "superfood" contains more nutrients than a normal food, especially difficult-to-find micronutrients like certain amino acids or certain trace minerals or certain pigments. A superfood contains a wide variety of very important micronutrients in richer, more potent concentrations than those found in normal foods, which are easily digested, absorbed and assimilated.

(Russell)
The nutritional action of a superfood (in addition to what it brings to the table on its own) is to supercharge or metabolically enhance the effectiveness of the nutrients you get from all your other normal foods.

Superfoods generally don't provide us much in terms of calories or carbs, or proteins or fats...they will not "fill us up"; but they will "fill in" nutritional gaps and allow our cells and organs and systems to function more efficiently. More efficient cellular functioning means more energy, stamina, concentration, and focus, better moods, metabolism, and immunity, and many other important benefits too.

The most important value of any superfood is to provide a broad spectrum and balanced synergy of vital micronutrients that are difficult or impossible to get from other "normal" foods. This allows the body and every one of its 100 trillion cells to function normally. Normal functioning of our cells is the very best way to ensure the highest levels of health and energy. And nothing is more valuable than that.

Perhaps the most important "superfood" ever discovered is Simplexity Health's Super Blue Green Algae.

(Charlotte)
How important is Upper Klamath Lake and Simplexity's harvesting and processing procedures?

(Russell)
Any food is only as good as the environment where it grows, combined with the quality of the techniques used to harvest and process it. The key to the nutritional value and effectiveness of SBGA is the health and vitality of the Upper Klamath Lake ecosystem where it grows. Further, Simplexity's state-of-the-art testing, harvesting, and processing methods under the direction of world-renowned algologists are second to none in the industry. Quality and safety continue to be the hallmarks of our outstanding line of products, especially our Super Blue Green Algae products: Alpha Sun, Omega Sun, and Simply SBGA. More on these products in a few minutes.

(Charlotte)
I guess it really does all start with the algae. Tell us more about Upper Klamath Lake and how it affects the quality of our superfood, Super Blue Green Algae.

(Russell)
Yes, it all begins with the algae!

As important as the algae itself is, it would not even exist if not for the profound fertility and ecological uniqueness and diversity of Upper Klamath Lake in southern Oregon.

Perhaps the most important misconception to dispel at the very beginning is the image of a land-locked lake. As you will discover Upper Klamath Lake is much closer in form and function to a very large but slow moving river than to most lakes you are accustomed to. But this is no ordinary river-like, lake-like aquatic ecosystem! Upper Klamath Lake is literally the world's number one biomass producer. What does this mean? It means that acre for acre, more food grows here in this lake each summer, than anywhere else on the planet.

The second misconception to dispel is that the algae is pond scum. Nothing could be further from the reality. Fed by powerful surging rivers, pure mountain streams, and sparklingly cold and clear underground springs, the 400,000 acre feet of water in this incredible aquatic ecosystem is constantly renewing and replacing itself. What does this mean? It means that there is no stagnant water anywhere, and that the algae that grows in this lake is not pond scum lying stagnant on top of the water. Nothing could be further from the truth! SBGA is NOT pond scum.

Please take the time to look at photographs and video footage of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae at its summertime prime before being harvested...because seeing is believing. SBGA is one of the most important nutritional discoveries of our time, and it is one of the most beautiful aquatic plants you will ever set eyes on. The algae looks like slender blades of bright green grass only about an inch or so long.

Aph. flos-aquae swim freely throughout the lake, diving down to feed off the 35 feet of mineral-rich sediment on the lake bottom and floating near the surface to bask in the rays of the sun. The almost constant summer sunshine converts the minerals eaten by the algae into a vast array of micronutrients... more micronutrients gram for gram than any other food plant on Planet Earth. And some of the most important ones too: vitamins, minerals, trace minerals, amino acids, pigments, phytonutrients, active enzymes...all the building block materials that define a superfood. All the micronutrients needed to fill in the gaps from our less-than-perfect modern diets.

(Charlotte)
Russell, tell us about all these micronutrients in the algae and some of the benefits associated with them.

(Russell)
Wild-crafted Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, or Super Blue Green® Algae (SBGA), is the edible microalgae on which most Simplexity Health products are based. It contains more than 60 individual micronutrients, each with its own proven health benefits. It is the broad spectrum and balanced synergy of naturally occurring and wild-crafted nutrients that make organic-certified Super Blue Green Algae so unique and special.

The most important benefit SBGA offers is its biomodulating effect. Scientists have come to understand biomodulators as nutritional substances that have the ability to maintain all normal cellular and metabolic functions. So how important is this? It's the most important benefit by far. The nutrients in SBGA help every single function of the human body...every single one!

Biomodulators increase the benefits of any and all other complementary habits and influences in your diet and lifestyle. Super Blue Green Algae is one of the most effective biomodulating superfoods ever discovered, and this is the most important reason we add it to so many of our other products. (All of them, in fact, except ImmuSun.)

Controlled studies involving various beneficial characteristics of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae have been conducted in cooperation with such prestigious institutions as Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and McGill University in Montreal, Quebec.

More specifically, what's in Super Blue Green Algae? Gram for gram, SBGA is one of the most nutrient-rich foods available. Some of the vital nutrients found in SBGA and some of their benefits:

Beta-Carotene: A powerful free radical inhibitor, the antioxidant beta-carotene (vitamin A) boosts the immune system by increasing the strength of cell membranes (cell walls), particularly in the digestive and respiratory tracts. This makes it more difficult for free radicals and other pathogenic (disease-causing) substances to adversely affect the normal function of cells.

Chlorophyll: The green pigment found in plants, chlorophyll is responsible for the ingestion of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and the production of oxygen through the process of photosynthesis. Chlorophyll carries more oxygen to our cells and increases the storage capacity of oxygen inside our cells. It is also a powerful antioxidant. Super Blue Green Algae is one of the richest sources in existence of this vital nutrient.

Amino Acids: Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Protein molecules often make up more than half of the physical structure of cells and tissues. There are ten non-essential amino acids, meaning that the body is able to biosynthesize them from foods. There are also ten essential amino acids, which the body must receive directly and intact from food sources. Super Blue Green Algae contains all 20 amino acids, and this is unique among food plants.

Each amino acid provides a variety of health benefits on its own, and together they provide vital fuel and energy sources, build and maintain the health of various messenger cells (called "neuropeptides"), and help modulate emotion and mood swings. In fact, amino acids are the target of much brain-mind research.

Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs): Essential fatty acids are the "good fats" vital to the flexibility and fluidity of all cells. EFAs are required nutrients for the normal growth and repair of the skin, blood vessels, and nerve tissues. They build, maintain, and repair cell membranes (cell walls). Without healthy membranes, none of the other miraculous activities of cells would be possible. EFAs have dynamic lubricating qualities that can actively increase the solubility of cholesterol deposits, meaning that they can prevent cholesterol from becoming sticky and hard, when it becomes plaque that can clog arteries. Super Blue Green Algae contains EFAs belonging to both the Omega-3 and Omega-6 groups. (Today, a lot of people are told to consume fish oil concentrate to get their Omega-3 and Omega-6 EFAs, but it is interesting to note that in order for the fish to produce these important nutrients, they consume algae in the waters where they live; so eating SBGA is the best way to get to the source of production, if you will, for these important micronutrients.)

Minerals and Trace Minerals: Without the presence of certain minerals and trace minerals in just the right amount, many vitamins and enzymes would remain idle and useless. This is what we mean when we use the terms "broad spectrum and balanced synergy" to describe one of the key characteristics of SBGA. Using isolated megadoses of any vitamin or mineral is not the way to go, except in very unusual circumstances. The best way to nourish the body is to provide nutrients in quantities and proportions that occur naturally. Due to modern agricultural practices, the topsoil feeding our food plants is seriously lacking in the full spectrum of minerals and trace minerals that once existed in abundance. The mineral-rich content of Upper Klamath Lake provides the unique balance and abundant supply of bioavailable minerals and trace minerals necessary for building strong bones, activating vitamins and enzymes, strengthening cell wall structures, and providing the basis for all electrical impulses in the body. These electrical impulses regulate all muscle and heart contractions, as well as brain and neurotransmitter functions, among others. According to the latest analysis, 23 individual minerals and trace minerals are found in Super Blue Green Algae, due to the surrounding volcanic geology that endows the lake with a rich supply of minerals each year. (And many of these minerals and trace minerals are difficult to find in any other food sources.)

Vitamins: The vitamins present in Super Blue Green Algae (vitamins A, K, and B12, among others) work together with all the other nutrients to vitalize and direct all internal enzyme systems so that each and every biochemical transaction can take place properly. Boosting the immune system, relieving tension and fatigue, improving digestion, increasing cellular energy, strengthening nerves and neurotransmitters, fighting free radicals, and improving the quality of hair, skin, and nails are just some of the benefits we receive from a balanced variety of vitamins.

Phenylethylamine: PEA, a compound that exists naturally in the human central nervous system, enhances mental energy, mental clarity, concentration, and attention, and is a natural mood elevator. It is responsible for the feelings associated with pleasure and mental awareness.

Phycocyanin: Phycocyanin is a photosynthetic blue pigment present in all blue-green algae like Aphanizomenon flos-aquae. Research has shown that phycocyanin has strong antioxidant properties. An in vitro study published in 2004 demonstrated the ability of phycocyanin derived from Aph. flos-aquae to protect normal human red blood cells and plasma samples against oxidative damage.

We have three pure Super Blue Green Algae products:

Alpha Sun is the whole algae, which provides proteins and natural complex carbohydrates critical for the health of tissues and cells. Because its cell walls are composed of peptidoglycan (carbohydrates and peptides), lipids (oils), polysaccharides (sugars), and proteins, Alpha Sun provides a highly assimilable natural complex that is critical for physical health.

Omega Sun is the heart of the algae with the peptidoglycan cell wall carefully removed, which allows more ready access to the high overall amino acid content, therefore making Omega Sun an abundant source of raw materials for building the neuropeptides that feed and enhance brain activity.

Simply SBGA is a 50-50 blend of Alpha Sun and Omega Sun in powdered form.

(Charlotte)
Can we summarize some of the uses for these products?

(Russell)
Yes, just list all the hundreds of functions going on inside our bodies. These SBGA products help in each and every one of those functions.

(Charlotte)
What's the best way to use these products?

(Russell)
To me, the best way to use these products is with the understanding that every function inside the human body (and each and every one of our 100 trillion cells) needs a variety of micronutrients every single day...and one of the best sources of vital, energized, full-spectrum micronutrients is Simplexity's Super Blue Green Algae. Once you have this understanding, the next most important realization is this: No one but you knows, and no one else is ever going to know, what it feels like inside your own body. You are the ultimate expert when it comes to understanding the core nutritional needs of your body and whether or not you are adequately addressing those needs.

If you adequately address those needs, you should manifest the many symptoms of health: vitality, energy, a clear sense of well-being; you sleep well, you digest well, you eliminate well, you tolerate stress well, your memory is good, you don't have mood swings, you feel positive and optimistic most of the time, you look forward to challenges, you feel creative and productive and resourceful.

If you do not adequately address your core nutritional needs, especially the need for micronutrients, then you most likely will continue to feel less than perfectly healthy. You may feel fatigued, tired, confused, depressed, anxious; you may have aches and pains, indigestion, skin problems, and many, many other symptoms. The list is endless.

So the best way to use these products is to experiment. Start with one or two capsules per day for a few days. See if you notice anything. If not, try one or two capsules three or four times a day. If you still don't notice any changes, simply keep increasing the amounts you take, at whatever intervals seem most appropriate to you...including no intervals at all. Some people report that the best use of SBGA products for them is to take a certain amount only once a day.

The truth is, there is a tremendous variety of experience and there is no one tried and true method, other than to encourage people to experiment and to "listen to their own body and honor what they hear." There is definitely an amount of SBGA that will get your attention, and I mean this in a very positive way. Unlike medicine–and frankly, unlike many other supplements–there are no set "dosages" or anything like that. It is very much like trying to tell someone how much broccoli to eat or how many carrots per day, or how much salad to consume...it's impossible really. We can only provide general guidelines. The ultimate decision about how much SBGA to use and how many times per day is really up to the individual. Just keep in mind that there is an amount of SBGA that will get your attention; you simply want to increase the amounts you consume gradually...and all will be well.

(Charlotte)
Thanks, Russell. This has been really helpful and informative.