Sometimes it’s hard to get enough of the good stuff in. Particularly when you’re busy. However, if you’re on the journey from conception, pregnancy to early years, good nutrition is also super important. Algae (Spirulina and Chlorella in this case) is fast gaining more interest as a really effective (and sustainable) way to get some of the much needed nutrients in against the backdrop of our modern environment full of processed food/empty nutrients. However, we still think, given it’s benefits, it remains a bit too on the fringes…. 

So, here are a few things about Algae you may not know and why you may want to consider it for your own journey:

Some things you may not know about Spirulina and Chlorella – the edible algae: 

First off algae is the most nutrient dense food in the world. There are many different forms (some are very much not edible!). The two we care about: Spirulina and Chlorella.

Another often mistaken fact: They are not actually supplements, they are actually classified as agricultural food crops which we like. (We are inherently suspicious of the unregulated supplement market).

NASA has in fact been researching Spirulina….

Nearly 70% of Spirulina is protein (by weight) and it contains all of the essential amino acids (click here for more on why this is important – particularly for the journey!)  plus it has a huge range of vitamins and minerals within. Many of which can be lacking in our modern diets. It is one of the most nutrient dense foods in the world. So, if anyone tells you that protein only comes from steak. They are very much mistaken…

Plus it is a good source of fatty acids: technically an Omega 6 but due to its unprocessed nature it behaves more like an Omega 3. Click here why you need more of these in your life.

In fact, it has an amino acid profile which is very close to that first precious nutrient dense breastmilk: Colostrum. True story!

This particular algae contains huge amounts of Phycocyanin and Chlorophyll: why should you care about these? 

Phycocyanin has been shown to be effective against oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. Both of which tend to be at the root cause of cell damage. Crucial for all elements in the journey. From eggs and sperm to rapidly developing small people (click here why you do not want too much of these in your life) . 

Chlorophyll (which is what makes plants green) is also hugely important. Essentially it acts to protect and promote your cell walls. That is crucial for allowing the bad things out (waste) and allowing the good things in (nutrients etc).

The algae Chlorella actually contains 25x more chlorophyll than liquid chlorophyll… really?! 

If you’re looking for as much chlorophyll as possible, then Chlorella (see the name similarities!) is what you want. It contains 25x more chlorophyll than liquid chlorophyll (made from Alfalfa sprouts) and around 1000x the amount that you’d get from a rocket salad.

Cracking the wall: 

Spirulina is actually technically a bacteria. It has no cell wall which means it is extremely quickly absorbed by the body. Click here for more. 

On the other hand, Chlorella has one of the toughest cell walls in the natural world which means when you’re buying it, you need to look out for ‘cracked cell wall’. Otherwise you will not get the benefit.

Algae sucks up the nasties… 

Chlorella in particular, partially due to the nature of it’s cell wall, is known as a chelator. This means it has the ability to bind to toxins. In fact, it was used by the Japanese in the wake of the Fukushima disaster. Things we don’t want like heavy metals, toxins, radiation, lactic acid and even alcohol. Of course you do need to make sure you have good excretion and are drinking lots of water to help this along. Click here for more. 

Helpful for egg and sperm quality? 

Whilst there is not so much research out there on this specifically, the crucial thing is that it is full of antioxidants. Without enough of those; eggs (and particularly sperm – click here for more) are vulnerable to damage.

In fact, Chlorella is a high source of something called Tryptophan which is a precursor to the sleep hormone and powerful antioxidant Melatonin which has been shown to be powerful when it comes to preserving egg quality. Click here for more. 

Bottom line: 

We think Algae is super under-rated. It’s eco friendly, plant based and highly nutrient dense. It is also not a supplement and is therefore safe for everyone. The good news is that you can now buy it in many health food stores in powder or tablet form to put into your smoothies or breakfast. Ideally look for a reputable store, good brand labelled organic (certified). The taste can get a bit of getting used to (we won’t lie) but it’s definitely worth it!

For lots more check out our Ask the Expert: special with Algae Queen Catharine Arnston. 

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This article is for informational purposes only. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice. The information on this website has been developed following years of personal research and from referenced and sourced medical research. Before making any changes we strongly recommend you consult a healthcare professional before you begin.

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