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Microalgae: A Superfood

Microalgae: A Superfood

Microalgae are tiny aquatic organisms that have gained popularity as a natural detoxification aid. These microscopic plants are packed with nutrients and have been shown to have a range of health benefits, including helping to cleanse the body of toxins.

One of the main ways that microalgae detox the body is through their high chlorophyll content. Chlorophyll is a pigment found in plants that gives them their green color and is essential for photosynthesis. It has been shown to have detoxifying properties and can help to cleanse the body of heavy metals and other toxins.

Microalgae also contain high levels of antioxidants, which help to protect the body from the damaging effects of free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to the development of chronic diseases. Antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals, which can help to prevent damage to the body and support overall health.

In addition to their detoxifying and antioxidant properties, microalgae are also a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. They are particularly high in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as a range of B vitamins. They are also a good source of calcium, magnesium, and iron, which are all essential for maintaining good health.

There are many different types of microalgae that you may have heard of or are already using, including spirulina, chlorella, and blue-green algae.

Spirulina and chlorella are both types of microalgae that are commonly used as dietary supplements. While they are similar in some ways, there are also some important differences between the two.

Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that is found in warm, alkaline water. It has a spiral shape, hence its name. It is a rich source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, and is often used as a dietary supplement to boost the immune system and improve overall health.

Chlorella, on the other hand, is a type of green algae that is found in fresh water. It has a round shape and a tough outer cell wall, which makes it difficult for the body to digest. Unlike spirulina, chlorella is not a good source of protein, but it is rich in vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin B12, iron, and magnesium.

One of the main differences between spirulina and chlorella is their nutrient content. While spirulina is a rich source of protein, chlorella is not. Additionally, chlorella is a better source of vitamins and minerals than spirulina, especially B12, iron, and magnesium.

Another key difference between the two is their taste and smell. Spirulina has a slightly sweet and nutty taste, while chlorella has a strong, earthy taste that some people find unpleasant. Additionally, spirulina has a pleasant, slightly seaweed-like smell, while chlorella has a strong, pungent odor.

For our formulas, we've stepped out of the ordinary and chosen three specific marine Microalgae:

  • Dunaliella Salina
  • Tetraselmis Chuii
  • Nanocloropsis Oceanica

Dunaliella salina is known for its ability to produce large amounts of beta-carotene, a pigment that gives it its distinctive red color. This pigment is a powerful antioxidant and is used in the production of dietary supplements, cosmetics, and other products.

Dunaliella salina is also an important source of vitamins and other nutrients, including vitamins A, B, C, and E, as well as several minerals and trace elements. 

Tetraselmis chuii is known for its high antioxidant and Omega-3 content.

One of the primary reasons that Nannochloropsis oceanica is gaining attention as a potential superfood is its high nutritional value. This algae is a rich source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, making it a potential alternative to traditional protein sources like meat and soy.

In addition, Nannochloropsis oceanica is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining a healthy heart and brain.

Some studies have suggested that both Tetraselmis chuii and Nannochloropsis oceanica may have anti-inflammatory properties, making it potentially useful in the treatment of conditions like arthritis and asthma.

Overall, microalgae are a natural and effective way to support the body's detoxification processes and promote overall health. By adding in a daily dose to your healthy lifestyle, they may help to support the body's natural defense mechanisms and protect against the damaging effects of toxins. 

 

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Do We Need Supplements? (Or is a clean diet enough?)

Do We Need Supplements? (Or is a clean diet enough?)

As health-conscious individuals, we strive to achieve optimal health for ourselves and our loved ones. We often wonder if it is possible to attain perfect health without the use of supplements.

Our ancestors lived without supplements for thousands of years, consuming fewer foods and smaller portions. Unfortunately for us, modern farming practices and overfishing have drastically reduced the nutritional value of our 'nutritional' foods.

Even a well-balanced diet with a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables may not provide all the nutrients we need to thrive. This is where supplements come in. 

Supplements come in by helping to bridge the gap between the nutrients we get from our diet and what our bodies need to function at their best.

To understand which nutrients we may be lacking, we need to consider our biological requirements based on factors such as genetics, environment, and daily food intake. Even cooking methods can impact the nutritional value of our food.

High heat can render essentials like enzymes and vitamin C useless. 

And if you consume a lot of convenience foods, you're more susceptible to nutrient deficiencies as highly processed foods lose many essential nutrients in the processing. 

But be wary of packaged convenience foods that claim to be healthy. Many of these foods contain synthetic vitamins that can do more harm than good. Avoid 'fortified' foods or foods that focus specifically on calories as their 'health' claim. These synthetic nutrients can often rob your body of essential nutrients.

Whole foods are better options for nutrient sources. Foods with ingredients you can pronounce are also better options.

When choosing a supplement to support your diet, it's crucial to read labels and understand the benefits of the supplements you choose, along with their daily recommended intake, source, and absorption rate. Look for those with ingredients you can pronounce, discuss with your doctor if the formula will conflict with any medications, and aim for something that isn't just a fad.

This is key.

What works for one person may not work for you.

Search for the gaps in your diet that need your attention.

Do you work all day indoors or live in a cloudy climate? You might do well to supplement with a good source of Vitamin D3. 

Do you struggle with gut imbalances? You may do well with a pre/probiotic formula that both feeds and repopulates your gut bacteria. 

And learn to listen to your body when it speaks up. 

Feeling crunchy and stiff? 

You may just be dehydrated or in need of some yoga. 

Remember, supplements are meant to supplement, not replace a healthy diet and lifestyle. As our resident Holistic Health Coach, Alida, would say "Start by adjusting your diet first. Then you'll know what you're lacking in."

 

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What the Heck IS Marine Microalgae...and why should you care?

What the Heck IS Marine Microalgae...and why should you care?

Marine microalgae are the most underrated health food on the market today in our humble opinion.

As some of the oldest organisms on Earth, they've been around for a whopping 3.4 billion years! These tiny organisms are responsible for up to 60% of our planet's oxygen supply and form the basis of all plant and animal life on Earth.

Marine microalgae have amazing potential for supporting all forms of life on this planet. For starters, they're a powerhouse of nutrients that can be used in supplements and even in human foodstuffs. And did you know that when fed to livestock like cattle, they can increase milk yield while reducing methane production by up to 30%?

But it doesn't stop there -

Marine microalgae can also be used as a natural pesticide, reducing the need for harmful chemicals that can damage our health and the environment. They're even being researched as a potential natural sunblock, which could help protect our skin without damaging the ocean's delicate ecosystems.

And get this - scientists are even working on using marine microalgae to develop potential cures and treatments for cancer. With up to 800,000 strains or species of marine microalgae in the ocean, there's so much potential for this incredible resource to help improve our lives and combat climate change.

So what's holding us back?

Well, until recently, the marine microalgae farming industry was still in its infancy. But now, with higher volume and sustainable growth at a commercial price, the potential for this industry to change our lives and the planet's future is enormous.

Keep an eye out for marine microalgae - as a superfood supplement, they go beyond greens and into a viable solution for healing both us and the planet!

 

 

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Need to Boost Your Omega 3 Intake?

Need to Boost Your Omega 3 Intake?

Did you know that Omega 3 is an essential nutrient that your body needs but can't produce on its own? That's why it's important to get it through your diet or supplements. While you might have heard about the benefits of krill oil as a source of Omega 3, it's not necessarily the best option for everyone.

Krill oil comes from small crustaceans that live in the chilly waters of the Antarctic. It's marketed as a superior source of Omega 3 because it has higher concentrations of EPA and DHA, the two main types of Omega 3 fatty acids. However, the scientific evidence on its benefits compared to other sources of Omega 3, like fish oil, is still limited and inconsistent.

Plus, krill oil supplements can be expensive, and they're not suitable for people with seafood allergies or those following a plant-based diet. And with recent evidence of microplastics, PFAS (aka forever chemicals), and high mercury levels being found in fish and fish oils, microalgae are a cleaner, more cost-effective and suitable option for all humans.

It's essential to choose a high-quality Omega 3 supplement that's free of contaminants and meets your specific health needs. Sea Green Health supplements provide marine microalgae, a powerful source of Omega 3's!

You can also get Omega 3 from plant-based sources like flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, egg yolks (pasture-raised, not conventionally raised), and natto. For more information on which sources are better or worse check this out.

Remember, the best source of Omega 3 for you depends on your individual health needs, dietary preferences, and budget. So, make an informed decision and choose the option that works best for you.

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