Here's part 1 of a 2 part series on an amazing superfood...Marine Phytoplankton.
What is it?
Found in the upper and surface waters of oceans and bodies of fresh water, marine phytoplankton are single-celled organisms, a.k.a. "micro-algae," at the very bottom of the food chain. They feed on nearly all ocean life and, directly and indirectly, all life on earth. Through the process of photosynthesis, marine phytoplankton produce nearly ninety percent of the Earth's oxygen and absorb most of the Earth's carbon dioxide, also producing vital nutrients and energy in the process. Marine phytoplankton is a super-nutrient; a highly bio-available source of vitamins and minerals. There are only four species beneficial for human consumption- with the Nannochloropsis gaditana strain being most beneficial.
Health Benefits
At microscopic sizes, marine phytoplankton is highly bioavailable. The organism has a cell wall that is immediately digested and absorbed, where its valuable nutrient content is readily available to the body. In fact, "all the crucial amino and essential fatty acids (nano-sized) are able to pass through the blood-brain barrier and nourish your brain directly," which could result in obvious brain-health benefits. Because of this, marine phytoplankton can also benefit your mood and prevent and treat depression!
The single-cell, microscopic marine phytoplankton have proved beneficial for critically and chronically ill populations. While it may take weeks to months for medication usage, health benefits are obvious after only a few days of taking marine phytoplankton. The single-cell organism bypasses the liver and digestive system, enabling the body to heal itself much faster! Because marine phytoplankton is a single source of all raw materials necessary, in near perfect proportions, this unheard of healing rate is possible.
The rare and complete superfood exists as a single source for raw materials, or building blocks, for new healthy cells. The organism provides: neuro-chemicals including dopamine and serotonin, all of the essential amino acids, essential fatty acids, vitamins including vitamin A, carotenoids, some forms of vitamin B, key minerals including selenium, zinc, magnesium, chromium, strontium, and iodine, trace elements, rare anti-oxidants, phospholipids, electrolytes, nucleic acids, chlorophyl (a digestion regulator), enzymes and co-enzymes. "In an age of over-reliance on land-based food sources and continuing mineral depletion in the soil and in our food which, in turn, leads to deficiencies of micro-nutrients and trace elements in our bodies," marine phytoplankton supplies these key and trace minerals the contemporary body is deprived of. Further, the organism balances the body's own pH, an often overlooked health benefit. Its alkaline pH of 8-8.5 helps offset the acidity of today's typical diet, high in sugary processed food.
Health benefits include but are not limited to:
-Increased energy and increased oxygen uptake; enables the blood to carry around more oxygen to the body's organ systems and muscles, in turn, increasing exercise edurance and stamina
-A loaded source of naturally-produced vitamins and minerals
-Increased immunity
-Increased mental and emotional well being, increased ability to focus (loaded with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids)
-High levels of antioxidants that may help protect against aging and oxidation
-Anti-inflammatory nutrients help aid metabolism and detoxification
-Reduced cholesterol levels
-Helps reverse effects of hypothyroidism
Sources:
1. http://store.activationproducts.com/ultrafood.html?AFFID=107613
2. http://www.sunfood.com/ocean-s-alive-marine-phytoplankton-1-oz.html
3. http://marinephytoplankton.net/
4. http://renegadehealth.com/blog/2012/08/15/marine-phytoplankton-the-raw-f...
5. https://www.marine-phytoplankton.com.au/benefits-of-marine-phytoplankton/
Planning on trying this amazing superfood? I'd love to know comment and share!
There are only four species