Marine Phytoplankton: The Tiny Superfood with Massive Health Benefits

Marine phytoplankton, the microscopic organisms that form the foundation of the oceanic food chain, are gaining recognition as a nutrient-dense superfood with unparalleled benefits for human health. Packed with essential nutrients, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids, marine phytoplankton offers a sustainable and plant-based solution for boosting overall wellness.

What is Marine Phytoplankton?

Marine phytoplankton are single-celled algae that thrive in the oceans. They use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce energy through photosynthesis. These tiny organisms produce up to 50% of the world’s oxygen and serve as the primary food source for marine life. Beyond their ecological significance, marine phytoplankton are a nutritional powerhouse for humans, offering a unique combination of nutrients that support cellular health and vitality.

Nutritional Profile of Marine Phytoplankton

Marine phytoplankton is loaded with essential nutrients that make it a standout superfood:

1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
   • Marine phytoplankton provides omega-3 in the highly bioavailable phospholipid form, which ensures superior absorption and effectiveness. Omega-3s are vital for heart, brain, and overall cellular health.
2. Antioxidants:
   • Rich in chlorophyll, astaxanthin, canthaxanthin, zeaxanthin, and violaxanthin, marine phytoplankton is a potent source of antioxidants that combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation.
3. Protein:
   • With 40% protein content, marine phytoplankton delivers a high-quality, plant-based protein source containing essential amino acids for muscle repair and overall nourishment.
4. Vitamins and Minerals:
   • It contains a spectrum of vitamins (A, B-complex, C, D, and E) and minerals essential for overall health, such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, and iodine.

The Importance of Vegetables and Chlorophyll

Everyone knows the importance of eating plenty of vegetables, yet less than 10% of Europeans consume the recommended daily amount. One crucial reason to eat more vegetables is to ensure adequate chlorophyll intake.

Chlorophyll, the green pigment found in all plants, is responsible for plant energy production and acts as a powerful antioxidant in our bodies. While chlorophyll can be found in green leafy vegetables, it can be easily destroyed during cooking. To maximize its benefits, it’s better to consume it raw through vegetable juices, salads, or green superfoods like Spirulina, Chlorella, and Marine Phytoplankton, which contain more chlorophyll than any other food source.

The Advantages of Chlorophyll

Chlorophyll offers a wide range of health benefits:

1. Antioxidant Power:
   • Chlorophyll neutralizes harmful molecules (free radicals) that can damage healthy cells, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
2. Red Blood Cell Production:
   • Chlorophyll supports the production of red blood cells, helping with tissue growth, wound healing, and oxygen transportation throughout the body.
3. Detoxification:
   • Chlorophyll acts as a chelating agent, binding to toxic heavy metals like mercury and safely removing them from the body.
4. Anti-Carcinogenic Properties:
   • According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), chlorophyll and its derivative, chlorophyllin, exhibit strong anti-mutagenic activity, protecting against carcinogens found in tobacco smoke and polluted air.
5. Digestive Health:
   • Chlorophyll promotes a healthy digestive system, which can help combat bad breath by neutralizing odours in the mouth and throat.
6. Cellular Health:
   • The molecular structure of chlorophyll is nearly identical to hemin, a component of haemoglobin. This similarity supports healthy, clean blood, which is essential for preventing illness and the spread of free radicals.

Chlorophyll Supplements

Supplements like marine phytoplankton, spirulina, or chlorella are excellent options for those who struggle to get enough chlorophyll through diet alone. These can be easily added to smoothies in powdered form or taken as tablets. Chlorophyll supplements not only boost antioxidant levels but also provide a safe and effective way to detoxify the body from heavy metals and other toxins.

The Superiority of Phospholipid Omega-3

Marine phytoplankton offers omega-3 fatty acids in the phospholipid form, which is superior to other forms like ethyl esters and triglycerides commonly found in fish oil. Here’s why phospholipid omega-3 stands out:

1. Faster Absorption: Phospholipids dissolve in water, allowing for direct absorption, even on an empty stomach.
2. Better Utilisation: They integrate directly into cell membranes, ensuring maximum effectiveness.
3. Higher Blood Levels: Studies show phospholipids lead to higher levels of EPA and DHA in the bloodstream.
4. No High-Fat Meal Needed: Unlike ethyl esters, phospholipids don’t rely on dietary fat for absorption.

Compared to ethyl esters, phospholipids have 2.5 times better absorption, and even compared to triglycerides, they show 30-50% better absorption. This makes marine phytoplankton a superior, sustainable alternative to fish oil.

High-Yield Antioxidant Production in Phytoplankton

A study from 2000 highlighted the exceptional ability of marine phytoplankton, particularly the Nannochloropsis species, to accumulate pigments known as keto-carotenoids, such as:

• Astaxanthin
• Canthaxanthin
• Zeaxanthin
• Violaxanthin

These pigments act as powerful antioxidants, protecting the body from oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals. When grown in controlled environments like photobioreactors, Nannochloropsis cultures achieve impressive antioxidant levels:

• Chlorophyll a: 350 mg L⁻¹
• Violaxanthin: 50 mg L⁻¹
• Canthaxanthin: 5 mg L⁻¹
• Astaxanthin: 3 mg L⁻¹

Among the species, Nannochloropsis gaditana is particularly potent, with canthaxanthin and astaxanthin making up around 1% of its dry weight.

Health Benefits of Marine Phytoplankton

1. Combating Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress occurs when the body’s free radicals and antioxidants are imbalanced. Free radicals, which are unstable molecules, can damage cells, proteins, and DNA, leading to ageing and chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders.

Marine phytoplankton is rich in antioxidants like astaxanthin, canthaxanthin, and zeaxanthin, which neutralize free radicals and restore balance. This helps:

• Reduce inflammation.
• Protect cells from damage.
• Slow down the premature ageing process.

2. Supporting Heart and Brain Health

The phospholipid-bound omega-3 in marine phytoplankton is essential for cardiovascular and cognitive health. It reduces inflammation, improves blood flow, and enhances brain function.

3. Boosting Immune System and Skin Health

Antioxidants and pigments in phytoplankton strengthen the immune system and protect the skin from UV damage. Astaxanthin, in particular, promotes skin elasticity and reduces signs of premature ageing.

The Power of Algae for Protein: Chlorella, Spirulina, and Phytoplankton

Marine phytoplankton is part of a trio of algae superfoods that provide a sustainable, plant-based protein boost. Combining 10 grams each of chlorella, spirulina, and marine phytoplankton adds 17 grams of high-quality protein to your daily diet. Here’s how they compare:

Chlorella

• Protein Content: 60%
• Benefits: Complete protein with all nine essential amino acids. Rich in chlorophyll, it supports detoxification by removing heavy metals and boosting liver health.
• 10 Grams Provides 6 grams of protein, vitamin B12, and iron.

Spirulina

• Protein Content: 65%
• Benefits: Highly bioavailable protein with antioxidants like phycocyanin to reduce inflammation.
• 10 Grams Provides 6.5 grams of protein, beta-carotene, and magnesium.

Marine Phytoplankton

• Protein Content: 40%
• Benefits: Balanced protein source with EPA omega-3 for brain and heart health.
• 10 Grams Provides 4 grams of protein and 500-600 mg of EPA.

Marine phytoplankton is a sustainable, nutrient-dense superfood that offers unparalleled health benefits. From its superior phospholipid omega-3 to its potent antioxidants and high-quality protein, it’s a powerhouse for combating oxidative stress, supporting heart and brain health, and promoting overall wellness.

Whether you’re looking for an eco-friendly alternative to fish oil, a plant-based protein source, or a way to enhance your antioxidant intake, marine phytoplankton deserves a spot in your wellness routine.

At Shoku Iku, our marine phytoplankton stands out for its purity, safety, and exceptional quality, thanks to our innovative cultivation methods. Using advanced photo-bioreactor technology, we ensure that the algae are grown in an environment optimized for their health and nutrient density.

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Our Photo-Bioreactor Technology

Here’s how we ensure a pure and safe product:

• Continuous Nutrient Supply: Our reactors provide a constant flow of nutrients, CO2, and oxygen to support the algae’s optimal growth and development.
• Controlled Environment: Every growth parameter is meticulously monitored, ensuring the highest quality product without contamination.

This process guarantees that our marine phytoplankton is packed with nutrients and free from impurities, offering you a safe and potent superfood.

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Is Marine Phytoplankton Expensive?

Marine phytoplankton has traditionally been costly due to the use of tubular photo-bioreactors, which limited production volumes and drove up prices.

Our phytoplankton is cultivated in a more traditional open pond system, housed within a controlled greenhouse environment. This setup serves as a natural photobioreactor, allowing us to:

• Maintain full control over growth conditions.
• Offer high-quality marine phytoplankton at a more affordable price.

We source our Marine phytoplankton from Netherland.