One-third of North Americans are shifting to a plant-based diet. These decisions are motivated by a multitude of factors, including environmental concerns, ethical considerations, and the desire to eat a healthier diet. For some, going plant-based is easy, but for many it presents challenges. Algae offers a light for those seeking to transition to a plant-based diet. Find out how below.
The agriculture industry is essential to humanity's prosperity. The emissions put out by the industry are not. The agriculture industry contributes 26% of global greenhouse gas emissions. It uses a distressing amount of natural resources, half of the world’s usable land and almost 70% of all freshwater! Despite all of this overuse, food insecurity is increasing alongside a ballooning global population. Feeding the future requires addressing the current unsustainable and environmentally harmful methods of food production.
Algae is the revolutionary key in combatting all of these challenges! It has been dubbed the food of the future by CNN and Forbes and has the potential to address the sustainability and nutrition problems we face today. Algae has also been considered as a sustainable source of food and oxygen for future colonies on Mars!
Off & on planet food
Algae will sustain future on and off-planet populations. This super food recycles CO2, produces O2 and offers most of the nutritional value required to keep us strong in whatever environment we face.
But first, let’s address the elephant in the room: what is algae? Algae are different organisms that, like plants, can produce their own food from sunlight! There are many different types of algae range from single-celled beings(microalgae) and large multicellular organisms, like seaweed.
We are focusing on spirulina algae, a type of blue-green algae that dries as a fine powder. This powder is often used as a vegan protein powder to mix into smoothies, oatmeal, or whatever other fun food you’re eating! You can find our spirulina powder here.
But why are people consuming it? I still don’t get it?!
Consuming spirulina leads to a plethora of benefits. We’ve chosen to use this type of algae for many reasons including: its production process, its environmental impact, and its fantastic nutrition profile. See the reasons why below:
Packed with Nutrients
When cutting out animal products, it can be difficult to get your nutrients. Unlike meat and other products, plant-based sources often do not provide a large variety of nutrients. Not spirulina! Spirulina algae is one of the few plants that is a complete protein. It is also incredibly high in iron. Some doctors have even begun recommending people take spirulina instead of iron pills!
And did you know that algae is where fish get their omegas from? Spirulina contains a ton of fatty acids! Each serving contains roughly 1 gram of omega-3 and omega-6! Spirulina is high in many other vitamins and minerals including B vitamin complexes, potassium, and so much more!
High in Antioxidants
Did you know that spirulina can help you recover from exercise? Spirulina is high in antioxidants so it helps to reduce inflammation, including inflammation resulting from a strenuous workout! It can also help to reduce muscle damage and lower lactate levels which means you fatigue less!
Immune System Boost
Spirulina is great for the immune system. It helps your immune system become stronger by producing new white blood cells and it helps the disease fighting parts of your immune system be more efficient. Spirulina also helps your body to produce more antibodies when fighting an illness which means your body can recover faster when sick!
Want to learn more about why spirulina algae is so great? Check this out!
