Superfood Algae: Vegan Omega-3 and More

When it comes to optimal health, there are some foods that significantly surpass others. These foods are categorized as superfoods, described by Merriam Webster dictionary as, “a food (such as salmon, broccoli, or blueberries) that is rich in compounds (such as antioxidants, fiber, or fatty acids) considered beneficial to a person’s health”. 

One superfood that rises to the top is algae. This nutritional, plant-based powerhouse is harvested from the ocean, the most fertile part of our planet. When taken daily, algae has shown significant health benefits, particularly offering a highly absorbent, non-animal, vegan omega-3 source. This may not only be advantageous to someone following a vegan diet but may also be a more superior choice overall. This is because all other acceptable omega-3 supplements are derived from fish oil. Yet, too many reports have indicated that unless you overpay, most omega-3 supplements come from tainted, mercury laden origins that may also include ocean-borne contaminants such as PCBs. 

Learn about the superfood algae, a vegan omega-3 source and so much more. 

Easily Farmed

Algae is a much more sustainable farming choice than obtaining omega-3 from farm raised fish which requires careful monitoring and perpetual resources to maintain life. Harvesting algae poses no risk to the environment or ocean life and, in fact, is an excellent source of natural marine nutrition. 

Raising algae is the inexpensive part but extracting the oil can be costly. This is why high potency supplements may be expensive however as extracting technology advances, costs are being reduced. 

Top Omega-3

There are numerous science backed benefits of consuming omega-3 fatty acids, yet many people have been shown to be deficient in this essential nutrient. Plant Based news reports that omega-3 fatty acids are, “an integral part of cell membranes throughout the body and affect the function of the cell receptors in these membranes. They provide the starting point for making hormones that regulate blood clotting, contraction and relaxation of artery walls, and inflammation. 

According to Healthline, some of the benefits of omega-3’s include:

• Reduces depression and anxiety
• Improves eye health 
• Supports fetal brain health
• May improve heart disease risk factors
• Reduces ADHD symptoms
• Acts as an anti-inflammatory
• Improves cognitive functions
• Supports bone and joint health

The top omega-3 fatty acids that studies have focused on, are: 

• ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) – Humans are unable to make it ALA but it is essential for health so it must be consumed through diet (chia, flax, and hemp seeds, soy foods and walnuts).
• EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) – Converted from ALA, derived from fish and algae.
• DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), accounts for 97 percent of the omega-3 fats in the brain, derived from fish and algae.

Don’t be fooled into believing that you need to consume fish oil supplements to obtain EPA and DHA omega-3’s. Fish don’t make these fatty acids, they obtain it from algae. 

The Algae Effect

The benefits of algae oil are synonymous with the overall omega-3 benefits mentioned above. However, additionally, using algae oil supports an Eco-friendly aspect that fish oil cannot maintain. It can be added to just about any ingredient or product without decimating natural resources or threatening those allergic to seafood. 

According to the Akasha Center, some studies that recommend algae oil include: 

A “2014 scientific review published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition found that algal oil serves as an effective alternative source of DHA. In addition, studies have also shown that ingestion of algal oil led to significant increases in red blood cell count and plasma DHA.”

Algae researcher Dr. Scott Doughman commented that, 

“Because DHA is the active component for lowering triglycerides, for bioavailability to the brain and organs, and all omega-3s can be made from DHA. Algae oil is more concentrated in omega-3s and in DHA and is thus better formulated for human metabolism.”

Algae oil could be safer than fish oil for pregnant women due to the high contaminants (mercury, pollutants, etc) still found in even farm fished sources, 

“A 2004 study conducted by Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare found that higher maternal DHA consumption during pregnancy resulted in higher novelty preference on visual recognition memory and higher scores of verbal intelligence.”

Overall, algae oil is an excellent source of omega-3 supplementation bringing potency and sustainability to the forefront in a time we need it most. Support this easy to manufacture and assimilate source and stop supporting overfishing and environmental upheaval due to Big Pharma and free-enterprise overreach. Try algae oil and see the results for a stronger, healthier, more socially conscious you.