Algae

Buy all your supplements from algae here: Spirulina, Chlorella and Algae Oil. Or read more about algae supplements first below.

What are algae?

Algae is a collective term for spore-bearing plants: unicellular or multicellular organisms that grow in both fresh and salt water and can harness energy from sunlight through photosynthesis. In doing so, they produce oxygen and consume carbon dioxide, just like plants. However, algae as a group are much older than plants; they belong to the oldest organisms we know. The scientific name for algae is algae.

Unicellular algae are called microalgae. Algae that grow larger and consist of multiple cells are referred to as macroalgae. These are seaweeds that we can eat as a healthy meat substitute, vegetable, or salad (for example wakame from Japanese cuisine). Kelp is also used in cooking, but it is most commonly found as an ingredient in dietary supplements. Kelp is a brown seaweed that is very rich in iodine.

In addition to iodine, algae and seaweeds contain many other minerals and, among other things, vitamins, fibers, proteins, and omega-3 fatty acids. As a food source, they are therefore very healthy.

Which algae supplements are available?

The advantage of algae in supplements is that they are not only rich in a wide range of nutrients but are also very suitable as a supplement of essential omega-3 in a vegan or vegetarian diet. The following supplements are available based on algae:

Omega-3:

Algae themselves produce omega-3 fatty acids, and algae oil is used as an alternative to fish oil by people on a vegetarian or vegan diet. Because algae are at the bottom of the food chain in our oceans, they are a very pure source of DHA and EPA. The microalgae Crypthecodinium cohnii and Schizochytrium are cultivated for the production of algae oil.

Iodine and other minerals:

Seaweeds are rich in the mineral iodine (kelp), and algae and seaweeds are a source of iron and other minerals such as calcium (especially in wakame), phosphorus, and potassium. Algae also contain vitamins (vitamin B1), proteins, and essential amino acids.

Chlorella:

Chlorella is a unicellular freshwater alga with a green color. This color is caused by chlorophyll. Chlorella is very rich in vitamins and minerals and contains particularly high levels of carotenoids.

Spirulina:

Spirulina is a blue-green spiral-shaped saltwater alga with high nutritional value. The blue color is caused by the pigment phycocyanin. Spirulina is rich in proteins and fatty acids, as well as in vitamins and minerals.

AFA algae:

The AFA alga (Aphanizomenon flos-aquae) is a blue-green freshwater alga that occurs in volcanic lakes such as Upper Klamath Lake in Oregon. As with spirulina, the color is caused by phycocyanin. This type of algae is particularly rich in nutrients and especially in vitamin B12. For people following a vegan diet, it is an excellent source of vitamin B12.

Algae use

Algae supplements are available in the form of capsules, pills, powder, or oil. Each form has its own convenience: tablets and capsules are easy to take with you, while powder and oil can be added to smoothies or other foods.

Using algae supplements is safe, provided it is guaranteed that they are free of contaminants such as dioxins, pesticides, and other toxins. Therefore, always purchase algae supplements from reputable brands that guarantee the purity of their products. We also recommend always adhering to the recommended dosages as stated on the label, unless otherwise prescribed by a doctor or therapist.

Although certain algae in swimming water on hot summer days can cause allergies or worse, this is not an issue with algae supplements. Only non-toxic species of algae grown under controlled conditions specifically for oral use are used in supplements.