The Benefits of Phytoplankton Supplementation
Have you ever heard of microalgae found in the ocean and it being responsible for oxygen production? No? You’re probably not alone. Let’s talk about the sustainability hero and the foundation of the ocean food web — phytoplankton.
As more and more research is being conducted, the benefits surrounding phytoplankton become apparent and how it can help improve overall health. In this article, we will dissect exactly what phytoplankton is and what supplementing with it can do for you specifically.
Disclaimer: This article is not meant to treat or diagnose any condition. Check with your doctor before adding phytoplankton or any supplements into your regimen to ensure you are healthy enough to include them in your plan, and they will not interact with anything you may currently be taking.
What is Phytoplankton?
Phytoplankton, also known as the “jewel of the ocean,” is sourced from the depths of the ocean. It has been formed for over a million years and is the baseline of the marine food chain, as it is the primary and most important producer of the ocean.
Phytoplankton is derived from two words, “Phyto,” meaning plants, and “Plankton,” meaning wandering. It is a single-celled organism that lives freely in the water and just flows wherever the water takes it.
Phytoplankton is a nutrient-dense food that is loaded with healthy fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, omegas, antioxidants, and other vital minerals. This makes phytoplankton one of the best superfoods on the planet. Also, it is more potent than blue algae, acai berries, and resveratrol.
As per NASA, marine phytoplankton is one of the most essential plants in the world. In fact, they mentioned that phytoplankton created an opportunity for human life on Earth. All in all, phytoplankton helps in creating an oxygen-rich environment that is essential for all living beings.
7 Helpful Benefits of Phytoplankton
Ready to uncover what makes this microorganism one of the most nutritious superfoods? You will be amazed by the benefits it offers. Let’s take a deep dive into why you should add it to your daily supplement regimen.
1. It Contains Detoxifying Properties
Are you feeling tired? Detoxification can help.
Just like how phytoplankton detoxifies and oxygenates the ocean, it has the same effects on the body as well. Phytoplankton is one of the greatest sources of SOD (superoxide dismutase), which is one of the most effective catalysts for metal detox. It plays an important role in reducing inflammation and oxidative damage.
2. It Helps to Boost Immunity
This microalgae contains numerous antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, and carotenoids. A few of them also contain SOD that helps the body get rid of the toxins or harmful pathogens, which can help boost the immune system.
As per a piece of research, people who take marine phytoplankton regularly have a high level of CD3. This indicates the presence of T-cells in the body, which are essential for immunity. The T-cells help to eliminate the bacteria and viruses and ultimately boost immunity and the overall immune system.
3. It Helps in Cellular Regeneration
Cellular regeneration is basically the process where the body repairs and replaces the existing cells. Phytoplankton contains antioxidants that basically help in preventing the damage from oxidation by strengthening the cell membrane and triggering the body to regenerate new cells.
As per research by a team of doctors and microbiologists, there’s an amazing strain called Nannochloropsis gaditana, which is of great value to humans because of its nutritional content. It contains around 65 compounds and is believed to help the human body to restore its health quickly.
4. It Helps to Elevate Mood
Are you not feeling well? Try adding a phytoplankton supplement to your diet to enhance your mood.
The presence of Omega-3 in phytoplankton is shown to support brain health and promote development. In some cases, under a doctor’s supervision, it can be added to a depression treatment as it has been shown to help with bouts of depression.
Another study showed that participants who consumed phytoplankton supplements during this study showed an increase in the score on the emotional subscale of SF36. There was an improvement in the depression symptoms, and the participants reported feeling energized, feeling full of life, and having a solid sense of well-being.
5. It Improves Heart Health
When it comes to improving heart health, amino acids, minerals, antioxidants, and omega-3 are the top things that you need to include in your diet. And guess what? Phytoplankton is rich in all these, so consuming it can improve cardiovascular health.
As per the Harvard Heart Letter, marine fatty acids contain a lot of health benefits like improving inflammation, preventing blood clots, ensuring an easy and steady heartbeat, and more.
Consumption of this powerful superfood can increase the presence of marine fatty acids that in turn helps with improving heart health and reducing the risk of heart disease.
6. It Improves the Health of the Liver
When it comes to detoxification, the liver is incredibly important. It helps the body to get rid of toxins as well as absorb vital nutrients that promote health. But with age, the ability of the liver to perform all these tasks can become reduced. Therefore, many look at the use of microalgae to help.
Phytoplankton can help absorb critical nutrients so that your body is not solely dependent on the liver to absorb everything. Also, phytoplankton helps restore the liver’s health by triggering the body to regenerate the cells.
7. It Works Great for Skin Health
Phytoplankton is a combination of anti-inflammatories, fatty acids, and alkalizing properties, which are of great benefit to the skin. Also, the presence of bioflavonoids helps purify the skin, and anti-inflammatories help deal with inflammation and any puffiness that you may be experiencing on the skin’s surface. This makes it perfect for helping improve chronic skin conditions like eczema and even psoriasis. Just be sure to speak with your doctor before using it for such purposes.
How to Use Phytoplankton?
Phytoplankton can be found in liquid, powdered, or capsule form. Make sure to read the instructions carefully before using any phytoplankton supplements. If you are used to consuming green supplements, many people like to use them directly under the tongue (sublingually). Or, if you feel it is a bit strong, add a small amount of water or juice to it when you take your phytoplankton supplements. You also want to make sure to store your phytoplankton in a cool and dry place away from heat and direct sunlight.
Children and pets can also consume this superfood. But you need to make sure the dosage for them is correct, which means you should speak to a medical professional before providing it to your pets or kids.
Assuming you get the correct dosages, for children, you can mix a small amount of phytoplankton in the water to provide them with, and for pets, you can sprinkle it directly on their food.
Words of Caution
Phytoplankton is an amazing superfood, but you need to use it with caution. One of the most significant risks associated with phytoplankton is the presence of toxins. For example, phytoplankton bloom can cause major fish die-offs and also contaminate seafood. So, you need to choose very cautiously.
If you are on medications and planning to include a phytoplankton supplement in your diet, it is recommended to consult your doctor first.
Also, it is suggested to avoid consuming any phytoplankton supplement or at least consult with a doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or suffering from any kind of auto-immune disease.
Thinking of Trying Phytoplankton Supplementation?
This superfood is a truly incredible organism found in the ocean. Though it is microscopic (don’t go merely on its size), it can provide tremendous benefits. From detoxifying the body and recharging the cells, to boosting the immune system, and fighting against diseases, it can make numerous positive impacts on your health, longevity, and body.
But remember that not all phytoplankton is good or created equal. You need to research and choose very wisely. One brand out there has been sourcing some of the highest quality marine phytoplankton, and that’s Holistic Bin. They use marine phytoplankton flakes (broad-spectrum micro algae). The product is raw and freeze-dried to preserve its nutrients. If you’re looking to give phytoplankton supplementation a try, I highly recommend you check out the offerings over at Holistic Bin.
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