Last month’s blog was on the topic of Food as Medicine. This has become an increasingly popular topic propelled by new research on the medicinal benefits of various plant compounds or “phytonutrients” and how they can address the needs of human bodies and brains so perfectly.
Now we would like to introduce you to a new super food. This is likely unlike anything you have ever tried. You have probably heard of and perhaps taken capsules containing Spirulina, Blue Green algae, Okinawa seaweed, Sea Moss or other foods from the sea. These are primary sources for a variety of important nutrients for life on this planet, but according to new research “phytoplankton might be even more potent and amazing.)(1)
Phytoplankton are microscopic marine plants that form the foundation of the ocean's food chain. These plants are the original source of an abundance of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, antioxidants, amino acids, omega fatty acids, and other essential elements for life.
They also produce over 50% of the Earth’s oxygen through photosynthesis, more than all of the rainforests combined. Thus, promoting cellular health and mitochondrial energy unlike any other natural food. Those qualities are of great interest to us, since a lack of these particular nutrients, oxygen and mental energy are a primary cause of cognitive decline.
Consequently, phytoplanktons have become the subject of numerous scientific studies, and found to provide a host of benefits for humans.
Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CNS, a certified doctor of natural medicine and clinical nutritionist, identifies 6 basic benefits of Phytoplankton. These include: Lifting mood, Liver detox, Gut health, Immune enhancement, Cellular regeneration, and even helping to fight off some life threatening disorders of the heart, brain, and more.(1)
Not all phytoplankton’s are the same however. There are over 2,000 different strains of phytoplankton, each with unique properties. And unfortunately, many of these that come directly from the ocean or ponds have been found to contain pollutants common to these waters. So, one has to be careful when sourcing these nano sized nutrients. Some could be toxic. Therefore, purchasing from sources with higher quality controls are well worth the money.
In our review of this research and the options out there we have identified two in particular which are particularly noteworthy for their purity and health benefits to humans.* The first is called “Nano” or Microchloropsis Gaditana. This is a nutrient-dense strain of phytoplankton grown in a specially designed facility in Spain (see Growing under About Us) with the highest quality controls. According to the Axe article, “…it’s pretty mind-blowing how such a tiny organism — many times smaller than a red blood cell — can hold such amazing health-giving power. It contains more than 65 compounds, including all the amino acids, all the essential fats [including Omega 3], vitamins, key minerals, trace elements, rare antioxidants [like astaxanthin], phospholipids, electrolytes, nucleic acids, enzymes and coenzymes,… which is why it’s believed it can help humans restore their health so quickly at a cellular level.”(1)
Moreover, this amazing array of nutrients are highly bioavailable, meaning they are easily absorbed by human cells, making it an ideal source of cellular nourishment and mitochondrial support.
The second product grown in the same environment is called TetraSOD. This is a strain of phytoplankton known for its high concentration of superoxide dismutase (SOD), a powerful antioxidant enzyme. SOD supports cellular protection, combats oxidative stress, and further aids in reducing inflammation, promoting longevity and resilience at the cellular level. Phytoplankton are believed to be the best bioavailable source of superoxide dismutase (SOD). This would likely be best for those needing enhanced immune support.
Both also have anti-aging properties, and may enhance muscle recovery (2) and athletic performance.
There are a variety of cheaper phyto plankton products. (A scoop of Gaditana costs about $3 a day = to a latte, TetraSOD a couple $ more.) However, these cheaper products are not grown in the same clean pristine environment with all of the safety, purity and quality controls and testing that these two products above are put through. But as the studies and testimonials suggest, it may be well worth the price.
*Note: These two products were sold exclusively through pharmacies in Canada for more than 5 years before coming to the US market through physicians.
To learn more about these go to https://globalphytoplankton.com/abcbrain and click on the Benefits tab at the top. See also the following responses to a few of the most common questions.
What is phytoplankton good for?
If you are experiencing a health issue your body is likely lacking essential nutrients, and by consuming and absorbing the nutrients needed the body has a great ability to heal itself. The most notable improvements have been with digestive disorders, fibromyalgia, migraine headaches, chronic fatigue, sleeping issues, erectile dysfunction, acne, and eczema. We understand this is broad, but nutrition is a factor in every system of our body, and again, if the cause relates to a lack of nutrition, it’s logical that high quality broad spectrum nutrition, as found in this super food, can be a solution.
Has there been adverse reactions or allergens?
No. Phytoplankton is free of allergens. People with shellfish allergies can have phytoplankton. The only complaint from customers is that on rare occasions there may be digestive disruptions which in most cases are an increase in bowel movements which can cause concern. This is usually considered by medical advisors to be part of a mild detoxification process, which usually subsides within a week.
Are there any concerns with toxins or heavy metals found in the ocean? They say:
“Absolutely not. We use real Atlantic Ocean water and a pharmaceutical-grade filtration system, which takes out anything toxic. The result is the cleanest, greenest form of pure nutrition on the planet.”
Are there studies on humans taking phytoplankton?
Yes, there are thousands of studies on phytoplankton see some of the most relevant Research on their website under the About Us tab.
Can I use phytoplankton if I am a professional athlete?
Yes! This is food. It is not a controlled substance. We have many customers who are professional athletes. Also, there is research showing a variety of benefits for athletes to include:
As Dr. Axe and others have noted, it’s very important to get plankton from a reputable company that follows stringent practices to avoid tainted or toxic species of plankton or a plankton that has been harvested from toxin-tainted waters.
If you’re pregnant, breast-feeding or have an autoimmune disease, or if you are currently taking medication or have any ongoing medical condition it’s wise to speak with your doctor before taking phytoplankton supplements, as their effects can be powerful.
Finally, Phytoplankton is a truly amazing food from the Gods, with potentially medicinal properties. It may be microscopic, but “don’t judge a superfood by its size.” This seaweed cousin may be the answer to what’s been ailing you either mentally or physically, or what might otherwise ail you in the future. If you’d like to give it a try, simply go to https://globalphytoplankton.com/abcbrain. Click on Products and then click on the one you’d like to try.
A portion of your purchase will go to help support this website. So you will not only be helping yourself but many others as well. For a free booklet on when and how to obtain the best benefits from this new super food, after your purchase, simply send an email request to [email protected] with “Plankton” in the subject line, and we will send you a free copy. Then down the road we would like to hear what it has done for you!
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