Algae for lunch to live longer? | Catharine Arnston

Could the regular consumption of algae help us age better and live healthier lives?

Catharine Arnston, founder and CEO of EnergyBits, is on a mission to introduce algae to everyday diets for health and longevity. Touted for its potent healing and nourishing properties, algae, particularly spirulina and chlorella, have garnered support from organizations like the United Nations and NASA for their dense nutritional profiles and potential in combating world hunger.

In this interview with Peter Bowes, Arnston focusses on the apparent benefits for mitochondrial health — a key factor in energy production and aging. Highlighting the ease of incorporating algae into daily routines through tablets, she believes it to be a simple yet effective tool to extend healthspan - the number of years that we enjoy the best of health.

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▸ Try algae for yourself? To get a 20 percent discount on EnergyBits products, use the code LLAMA:
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▸ Read a transcript of this conversation and additional show-notes, including a selection of peer-reviewed articles reviewing algae nutrition, at http://www.llamapodcast.com/Catharine...

Eating algae to age better
LISTEN to our 2022 interview with Catharine Arnston
   • Eating algae to age better | Catharin...  

▸ Try algae for yourself? To get a 20 percent discount on EnergyBits products, use the code LLAMA:
https://energybits.com/discount/LLAMA...

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Catharine Arnston explains her personal commitment to spreading awareness about algae's health benefits
01:05 - Arnston's background as the CEO of Energy Bits and her focus on plant-based tablets made from algae.
02:47 - Explanation of what algae is, differentiating between macroalgae (seaweed) and microalgae (nutrient-dense food source). Spirulina (blue-green algae) and Chlorella (green algae) are two types of microalgae that contain a vast range of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that are beneficial for health and longevity.
05:20 - The growth and harvesting process of algae, specifically the conditions and methodology in Taiwan.
08:00 - The commercial cultivation of algae and its scale in Asia compared to its relative obscurity in the American market. Algae as a food source compared to supplements, highlighting its nutrient density, and how it can be incorporated into diets.
10:02 - Scientific research and documentation - its accessibility or lack thereof for the public
11:30 - The science behind algae, existing research, and the claims about its health benefits.
16:25 - Consumer incentives to include algae in their diet, addressing issues of modern food nutrition deficiencies and the impact on health.
19:38 - Addressing the effects of consuming algae, satiety levels and if it can replace meals.
24:03 - The process by which algae might impact physical performance, referencing studies on VO2 max and athletic ability.
27:29 - The importance of mitochondria for health and longevity, and how algae may contribute to mitochondrial function and energy.
24:04 - Arnston's experience with algae consumption and its impact on her health, suggesting her biological age is much younger than her chronological age and showcasing potential personal benefits for longevity.
35:16 - The feasibility of algae in reducing inflammation, referencing a small-scale study conducted with veterans.
40:26 - The practical accessibility and affordability of consuming algae tablets.
44:05 - Discussing future goals, including working on a PhD and aspirations to grow algae in America.

Photos courtesy: EnergyBits

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The Live Long and Master Aging podcast, a HealthSpan Media LLC production, shares ideas but does not offer medical advice. If you have health concerns of any kind, or you are considering adopting a new diet or exercise regime, you should consult your doctor.