10 Benefits of Marine Phytoplankton

Before talking about phytoplankton benefits, not everyone knows that the word “phytoplankton” was coined in 1897 using the Greek words “phyton” meaning “plant” and “planktos” meaning “wanderer”. The word itself conjures up a sense of freedom, drifting carefree throughout our planet’s ocean currents. But there’s a lot more to it than just an adventurous name. Marine phytoplankton has been crucial to the process of evolution on Earth itself. Even today, it is crucial to the entire global food chain. More than 99% of all creatures living in the oceans depend, either directly or indirectly, on phytoplankton for their survival. In fact, it’s known as a ‘primary producer’ meaning all life on earth, including us humans, are reliant on it.

Then of course, there’s the health benefits. Sure, oxygen in the air we breathe is important to our health. According to NASA (that’s right, you can see it from space there’s so much of it in the oceans), phytoplankton produce between 50%-90% of all oxygen in the atmosphere; further evidence that without the phytoplankton, we wouldn’t even exist. But there are phytoplankton benefits that aren’t so well known. These include benefits to our immune and cardiovascular systems, cognitive function, joints and even slowing of the aging process through oxidative stress. Pretty amazing stuff, so take a moment to learn more about the top 10 benefits for yourself.

So why those phytoplankton benefits are important?

There’s no doubt that 2020 and 2021 have had a significant impact on our collective health. We could all use a boost to our general immune systems, so it’s just as well marine phytoplankton is ready to rescue and restore you. According to Physical Activity and Nutrition, a peer-reviewed paper released in March 2021, marine phytoplankton improves recovery and sustains immune function in humans. The phytoplankton in question, Tetraselmis chuii, could even be used to increase the nutritional quality of gluten-free bread. That’s great news for all of you bakers out there!

1. Oxygen is good but oxidation, not so much

Oxidative stress happens though the daily exposure to free radicals. Through poor diet, pollutants in the air and water, pharmaceutical drugs and other environmental factors, our bodies’ natural defences sometimes can’t keep up. We can get into trouble by not topping up our antioxidants. Many diseases such as cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases have oxidative stress in common as a cause of inflammatory events. But let’s keep it light, because marine phytoplankton benefits, particularly their pigments, are winners when it comes to reducing oxidative stress.

2. Obesity is rife, it’s time to roll out a solution

The field of evolutionary psychology is teeming with theory around humans’ tendency to crave sugars and fats. 50,000 years ago, when the first homo sapiens were roaming the savannah in Africa, these things were hard to come by. No wonder we like them. Fast-forward 50 millennia; sugars and fats are everywhere! We’ve become efficient as a species at farming and harvesting these useful, but dangerous in large quantities, forms of nutrition. How to combat the high cholesterol epidemic caused by fats and sugars? You’ve guessed it. Marine phytoplankton, particularly Chlorella Vulgaris. Delicious.

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3. Know the difference between good fats and bad fats

So, you’ve heard of omega-3 fatty acids, important to the membranes that surround each cell in your body. They’re commonly found in cold-water fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, herring, and sardines, as well as some nuts and seeds. Research suggests they provide calories to give your body energy while also performing many functions in your heart, blood vessels, lungs, immune system, and endocrine system. But did you ever stop to wonder where there’s a super-rich source of these vital nutrients and why they’re so prevalent in fish? That’s right, marine phytoplankton.

4. A healthy heart will keep you ticking longer

Exercise is obviously a very important aspect of cardiovascular health. Whether you’re a runner, swimmer, climber or even tai chi aficionado, getting out there and doing it will help to keep your heart in good shape. A lot of scientific evidence suggests that people with healthy hearts live longer. That’s just a fact. But did you know that marine phytoplankton can provide similar benefits, to complement your workout activity? The cardioprotective effects of the omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA, which phytoplankton have in spades, has been reported through epidemiological studies in humans.

5. You’ve got a right to light, protect yourself with phytoplankton benefits

Out there is the vastness of our beautiful oceans, it can sometimes be hard to find somewhere to take shelter. Particularly if you’re a phytoplankton drifting on the currents. To deal with the damaging effects of constant sunshine and exposure to UV rays, marine phytoplankton have developed protective mechanisms to dissipate the harmful effects. It’s specifically sporopollenin, a carotene-polymer absorbing UV light, that accumulates in the cell walls. Lutein can also be found, which will accumulate in the human retina and protect your eyes from macular degeneration. This is another phytoplanklton benefit that helps your skin. Aren’t they helpful? 🙂

6. It’s OK to be moody, but let’s not get depressed

Back once again with those omega-3 fatty acids! Wow, are they useful. Did you know that amongst a whole host of other benefits, they can also help with depression and generally improve your mental health. More than 30 clinical trials have tested different omega-3 preparations in people with depression. Countries which eat more of them tend to be, well, happier… so it’s time to fill your boots. One of the best ways to get these wonder fats into a healthy and varied diet is to eat marine phytoplankton. Delicious, nutritious and full of goodness; enough to put a smile on your face!

7. A better memory and mental clarity

Much is made of omega-3 nutrients, those long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids which are otherwise known as PUFAs. We’ve also mentioned the EPA and DHA, which are super-beneficial for your head and your heart. But what about the phenylalanine, proline, and magnesium found in marine phytoplankton? Did you know that they’re especially good at improving your alertness and memory? It’s all just a positive cycle, which will improve your overall physical health too, as you’ll feel more motivated and ready to go! Goodbye brain-fog and hello to being the life and soul of the party.

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8. Heavy metal isn’t to everyone’s taste, right?

We’re not talking about that band in your local downtown bar, on no, but lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium. Those are the metals most commonly linked with heavy metal poisoning in the United States. Overexposure to these chemicals can lead to high blood pressure and damage to your reproductive organs, amongst a whole range of other issues. And unfortunately, they occur a lot in the natural world too. Thankfully, marine phytoplankton is packed full of SuperOxide Dismutase, known as SOD, which will reduce the harmful effects of these heavy metals, so you can rock on!

9. A healthy liver means living better

Whether you’re a teetotaller or like the occasional tipple, your liver does incredible things in service of your health. As remarkable parts of your body go, it’s probably up there with the most incredible. Not only can it regenerate itself over time, but it’s critical in providing over 500 different functions. From filtering waste products, foreign substances and harmful chemicals out of your blood, to regulating blood sugar and actually creating nutrients! Just as well that the L-arginine in marine phytoplankton helps keeps it in tip-top condition, by improving blood flow and preventing disease.

10. Phytoplankton benefits Support Joint Tissue

The phytoplankton benefits just keep coming. There is so much more you can learn about them, but we want to emphasize this last one. Joints are our internal connections. They help us to move forward; to keep walking, shaking our hands or hugging our loved ones. So the last of the list of phytoplankton benefits must to be their amazing capability to keep our joints strong. That said, nothing more important than keeping moving when we are young.

So, there you have it, 10 fascinating facts about the wonderful benefits of marine phytoplankton. Remember to learn about the whole Greenfilled range in order to tailor your nutrition to your specific needs. After all, with a superfood like this, you can afford to create a bespoke plan. Keep your body, mind and soul healthy and happy. And be sure to check out the other great content on all of the Greenfilled products. If you have any questions, the Greenfilled team will always be on hand to help and keep you informed.