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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▸ Read a transcript of this conversation and additional show-notes, including a selection of peer-reviewed articles reviewing algae nutrition, at www.llamapodcast.com/Catharine...
Eating algae to age better
LISTEN to our 2022 interview with Catharine Arnston
• Eating algae to age be...
▸ Try algae for yourself? To get a 20 percent discount on EnergyBits products, use the code LLAMA:
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.

[@K2blades2]

I tried it and on the 2nd day I felt MUCH better than I have in 20 years (I'm 64) I will take it for the rest of my life, as long as I can. Thank you Catharine for ALL your knowledge. I for one GREATLY appreciate it!

[@lz8484]

This is a quality product!

[@JMSsssssss]

I respect her tenacity, but I'm confused. There are already organic algae farms in America.

[@lz8484]

The cleanest algae comes from N Korea, Tiawan (Asia) they've grown this for many years. I've taken another brand for over 10 years, it's a blend. I ordered 4 bags of energybits because it's more concentrated than what I was taking. A lot more expensive but worth it.

[@MarciaCristina-tg5ss]

I read that spirulina can difficult the abortion of vitamin B12 in the body. What are your thoughts on that?

[@tammywade3649]

I make a chlorella with lemon and chia, warm water drink first thing every morning! Then I'm ready for my walk ❤❤ I love 💕 it!! Makes the body feel good!!

[@scottpomerance4226]

Thanks!

[@nikitaw1982]

Put an aquarium by the window and grow your own? Im worried abput a foreign bacteria getting in and its some how poisonous. I guess mayne with alwater is aerated then not as much chance.

[@erikaweirdsurname4150]

On her website says 30tablets = 3g of iron and only 5g of protein…. It makes no sense, how much you need to take for them to be nutritious, when 1000 costs £100

[@Randsbutler]

Can it help pulmonary fibrosis. A lung disease from covid

[@robster7012]

Yes. Consider serrapeptase or lumbrokinase also

[@swim610]

Nattokinase as well.

[@swim610]

Nattokinase as well.

[@faithshield591]

this algae is sourced from the same company that sources to a lot of other companies. its not her company and she charges 3 times as much for those same supplements that can be bought a lot cheaper much cheaper elsewhere. makes you wonder on her pure motives

[@erikaweirdsurname4150]

If you read the nutritional value of 30 tablets, her whole speech comes apart. Ud need to take like 200-300 tablets to achieve daily nutritional value :D

[@csgyoutubian5208]

Wait, seaweed has NO nutritional value?