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Spirulina Offers 6 Positive Health Effects (Researchers Feature an Amazing Blood Pressure Result)

The AHA! Team — Wed, 28 May 2025 05:32:23 +0000

Sara Middleton via NaturalHealth365 – Spirulina is often referred to as a “superfood” – a popular buzzword in the natural health and wellness world. But you might be wondering: of all the food items out there being touted as a superfood, which ones are actually legitimate? Turns out spirulina – a type of blue-green algae that grows in both salt and fresh water – is one of them. A study published in the peer-reviewed journal Hypertension revealed how spirulina offers a specific natural benefit to people living with hypertension. Additionally, a comprehensive review published in Cell and Molecular Biology highlights spirulina’s impressive nutritional profile and therapeutic potential. This blue-green algae is a rich source of complete proteins, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds such as carotenoids, chlorophyll, and xanthophylls. Due to these attributes, spirulina has shown promise in treating various ailments, including diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and neuroinflammatory conditions. Researchers discover what spirulina can do to high blood pressure readings Sadly, an enormous amount of people live with high blood pressure (a reading of more than 140/90 mmHg). This condition is a main risk factor for two of the leading causes of death (heart disease and stroke) – so, understandably, a lot of research has been done to find the best ways to control it. Recently, a team of researchers published their study’s results, which investigated spirulina’s impact on high blood pressure. A blue-green algae, spirulina is considered a cyanobacteria; it contains nutraceutical and bioactive compounds that have been an important part of alternative and holistic medicine for centuries, dating to as early as ancient Africa and the Aztecs (clearly, our ancestors were on to something). In this study, the researchers used peptides to create a spirulina in its digested form (a simulation of what naturally happens in the human body once the substance is ingested). Then, they tested this digested supplement on arteries. Can you guess what happened to the arteries? The spirulina was able to relax the arterial walls by stimulating a process mediated by nitric oxide. The medical community already knows that nitric oxide plays an important role in managing blood pressure. The more easily blood vessel walls can relax, the less likely blood pressure is to spike. Importantly, people with high blood pressure often have a disruption in the metabolic processes mediated by nitric oxide, which normally helps relax arterial walls. The researchers even extracted and identified the specific bioactive compound of spirulina that contributed to this arterial relaxation: a peptide called SP6. As the authors put it: “SP6 interacts with an important signaling pathway known as PI3K/AKT. This interaction leads to the release of [nitric oxide] and, consequently, a drop in blood pressure.” Their findings support previous research, including a 2007 study published in the journal Lipids in Health and Disease. But wait, there’s more: Here are 5 other amazing benefits of spirulina Whether you do or don’t have high blood pressure, adding spirulina to your diet can boost your health in a wide number of ways. Lowers LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Reduces high blood sugar. Has a powerful antioxidant effect to fight damaging free radicals and protect against diseases. Has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect. Offers a concentrated dose of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, including amino acids, vitamin B, copper, iron, and omega-3. Gram for gram, it’s one of the most nutrient-dense foods in the world. Spirulina is usually taken in pill or powdered form. For a typical amount, aim for 1 to 3 grams daily, and you’ll be amazed at what this little superfood can do for your health. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov MedicalNewsToday.com Healthline.com AHAjournals.org NIH.gov To read the original article click here.

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4 Weird but Sustainable Sources of Protein

The AHA! Team — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 06:04:22 +0000

Zachy Hennessey via Israel21c – Thanks to the marvel of technology, experts have found ways to extract protein from some pretty bizarre ingredients. As global food security becomes an increasing problem, a cadre of Israeli startups is concocting solutions straight out of a science fiction novel. Forget lab-grown meat and plant-based burgers—those are yesterday’s recipes. These innovative companies are diving into the ocean, crawling under rocks and climbing trees in their quest for sustainable alternative protein sources. “The first wave of plant-based meat and dairy alternatives with companies like Beyond Meat, Impossible Foods, Oatly, and others has done an incredible job at bringing this new category into the mainstream of the food industry. However, consumers are now demanding healthier, tastier, and more affordable products,” says Yonatan Golan, cofounder and CEO of algae-focused food-tech startup Brevel. “Unfortunately, existing sources of plant-based proteins have come near their limit in terms of providing these attributes, and thus the whole food industry is very actively searching for new and better sources of protein to develop version 2.0 of plant-based alternatives,” he continues, adding that the protein ingredient industry is expected to reach $300 billion by 2035. Let’s take a closer look at four of these surprising innovations that are pushing the boundaries of what we consider food… Jellyfish: Not just for stinging anymore When most people think of jellyfish, they picture a gelatinous menace floating in the ocean, ready to ruin a perfectly good beach day. But Qortein, a Rahat-based startup with $400,000 in funding, sees something entirely different: a sustainable and nutritious food source. Qortein specializes in processing jellyfish biomass for use in the food, nutrition, and nutri-cosmetic industries. Their innovative approach not only provides a new protein source but also addresses the growing problem of jellyfish blooms in our oceans. As warming seas and overfishing disrupt marine ecosystems, jellyfish populations have exploded in many areas, causing problems for fisheries and coastal communities. By turning this environmental challenge into a nutritional opportunity, Qortein is killing two fish with one stone (or two jellyfish with one net?). Its products aim to promote consumer health while providing a sustainable alternative to traditional protein sources. Who knows? In a few years, jellyfish jerky might just become your new favorite snack. Bugs: The creepy crawly future of protein If the idea of snacking on jellyfish seems a bit too adventurous, how about munching on some crickets instead? While entomophagy (the practice of eating insects) has been common in many cultures for millennia, it’s only recently gaining traction in the West as a sustainable protein alternative. The numbers speak for themselves: the insect protein market, valued at $143.6 million in 2019, is projected to grow at a hefty compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 45%, reaching an estimated $1.3 billion by 2025. Israeli startups are at the forefront of this six-legged revolution: Hargol FoodTech in Elifelet, with $5.09 million in funding, has developed a line of protein bars called “Holy Locust.” Yes, you read that right – locust protein bars. It’s a clever nod to the biblical story of John the Baptist surviving on locusts and wild honey in the desert. Who knew that ancient survival food would become the next health-food trend? Meanwhile, the increased interest in utilizing insects as protein has given birth to a secondary field of bugs-as-food startups, focused on providing solutions to companies that are producing insect-based foods. A fine example of such companies is FreezeM, a food-tech startup based in Nahshonim with $14.2 million in funding. Instead of selling insects directly, they’re creating breeding hubs in which to grow black soldier flies — a breed of insect popular for its protein density. These hubs provide ready-to-use suspended neonates – essentially, insect “seeds” – to farmers who then grow the larvae using organic waste. This model lowers the barriers to entry for insect farming, accelerating the industry’s growth. Banana leaves: Farm waste to protein source When you think of bananas, you probably focus on the fruit itself. But what about the massive leaves that are usually discarded once they fall from the tree? Day 8, a startup established in 2023 by scientists-turned-entrepreneurs, sees untapped potential in these overlooked plant parts. Day 8 specializes in extracting RuBisCO, a plant protein that’s highly sought after in the food industry, from discarded banana leaves. RuBisCO (which stands for Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase-oxygenase, in case you were wondering) is the most abundant protein on Earth, playing a crucial role in photosynthesis. It’s also a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids that the human body can’t produce on its own. With initial funding of $750,000 and a seed round aiming to raise an additional $2 million, Day 8 is turning what was once considered agricultural waste into a valuable protein source. It’s a perfect example of circular economy principles in action, reducing waste while creating a new, sustainable food ingredient. Algae: The edible moss of the sea Last but certainly not least, we have Brevel, a startup that’s brewing up a storm with its ghost protein derived from fermented algae. Set to open a massive 2,500-square-meter production plant in Kiryat Gat next year, this venture has secured $18.5 million in funding to bring algae-based products to market. Brevel’s approach combines the best of both worlds: the nutritional density of microalgae with the scalability of fermentation technology. The company’s indoor bioreactors will be capable of producing hundreds of tons of highly nutritious microalgae powder annually. This powder can be used to create a variety of plant-based products, especially alternative milk. “Microalgae have been known for many decades to be a potential solution for a sustainable future as they are packed with protein — more than 50% — are very healthy, non-allergenic, grow very fast and require very little resources. However, to put it bluntly, microalgae are not tasty and are very expensive, so they cannot become a major ingredient in food,” admits Brevel’s CEO, the afore-quoted Yonatan Golan. “Brevel managed to solve both of these challenges by developing a breakthrough technology both in how the microalgae are grown and in how the protein is extracted. We have a white, tasty, healthy and affordable protein powder,” he says. “We believe that sustainable nutrition on a global scale is not only possible but is just around the corner and we are super excited to lead on this new path.” To read the original article click here.

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Giant Viruses Found on Greenland Ice Sheet

The AHA! Team — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 08:39:57 +0000

Aarhus University via EurekAlert! – The viruses probably regulate the growth of snow algae on the ice by infecting them. Knowing how to control these viruses could help us reduce some of the ice from melting Every spring when the sun rises in the Arctic after months of darkness, life returns. The polar bears pop up from their winter lairs, the arctic tern soar back from their long journey south and the musk oxen wade north. But the animals are not the only life being reawakened by the spring sun. Algae lying dormant on the ice starts blooming in spring blackening large areas of the ice. When the ice blackens it’s ability to reflect the sun diminishes and this accelerates the melting of the ice. Increased melting exacerbates global warming. But researchers might have found a way to control the snow algae growth – and maybe in the long run reduce some of the ice from melting. Living on the ice alongside the algae, postdoc Laura Perini from the Department of Environmental Science at Aarhus University and her colleagues, have found giant viruses. She suspects that the viruses feed on the snow algae and could work as a natural control mechanism on the algae blooms. – We don’t know a lot about the viruses, but I think they could be useful as a way of alleviating ice melting caused by algal blooms. How specific they are and how efficient it would be, we do not know yet. But by exploring them further, we hope to answer some of those questions, she says. Bigger than bacteria Viruses are normally much smaller than bacteria. Regular viruses measure 20-200 nanometers in size, whereas a typical bacteria is 2-3 micrometers. In other words, a normal virus is around 1000 times smaller than a bacteria. That is not the case with giant viruses though. Giant viruses grow to the size of 2,5 micrometers. That is bigger than most bacteria. But the giant viruses are not only bigger in size. Their genome is much bigger than regular viruses. Bacteriophages – virus infecting bacteria – have between 100.000 and 200.000 letters in their genome. Giant viruses have around 2.500.000. Never found on the ice before Giant viruses were first discovered in 1981, when researchers found them in the ocean. These viruses had specialized in infecting green algae in the sea. Later, giant viruses were found in soil on land and even in humans. But it’s the first time that giant viruses have been found living on the surface ice and snow dominated by microalgae, Laura Perini explains. – We analyzed samples from dark ice, red snow and melting holes (cryoconite). In both the dark ice and red snow we found signatures of active giant viruses. And that is the first time they’ve been found on surface ice and snow containing a high abundance of pigmented microalgae. A few years ago everyone thought this part of the world to be barren and devoid of life. But today we know that several microorganisms live there – including the giant viruses. – There’s a whole ecosystem surrounding the algae. Besides bacteria, filamentous fungi and yeasts, there are protists eating the algae, different species of fungi parasitizing them and the giant viruses that we found, infecting them. – In order to understand the biological controls acting on the algal blooms, we need to study these last three groups. Haven’t seen them with the naked eye Even though the viruses are giant, they can’t be seen with the naked eye. Laura Perini hasn’t even seen them with a light microscope yet. But she hopes to do so in the future. – The way we discovered the viruses was by analyzing all the DNA in the samples we took. By sifting through this huge dataset looking for specific marker genes, we found sequences that have high similarity to known giant viruses, she explains. To make sure that the viral DNA didn’t come from long dead microorganisms, but from living and active viruses, they also extracted all the mRNA from the sample. When the sequences of the DNA that form genes are activated, they are transcribed into single stranded pieces called mRNA. These pieces work as recipes for building the proteins the virus needs. If they are present the virus is alive. – In the total mRNA sequenced from the samples, we found the same markers as in the total DNA, so we know they have been transcribed. It means that the viruses are living and active on the ice, she says. DNA and RNA in viruses At the center of the giant viruses is a cluster of DNA. That DNA contains all the genetic information or recipes needed to create proteins – the chemical compounds that are doing most of the work in the virus. But in order to use those recipes, the virus needs to transcribe them from double-stranded DNA to single stranded mRNA. Normal viruses can’t do that. Instead they have strands of RNA floating around in the cell waiting to be activated, when the virus infects an organism and hijacks its cellular production facilities. Giant viruses can do that themselves which makes them very different from normal viruses. Whereas DNA from dead viruses can be found in samples, mRNA is broken down much faster. mRNA is therefore an important marker of viral activity. In other words mRNA-recipes of certain proteins show that the viruses are alive and kicking. Not sure exactly how they work Because giant viruses are a relatively new discovery not a lot is known about them. In contrast to most other viruses they have a lot of active genes that enable them to repair, replicate, transcribe and translate DNA. But why that is and exactly what they use it for is not known. – Which hosts the giant viruses infect, we can’t link exactly. Some of them may be infecting protists while others attack the snow algae. We simply can’t be sure yet, Laura Perini says. She’s working hard on discovering more about the giant viruses and has more research coming out soon. – We keep studying the giant viruses to learn more about their interactions and what is exactly is their role in the ecosystem. Later this year we’ll release another scientific with some more info on giant viruses infecting a cultivated microalgae thriving on the surface ice of the Greenland Ice Sheet, she concludes. Journal Microbiome DOI 10.1186/s40168-024-01796-y To read the original article click here.

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Algae to the Rescue: Remove Heavy Metals from Your Body Before It’s Too Late

AHA Publisher — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 07:00:24 +0000

Karen Sanders via NaturalHealth365 – For years, natural healthcare professionals have sounded the alarm about the dangers of heavy metals in our food supply and immediate environment; even Western medicine is starting to take notice. In fact, the use of mercury in dental amalgams, vaccines, and consuming contaminated seafood like salmon can dramatically increase the risks for autism, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, thyroid disorders, plus a host of immune-related disorders. Therefore, we ought to focus on removing heavy metals – before it’s too late. Naturally, the best way to minimize your risk for disease – is to avoid unwanted toxins from entering the body. But, like most people, getting rid of already consumed toxins ought to be a top priority. This Green Algae Binds to Heavy Metals and Ushers Them Out of the Body Recent medical research shows that chlorella, a single-celled micro-algae, can come to the rescue by flushing toxins from the body. Although chlorella (green algae) is regularly consumed by over 10 million people in Japan – giving it popularity that rivals that of vitamin C in the United States – most Americans have generally lagged in recognizing the phenomenal benefits of this superfood. Chlorella, and its detoxifying effects, have been the subject of medical research in the United States, Russia, and many countries throughout Europe. Chlorella’s unique molecular structure allows it to bind to heavy metals, including cadmium, mercury, arsenic, antinomy, and lead. A testament to chlorella’s binding capacities is that it has been used in mine shafts to collect residual metals. Researchers are particularly intrigued by chlorella’s ability to bind to – and eliminate – toxins in the body, but not essential minerals such as calcium, zinc, and manganese, almost as if the algae “knows” which substances belong in the body. It is chlorella’s high levels of chlorophyll that allow it to promote the processing of oxygen while helping to repair and grow healthy tissue. In addition to its detoxifying powers, chlorella can help reduce body fat, lower cholesterol and blood pressure and cleanse the excretory system. Wow! The Science on Chlorella Is Extraordinary A three-year study was performed at a foundry in Russia on people who had been exposed to high levels of toxic heavy metals. At the study’s end, researchers found that chlorella, administered along with the spice cilantro, succeeded in safely removing all heavy metals from the subjects’ bodies. Animal research has also demonstrated chlorella’s benefits. In fact, a study in which laboratory mice were given chlorella after being exposed to high amounts of cadmium – a toxic heavy metal. The data clearly showed that chlorella had a strong protective effect and even helped restore liver structure and function. A second study showed that mice given chlorella excreted more lead in their feces than mice that had not been given the algae – data that supports chlorella’s ability to help flush toxins from the body. The chlorella group of mice also absorbed significantly less lead in their kidneys and livers. Animal studies also support chlorella’s anticancer powers. Chlorella has been found to promote apoptosis, or programmed cell suicide, in liver cancer cells in rats. Apoptosis does not normally occur in cancer cells – although it is part of the metabolic process of normal cells; thus, any substance that promotes cancer cell apoptosis is viewed with great interest by medical researchers. In a scholarly review, published in 2011, in the Journal of Environmental and Public Health – the authors listed chlorella as among the natural substances that are “enormously valuable in facilitating excretion and reducing biochemical toxicities.” The authors speculated that chlorella’s mechanisms of action could include preventing the absorption of toxins, diminishing their toxicity through protective mechanisms, and hindering their recycling in the body. Taking the RIGHT Variety of Chlorella Is Key to Access its Exceptional Nutritional Profile Not only is this superfood composed of 50 percent protein, but it also contains all the amino acids needed to form additional proteins. Large amounts of vitamin C and antioxidant carotenoids are also found in chlorella, along with iron, vitamin K, and B-complex vitamins. Chlorella can be used to enhance vitamin B and protein levels, making it especially beneficial for vegans and vegetarians. However, the tough cell walls of chlorella can make it difficult to digest its nutrients. As the cell walls play an important role in binding with heavy metals and ushering them from the body, scientists needed to find a way to disturb the integrity of the cell walls without negating their benefits. Consuming the “broken-cell” variety of chlorella will allow your body to access its nutrients. Keep in mind, once heavy metals have entered the cells – it’s much more challenging to detoxify the body. Although chlorella is great for preventing the digestion of ‘new’ heavy metal debris – seriously toxic individuals may need other supplements (or protocols). Finally, depending on the degree of digestive inflammation, when you try to mobilize toxins – be sure you’re eliminating them properly to avoid negative (often serious) side effects. Here Is How to Use Chlorella and What You Should Pay Attention To Chlorella is available in tablet, powder, and liquid forms and in two different varieties: Chlorella vulgaris and Chlorella pyrenoidosa. Although some experts believe that Chlorella pyrenoidosa has the more potent detoxifying effects of the two, it’s worth noting that Chlorella vulgaris has also performed well in laboratory studies. Whichever type you use, make sure it is in the broken-cell-wall form. And, because chlorella can harbor toxic elements from the environment, it is important to obtain it from a trusted, reputable source. The usual recommended serving of chlorella is between 2 and 5 grams a day. Using the powder in recipes for bread or cookies helps to mask the taste, which some find objectionable; you can also mix powdered chlorella into a favorite beverage or simply take it in tablet form. In a world where our bodies are besieged daily by chemtrails, GMOs, and other environmental pollutants – this tiny green alga known as chlorella can have enormous benefit as a powerful ally against toxic heavy metals. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov Hindawi.com To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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Chlorophyll Prevents Infections and Blood Disorders

AHA Publisher — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 07:00:25 +0000

Christine M. Dionese, L.Ac, MSTOM via NaturalHealth365 – Are you consuming nature’s perfect superfood? Found in barley grass, wheat grass, alfalfa, leafy greens, algae and blue-green algae, chlorophyll was found – in a study by Oregon State researchers – to offer protection against cancer, infections and blood disorders, especially from aflatoxin – a fungus associated with causing liver cancer and hepatitis. “We showed that aflatoxin is absorbed quite rapidly and that chlorophyll and chlorophyllin have an ameliorating effect, preventing the toxin from getting into the bloodstream,” – John Mata, second author of the study. Chlorophyll Helps to Crush Cancer Cells Chlorophyll is nature’s sunshine-producing superfood. The phytochemical responsible for giving plants their vibrant green hue, chlorophyll helps oxygenate and detoxify blood, assist in building strong bones, improve digestion, elicits anti-carcinogenic activity and helps improve blood pressure. Aflatoxin – found in food sources such as corn, soybeans and peanuts – can be fatal when overconsumed. This fungus has been associated with causing liver cancer and playing a part in the development of hepatitis. When exposed to chlorophyll in live human subjects – aflatoxin was destroyed! Researchers at Oregon State University were excited to publish their findings in the journal Cancer Preventive Findings. This was a particularly noteworthy study to support the efficacy of chlorophyll given its “phase 0” approach. Phase 0 refers to human volunteers subjecting themselves to conditions where small doses of therapeutic agents are used to draw measurable results. Because this type of study directly tests human subjects, the method increases study integrity. Chlorophyll Is a Dynamic Digestive Aid It’s no secret that an unbalanced diet can lead to poor digestive motility. Refined foods, those low in fiber and high in fat are difficult to metabolize often leaving us feeling fatigued and bloated. In small amounts taken daily, chlorophyll can help break down these stubborn foods to mobilize their waste products more easily from the colon and may mildly reduce constipation. Once properly metabolized, chlorophyll can help “liberate” helpful nutrients from foods such as fats for absorption. Are You Reducing Your Exposure to Heavy Metals? Chlorophyll behaves like a sponge, absorbing environmental toxins from the body such as PCBs, dioxin, mercury and other heavy metals. Chlorophyll helps eliminate these toxins from the body as well. Words of caution: Avoid buying pond scum. Before choosing a supplement, be sure to verify the source’s quality. Plants that are commercially prepared often contain pesticides and other harmful soil, water and environmental contaminants. Be sure your chlorophyll meets these guidelines: Grown in sunlight Grown in human-made conditions outdoors, not “naturally occurring” ponds or bodies of water Pools of water should be sheltered from potential outside environmental toxins such as rainfall and other pollution If you derive your chlorophyll supplementation from chlorella a form of algae, be sure to select broken cell wall and USDA organic. About the author: Christine M. Dionese L.Ac, MSTOM is an integrative health expert, medical journalist and food writer. She’s dedicated her career to helping others understand the science of happiness and its powerful effects on everyday human health. Christine practices, writes and speaks on environmental functional medicine, epigenetics, food therapy and sustainable living. Sources of this article include: OregonState.edu, RXPGnews.com, NIH.gov, NIH.gov To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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Algae Shown to Improve Gastrointestinal Health

AHA Publisher — Sun, 09 Feb 2020 08:00:27 +0000

University of California San Diego via Newswise – Project is the first to test green algae on symptoms related to human digestion. Newswise — A widespread, fast-growing plant called Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is famous in scientific laboratories due to its position as the world’s most exhaustively studied algae. For decades, the green, single-celled organism, which primarily grows in wet soil, has served as a model species for research topics spanning from algae-based biofuels to plant evolution. While other species of algae have been used as dietary nutraceuticals that provide beneficial oils, vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, antioxidants and fiber, the benefits of consuming C. reinhardtii were previously unexplored. Researchers at the University of California San Diego recently completed the first study examining the effects of consuming C. reinhardtii and demonstrated that the algae improves human gastrointestinal issues associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) such as diarrhea, gas and bloating. Results of the project are published in the Journal of Functional Foods. “People have been looking at this algae for decades, but this is the first study to show what many of us have suspected—it’s good for you,” said principal investigator and algae expert Stephen Mayfield, a distinguished professor in UC San Diego’s Division of Biological Sciences and co-director of the Food and Fuel for the 21st Century Program (FF21). “This is exciting because it demonstrates a clear benefit: If you have IBS-like symptoms, this is good for you.” For years researchers in Mayfield’s laboratory have been exploring C. reinhardtii as a cost-competitive and sustainable source of valuable plant-based products, specifically pharmaceuticals and biofuels. Now, working with several collaborators, including UC San Diego’s John Chang (School of Medicine), Rob Knight (School of Medicine, Jacobs School of Engineering and Center for Microbiome Innovation) and the San Diego-based startup Triton Algae Innovations, they turned their attention towards investigating the algae as a nutritious food additive for improving human health. The C. reinhardtii biomass used in the study, which was grown by Triton Algae Innovations, was subject to rigorous safety testing and designated as “Generally Recognized As Safe” by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, green-lighting the use of the organism in a human study. Preliminary data in mouse studies demonstrated that consuming C. reinhardtii significantly reduced the rate of weight loss in mice with acute colitis, which is generally linked to inflammation of the digestive tract. Building off these results, the researchers set out to test for a similar effect when the algae was consumed by human volunteers, including those with and without symptoms associated with IBS. Volunteers consumed daily spoonfuls of powdered C. reinhardtii biomass and reported their gastrointestinal health for one month. Of the hundreds of interested participants in the project, data from 51 volunteers met the study’s requirements for inclusion in the final data analyses. Results showed that participants who suffered from a history of frequent gastrointestinal symptoms reported significantly less bowel discomfort and diarrhea, significantly less gas or bloating and more regular bowel movements. “The benefits of consuming this species of algae were immediately obvious when examining the data from both mice and humans who suffered from gastrointestinal symptoms,” said Frank Fields, a research scientist in Mayfield’s lab and lead author of the paper. “I hope that this study helps destigmatize the thought of incorporating algae and algae-based products into your diet—it is a fantastic source of nutrition and we have now shown that this species of algae has additional benefits to animal and human health.” Volunteers also were provided with stool sampling kits and sent samples to the American Gut Project, a citizen science effort led by Knight and his lab, to assess any changes in their microbiomes. The results indicated that the gut microbiome composition remained diverse, which is typical of healthier individuals, and that no significant changes to the composition of their gut microbiome occurred during the study as a result of consuming the algae. The researchers say much more testing with larger groups of participants across longer time periods is needed. At this point, they are unclear about how the algae works to improve gastrointestinal health. The scientists believe the benefits could be traced to a bioactive molecule in algae or perhaps a change in gene expression of gut bacteria caused by algae consumption. Still, the observed results in human volunteers led them to conclude in the paper that “the addition of C. reinhardtii into the diet will not only add nutritional value but may also function to relieve some gastrointestinal symptoms of certain individuals.” To read the original article click here.

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