Catharine Arnston: Spirulina vs. Chlorella, Microalgae Myths & Longevity Superfoods

In this episode of The Art of Being Well, I’m joined by Catharine Arnston, the founder of ENERGYbits®, for an enlightening discussion about the life-changing potential of algae. From her initial research into alkaline foods to her discovery of algae’s remarkable benefits, Catharine shares insights on how this superfood can support energy, cellular health, and longevity. We dive into the science behind algae’s nutrient density, including its protein, vitamins, and minerals, and discuss how it’s one of the most sustainable food sources on the planet. Tune in to learn how algae might just be the nutritional boost you've been looking for!

Catharine Arnston started ENERGYbits® after her sister was diagnosed with breast cancer and advised by her oncologist that an alkaline diet would help her heal. Catharine immediately sprung into action to help her sister research alkaline foods and in the process she discovered algae. When Catharine learned that algae was the most alkaline, plant-based, nutrient-dense food in the world and had been used for fifty years in Asia to improve health and longevity, she knew she had discovered something big (and yes, her sister fully recovered - thanks for asking).

As Catharine dug into the science of algae, she learned it had 64% protein, 40 vitamins/minerals and was endorsed by the United Nations and NASA as the most nutrient dense food in the world. She also discovered there were 100,000 studies documenting its long list of benefits and it was the most sustainable, eco-friendly food crop in the world. And yet algae remained virtually unknown outside of Asia. How could this be possible? Catharine knew algae could be a game changer for our health, our children and our world if she could only convince people it wasn't weird. And so ENERGYbits® was born.

It took Catharine ten years to bring algae into the mainstream and build ENERGYbits® into a national company. We're glad she finally did, because now you and your family can benefit from our naturally grown, toxin-free, Non-GMO algae tablets too. A handful will help satisfy your hunger, help give you steady energy, and help ensure your nutritional needs are met. All this from a food that has one ingredient, no chemicals, caffeine, sugar or processing and is the most sustainable, safe, eco-friendly, crop in the world - algae. Your body and Mother Earth say thank you. And we do too.

A few of my favorite things we cover in this episode: 

• How Catherine entered the fascinating world of algae and what sparked her initial interest.
• The historical relationship between humans and algae, especially its uses as food and medicine, and how far back those practices go.
• Exploring the connection between mitochondria, our cells' energy factories, and these primordial organisms that represent some of the earliest life forms on Earth.
• The role of glutathione, its importance in cellular health, and its connection to microalgae.
• An overview of spirulina and chlorella, including their classifications in the bacterial and plant kingdoms, and why they’re both considered microalgae despite their differences.
• The unique long-chain omega fatty acids in algae, which are absent in most other plant-based omega supplements, and the benefits they offer.
• The recommended dosage of spirulina and chlorella to achieve the desired nutrient density and bioavailability for optimal health benefits.

Links to things we talked about in this episode: 

• For a limited time, you can receive 15% off your order using code WILLCOLE15 at oneskin.co/willcole15.
• VEGAMOUR.com/willcole, code willcole to save twenty percent on your first order
• Try AG1 and get a FREE bottle of Vitamin D3K2 AND 5 free AG1 Travel Packs with your first purchase at drinkAG1.com/willcole
• Our listeners get 22% off their first order when you use code WILLCOLE at iherb.com/shop/WILLCOLE. Existing customers receive 15% off.
• Start taking charge of your health today and listen and subscribe to Wellness at the Speed of Light, available wherever you get your podcasts!

Happy listening and we hope you learned a little bit more on the art of being well!

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In Health,

Dr. Will Cole