What Are Microalgae?
Microalgae
High Protein, High Antioxidant, Multiple Use Super-plant
They are microscopic algae typically found in freshwater and marine systems.
They are the first plants on earth and produce almost all of the basic nutritional elements of life.
They are crucial for life on earth as they are capable of performing photosynthesis – they produce approximately half of our atmospheric oxygen.
Microalgae use greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2), water and sunlight to grow.
There may be between 200,000 and 800,000 species of microalgae. Over 50,000 species have been identified in the world today.
It is estimated that microalgae have been on the planet for 3.5 million years!
Microalgae Can Feed The World
“We urgently need new sources of protein to compete with meat and soy” – The World Economic Forum
- Grows rapidly
- Provides a sustainable alternative to meat and soya
- They generate proteins, fats and carbohydrates (basics of food)
- Can contain up to 80% protein (well over double that of soya)
- No deforestation. No release of greenhouse gases
- Absorbs more Carbon Dioxide (CO2) than any other plant
- A key producer of oxygen in the air
Microalgae We Produce
Spirulina
High in:
- Protein
- Antixoidants
- Amino Acids
- Carotenoids
- Phenolic Compounds
- Vitamin A
- Iron
- Zinc
- Phosphorous
- Vitamins B1 & B2
- Copper
Chlorella Vulgaris
High in:
- Protein
- Antixoidants
- Amino Acids
- Carotenoids
- Phenolic Compounds
- Vitamin A
- Iron
- Zinc
- Phosphorous
- Vitamins B1 & B2
Astaxanthin
Used as:
- Fish feed (it’s the microalgae that salmon, shrimp and flamingo eat, which produces their pink colouring)
- Chicken feed (meat improvement, egg production improvement)
- Human dietary supplement
- Alzheimers
- Athletic performance
- Ageing skin
- Muscle soreness from exercise
- Fatigue
Phycocyanin
Used as:
- Antioxidant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Neuroprotection (nervous system protection)
- Hepatoprotection (liver protection)
- Anti-cancer
- Natural blue food colouring
Scenedesmus
Used for:
- Bio-hydrogen
- Biodiesel
- Bioethanol
- Drop-in fuel
- Wastewater treatment (phosphorous and ammonia removal)
Nannochloropsis
Used for:
- EPA
- Omega 3 fatty acids
- Cholesterol reduction
- Cardiovascular health