Superfoods have been a buzzword in the health and wellness community for quite some time, with kale often touted as the ultimate superfood. However, there is another superfood that has been gaining recognition for its impressive nutritional content and health benefits—algae. While algae may not sound like the most appetizing of foods, its incredible nutrient profile has led some to argue that it is even more powerful and beneficial for your body than kale. But is that truly the case? Let’s take a closer look so you can decide for yourself.
What is Algae?
In the past, algae had previously been classified as plants, but now scientists know that while these fascinating organisms may share some characteristics with plants, they are actually quite different in many important ways. For example, algae contain chlorophyll and conduct photosynthesis much like plants do, but they do not have normal plant parts like roots, stems, or leaves. Additionally, while algae do not have a vascular system to transport water and nutrients throughout their system as plants do, these two types of organisms do have another thing in common—they often contain a variety of nutrients that are beneficial for the human body.
Algae are not, however, something new and ‘trendy’. These amazing organisms have been around for millions of years, and there are over 70,000 types in existence. With that being said, much like with plants, not all types of algae are safe for human consumption, but the ones that are, happen to be quite nutritionally impressive. Out of all the types of edible algae out there, blue-green algae is the most nutrient-dense–specifically, the strains commonly known as spirulina, chlorella, and organic Wild Microalgae™. Let’s take a look at the nutritional profiles of each of these types of algae so you can better understand why they are thought to be powerful superfoods.
Spirulina
This is a popular algae that is found in many supplements around the world today. It is known for its distinct spiral shape and contains over 60 percent of protein. It also contains various vitamins like A, B, C, D, and E as well as healthy fats, antioxidants, and a variety of minerals. Spirulina is often touted for offering benefits like helping with weight management, providing an energy boost, and aiding in digestion.
Chlorella
This is another popular strain of blue-green algae. It contains about 55% protein by energy, omega-3 fatty acids, and a variety of different vitamins and minerals. Much like Spirulina, Chlorella is believed to support energy levels, weight management, and digestion. It’s also thought to support other areas of health such as heart health and the body’s natural detoxification process.
Organic Wild Microalgae
Scientifically known as Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA), organic Wild Microalgae is a rare strain of blue-green algae that only grows in abundance in one place in the world—Upper Klamath Lake in Southern Oregon. Unlike the other strains of blue-green algae mentioned here, AFA grows naturally in the wild without any human intervention, and it’s arguably the most nutritionally impressive superfood this world has ever seen. It has all 20 standard amino acids and is over 60% protein by weight. It also contains 13 different vitamins, over 60 trace minerals, both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and a variety of powerful antioxidant compounds. With so many nutrients, AFA can support gut health, cognitive function, heart health, weight management, and immune function, which is why many would argue that this superfood is giving kale a run for its money.
Organic Wild Microalgae vs Kale
According to a National Geographic report, the United Nations projects the global population to rise to about 10 billion by the year 2050. Feeding this many people may become a challenge with time due to limited resources, which is why scientists are starting to look for innovative ways for people all over the world to enjoy meals that will both nourish and satisfy them, and algae may just be part of the answer. Why? Partly because algae doesn’t require as many resources to grow in abundance—all they really need is a healthy water environment whereas most other crops require large areas of land and expensive fertilizers in order to thrive. But is algae’s nutritional value better than the world’s beloved superfoods like kale? Let’s take a look.
- Calories: Kale has 46 calories per 100 grams while organic Wild Microalgae has 260 calories for the same amount.
- Protein: Kale is roughly 28% protein by weight while AFA is 60% protein by weight. Additionally, kale contains just 11 standard amino acids while AFA contains all 20 standard amino acids.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: 100 grams of kale has 179 mg of omega-3s while there is nearly 3,000 mg of omega-3s in Organic Wild Microalgae.
- Omega-6 fatty acids: There are 137 mg of omega-6s in kale and 600 mg in organic Wild Microalgae.
- Vitamins: Kale has more vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin A, but organic Wild Microalgae contains more B vitamins. When it comes to vitamin K, both foods contain roughly the same amount.
- Minerals: Kale is richer in calcium, phosphorous, zinc, and manganese than organic Wild Microalgae, but the algae contains more iron, magnesium, and copper than kale does.
As you can see, these two superfoods are comparable in nutritional value, but when you add in the resources needed to grow and care for these powerful foods, algae rises to the top.
Harness the Superfood Powers of Algae
There is no doubt that algae is an impressive superfood, and organic Wild Microalgae, in particular, may just have kale beat for the title of “best superfood.” And lucky for you, the power of this near-perfect superfood is within your reach thanks to the whole food supplements crafted by New Earth.
Whether you are looking to support your gut, your brain, your immune system, or another part of your body, New Earth has a superfood supplement to help you out, and each and every one contains the superfood known as organic Wild Microalgae.
The best part? You can put any New Earth supplement to the test risk-free with our 60-day money-back guarantee!