Marine Phytoplankton – value and effect of this natural superfood

Marine Phytoplankton are small minute plants who get their food from sunlight, water and carbon dioxide in other words by photosynthesis. They are pale green in color and found in the ocean.

Frankly the only time I think of plankton is when my son watches Sponge Bob on Television. He is a one eyed little green guy with arms and legs who is always trying to steal the recipe to the crabby patty. Is this what you are supposed to be eating? Algae?

Why should you eat marine Phytoplankton?

There are two schools of thought on this subject. One side says eat plankton because your body will love you for it – most on this side also sell the product so even though there are scientific studies to back up some of their facts I know that the main objective of this side is to sell me something.

I remember as a girl hearing all this stuff about blue-green algae and how it was a cure all. It came and went although some people, mainly those who sold it, my father being one of them, still have the stuff hanging around.

The second side says that it is just a bunch of fabricated gunk to sell a product that nobody wants for a lot of money

What is Microalgae or plankton?

• It is a super food which means that it rich in phytonutrients.
• Some claims state that it can detoxify cells, jump start your DNA and even cure chronic diseases like diabetes and arthritis.
• It has phytonutrients [found in fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and teas] which are not essential for our health but are said to benefit our health. [1]

So is Marine Phytoplankton the same stuff just in a new packaging?

No, Marine Phytoplankton is not blue-green algae but it is from the same family of over 40,000 micro-algae.  [2]

It does have phytonutrients which are beneficial for our health but you can also get these if you add adequate fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet.

If you don’t eat fresh fruits and vegetables this might be an option for you but remember it is always better to go fresh and to use supplements only when necessary.

Are there any Dangers with using Phytoplankton?

Yes, you need to be aware of where your supplement is coming from. One thing to note is that phytoplankton comes from the ocean so those with allergies to shell fish should not take this supplement. [3]

Also, red tide, occurs when weather changes rapidly and when large amounts of plankton stay in one place. Red tide can cause plankton to be toxic not only to animals but to humans as well. This is true of phytoplankton and shellfish that is caught within a red tide. Shellfish is tested but Marine phytoplankton, being a natural supplement, is not required by the FDA to be tested.

Does your supplier test your supplement for toxins? Ask.

Although I personally would not consider giving supplements to my children however I may try them out on myself with careful attention to what my body is telling me. If you are on a standard American diet then you might consider a supplement or take a look at the list below and try to implement these other sea microalgae into your diet. [4]

Other Sources for you to consider

• Nori Seasoning
• Sea Weed
• Dulse
• Kelp
• Sea Vegetables

Remember in all things Moderation – this includes supplements. Let your doctor know when you are taking supplements because in the case of Marine Phytoplankton, it is high in Vitamin K and can interfere with blood thinning medications.

Source Credit:

[1] WebMd Frequently Asked Questions About Phytonutrients

[2] [4] NaturalNews.com Marine Phytoplankton MicroAlgae

[3] Red Tide in the North East by Eleanor Ely and Neil W. Ross

Disclosure:

This article is intended for educational purposes and NOT as medical advice. Do your research, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Always veer toward safety and remember in everything MODERATION.

About the Author:

Sara Duggan is an avid blogger of all things crochet. She is known as Momwithahook on Squidoo where she shares her patterns, book reviews, and other crafty knowledge. Visit her at sign up for her monthly newsletter and ask her how you can build your own Squidoo page for your small business.