Plankton describes the community of microscopic animals and plants adapted to the suspension of fresh water or the sea.
Plankton is readily liable to passive movement by current or wind. The microscopic sea plants are known as Phytoplankton
and are essentially considered the grass of the sea. The food chain begins with these sea plants whereby phytoplankton is
at the forefront.
Phytoplankton consists of photosynthetic organisms that produce organic substances from external energy sources including
sunlight, carbon dioxide and water. These microscopic sea plants are super concentrated in a green pigment called chlorophyll,
the primary site for photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is critical for global energy production and recycling, on which all forms
of life are dependent.
The end result of photosynthesis is the provision of energy nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and healthy fats.
Energy nutrients are essential to human health since they literally fuel every cell of the human body.
Phytoplankton serves as a valuable source of nourishment for many sea animals. Of particular interest, phytoplankton provides
fish with the healthy Omega-3 fats, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Omega 3 fats are
essential to human health since research clearly shows a reduced risk for cardiovascular disease, auto-immune disorders, and
behavioural disorders associated with these healthy fats.
From Fish Food to Human Consumption
Moving from fish food to human consumption of phytoplankton has shown some interesting food for thought. Anecdotal reports
suggest that phytoplankton may offer many nutritional and health benefits that go far beyond other plant foods. There have
been a plethora of testimonials ranging from potential benefits for cardiovascular health, chronic fatigue syndrome, weight
loss, blood sugar disorders, arthritis, and even digestive disorders. Most of the health testimonials have been astounding,
with recoveries in conditions that are typically considered incurable. To learn more about the amazing stories associated with
Phytoplankton go to the video testimonial documentaries.
Although existing scientific literature is lacking in support of these claims, preliminary studies indicate that there may
indeed be many compounds in this plant that could act to reduce the risk for disease and improve health. These compounds include
trace minerals, chlorophyll, omega 3 fats EPA and DHA, carotenoids, and other unidentified pigments. Interestingly, a recent
animal study (2003) found that a unique strain of Marine Phytoplankton significantly reduced plasma and liver levels of
cholesterol in male rats, demonstrating its potential benefits for cardiovascular health. It was also shown that phytoplankton
and its provision of omega 3 fats help support normal fetal brain development in baby rats during late pregnancy and early
lactation.
Phytoplankton Pigments May Be Potent Antioxidants
A recent review published in the American Journal of Clinical nutrition states that the potent health protective qualities
of fruit and vegetables are attributed to the complex mixture of phytochemicals present in whole foods. To date, up to 5000
phytochemicals in plant foods have been identified, with still many that are unknown. Indeed research clearly shows that
plant pigments (phytochemicals) in foods may be working synergistically as antioxidants to fight off disease. Most forms of
disease are suggested to be either a cause of increased oxidation in the body or to result from excessive oxidation. Oxidation
describes the rusting of cells, tissues, and organs. Antioxidants from foods slow down oxidation thereby preventing cellular
damage that can lead to disease.
Phytoplankton is loaded with antioxidant nutrients and pigments. Some prime examples of phytoplankton antioxidants include
the carotenoids such as astaxanthin, canthaxanthin, and zeaxanthin. Carotenoids are known to work as a family to prevent
disease. Food source carotenoids are the only effective way to receive health benefits, due to the intricate balance that can
only be found in foods. This is in line with most studies on antioxidants, where consistent health benefits are found with
diets rich in plant foods.
Furthermore, marine phytoplankton has been shown to provide the same level of antioxidants as found with cruciferous
vegetables. Cruciferous vegetables are amazing health protectors, detoxifiers, and provide a nutrition power house. However,
the astounding health benefits reported with marine phytoplankton may indicate that this whole food contains unique antioxidant
pigments unavailable in other common foods. Alternatively, it may be working at a cellular level to produce a stronger
antioxidant effect within the body.
References:
Ziccarelli VE, and Basu TK. An in vivo study of the antioxidant potentials of a plant food concentrate. Journal
of the American College of Nutrition. Vol.22 (4): 277-282 (2003)
Werman MJ et al. Effects of the marine unicellular alga sp. to reduce the plasma and cholesterol levels in male rats
fed on diets with cholesterol. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2003 Oct; 67(10): 2266-8
Mokady S and Sukenika A. A marine unicellular algae in diets of pregnant and lactating rats as a source of omega
3 fatty acids for the developing brain of their progeny. J Sci Food Agric. 1995, vol. 68(2): 133-39
Lubian LM et al. Phytoplankton as a source of commercially available pigments. Journal of Applied Psychology. 2000,
vol. 12 (3-5): 294-55
Plankton describes the community of microscopic animals and plants adapted to the suspension of fresh water or the sea.
Plankton is readily liable to passive movement by current or wind. The microscopic sea plants are known as Phytoplankton
and are essentially considered the grass of the sea. The food chain begins with these sea plants whereby phytoplankton is
at the forefront.