Ep. 226 The Ultimate Superfoods: Spirulina and Algae with Catharine Arnston

Today, I am honored to connect with Catharine Arnston, the Founder, CEO, and Chief Scientific Officer of ENERGYbits. I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet Catharine in person this past July at KetoCon in Austin. Much of her work focuses on optimizing mitochondrial function and recognizing that mitochondria are pivotal to our metabolism, longevity, brain and gut health, sleep, digestion, and almost everything else. In our conversation, we dive into what got Catharine passionate about algae. We speak about her transition from a corporate economic development role into a budding entrepreneur, the distinctions between micro and macroalgae, and the more than 100,000 studies that have been done- especially in Asia, that show algae are of the most alkaline and nutrient-dense foods available. We differentiate between spirulina and chlorella and explain their roles in our mitochondrial health. We also discuss how our stressful lifestyles impact our cellular health and talk about autophagy, red light therapy, immune function, and more. I hope you enjoy today’s eye-opening discussion about the value of consuming microalgae daily. Stay tuned to find out what microalgae are and what they do to keep you healthy! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How an issue with her sister’s health resulted in Catharine becoming passionate about algae as a food source. Algae is a food, not a supplement. How do macroalgae differ from algae? Spirulina and chlorella are grown as fresh-water crops. So they contain no iodine. They also have no lectins or oxalates. Catharine explains why algae are some of the most nutrient-dense foods available. Why are algae critical for maintaining mitochondrial health? Consuming microalgae every day means you do not have to deteriorate as you age. What makes spirulina’s absorption rate so high? The health benefits of consuming chlorella. Catherine explains how spirulina and chlorella differ and work together synergistically. How does chlorella differ from activated charcoal? What are the benefits of having chlorophyll in your body when exposed to red light? Catharine unpacks the immune-supportive aspects of spirulina and chlorella. Spirulina and chlorella are keto-friendly, can be used when fasting intermittently, and are safe for people with diabetes. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Connect with Dr. Catharine Arnston On her website (Use the 20% discount code: CYNTHIATHURLOW On Facebook On Instagram (@energybits) On Twitter (@energybits) Resources: Why Algae is a Food, Not a Supplement Article Algae Article Chlorophyll Article Collagen Article