Lately, several of my patients have asked me what I think about adding marine phytoplankton – tiny sea plants – to their diets for their reported health benefits. I tell them that I think it’s a great idea and thought you’d also like to know what marine plants can do for just about every system of your body.
The Human Body on Marine Phytoplankton
Eons ago, all life – even human – began in the seas of the Earth. Tiny cellular organisms advanced and changed over time into all the diverse forms of life that exist on the land and in the sea today. All these life forms developed on their own specific paths – some stayed in the sea and others came up on land to further evolve. However, they retained something important in common: they still thrive on those basic elements of early “sea foods” that helped advance life on our planet.
Marine phytoplankton – which includes several forms of algae – are antioxidant,Omega-3, iodine rich foods which still feed all the creatures of the seas, from huge whales to the tiniest of fishes. And when humans eat fish, and other sea animals, we reap all the incredible benefits of this ancient marine food that includes:
The Magic of Marine Phytoplankton
My patients are often surprised when I tell them that the composition of human plasma and fluids surrounding our cell membranes is nearly identical to the composition of the sea. That is, it has the same ratio of salt that the sea does and also contains the same 84 minerals that human blood does! It’s no coincidence either, that 70% of the Earth is water and 70% of the human body is water! Humans are like mini-Earth ecosystems that are very closely bioconnected to the seas, its chemical properties and food sources which are vital to our health.
Tiny marine plants contain micronutrients and electrolytes (fire electrical processes in living tissue) in exactly the right amounts to create healthy cellular metabolism. When humans eat a diet from mostly land-based sources – meats, vegetables, fruit, dairy – they can become deficient in these crucial sea nutrients.
In addition, human cellular membranes are composed mostly of phospholipids – fats – that need constant replenishment of their building blocks with Omega-3 fats. These fats keep cell membranes strong and able to communicate correctly with other cells. Our diets can become deficient in these fats by not eating enough good sources of them – seafood and marine plants.
The good Omega-3 fats from marine sources have been research proven to aid cardiovascular disease, production of hormones, treat dry skin, prevent cancer, amongst many other conditions. They fight inflammation, oxidation, toxicity at the cellular level that is so crucial to keeping DNA telomere lengths longer and us healthier.
When we consume marine phytoplankton, we get a rich, nutrient dense source of beneficial proteins, acids, antioxidants, electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals that confer head-to-toe health benefits such as those mentioned earlier. In addition, it also confers the following:
How Do I Get Marine Phytoplanktons In My Diet?
There are many marine phytoplankton products on the market that can be purchased at health food stores around the country or online. They can be found in a dried, powdered form, which reconstitutes in water or juice; or a liquid tonic form taken by tablespoon from the bottle, or drops directly onto the tongue. It can also be delivered through the skin in liquid or cream form. If you take thyroid medications, you should check with your pharmacist or doctor first about possible drug interactions/effects from selenium and iodine.
Marine phytoplankton is truly Mother Nature’s gift to all living creatures on Earth. The Japanese credit their longevity, beautiful skin and hair to the regular eating of these plants. Many people claim that many illnesses – including cancer – have cleared from eating marine phytoplankton. I do not know how true those claims are but, as I advise my patients, you too can reap the benefits of marine phytoplankton and enjoy their special gifts for many, many years to come.
Stay Well,
Mark Rosenberg, M.D.