Category: Algae

According to a 2022 review, microalgae can be considered a reliable natural source for nutrients and SCP, or single-cell protein, that could help address the global protein gap. The most commonly used microalgae for SCP production include species from the cyanobacteria genus *Arthrospira*, commercially known as Spirulina, along with eukaryotic microalgae like *Chlorella*. These organisms are cultivated on a large scale for human food supplements and animal feed due to their high protein content and fast growth rates.

While most people recognize it simply as 'seaweed,' the large group of marine algae belonging to the class Phaeophyceae is also known by many other names, including kelp, bladderwrack, and sargassum. The specific name often depends on the species and its habitat, ranging from giant kelp forests to floating mats in the ocean.

According to marine biological data, the genus *Fucus* represents a significant type of brown algae prominent in rocky intertidal zones across temperate coastal regions globally. What is a Fucus also known as depends heavily on the specific species, with bladderwrack being one of the most widely recognized common names for *Fucus vesiculosus*.

Carrageenan is a type of polysaccharide derived exclusively from certain species of red algae. This natural ingredient is widely used across various industries, from food and pharmaceuticals to cosmetics, due to its versatile gelling, thickening, and stabilizing properties. However, not all red algae are created equal when it comes to producing the specific types of carrageenan with different functional characteristics.

Approximately 10–20% of the dry weight of brown algae consists of mannitol, one of their primary photosynthetic products. This sweet-tasting sugar alcohol, along with the polysaccharide laminarin, is the main form of stored carbon in brown algae, also known as Phaeophyceae. This unique storage mechanism is key to their survival in fluctuating marine environments.

Chlorella is famously known for its ability to quadruple its cells approximately every 20 hours, a feat made possible by a powerful nutrient complex. This unique extract is what is known as CGF in chlorella, or Chlorella Growth Factor, and it is a key reason for the algae's celebrated health benefits.

According to AstaReal, their brand of astaxanthin is derived entirely from the freshwater microalgae, *Haematococcus pluvialis*, and is backed by over 80 human clinical studies. This fact positions AstaReal as a natural astaxanthin product in a market where not all astaxanthin is created equal.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), spirulina was classified as "the best food of the 21st century for humanity" as far back as 1974. While a powerhouse, spirulina is not the only option, prompting many to question: what is the best algae superfood? The answer depends on your specific health goals, as different algae offer distinct nutritional profiles and benefits.

Chlorella, a single-celled green alga, has existed on Earth for over 2 billion years, predating most other plant forms. This microscopic organism, often touted as a nutritional powerhouse, is classified within the domain of eukaryotes, sharing a distant lineage with terrestrial plants.

Surprisingly, seaweed is not a plant; it is a macroscopic marine alga belonging to a diverse and ancient lineage. Understanding what classification does seaweed belong to reveals that it's not a single taxonomic entity but a common term for different groups of organisms, primarily brown, red, and green algae.