Brief Summary
This episode of the Human Upgrade podcast features Dave Asprey and Catharine Arnston discussing the benefits of algae, specifically spirulina and chlorella, as superfoods. They highlight algae's nutrient density, mitochondrial health benefits, and potential anti-cancer properties. The conversation covers the science behind algae, its impact on energy production, and its role in combating inflammation and aging.
- Algae, particularly spirulina, is a nutrient-dense superfood with significant benefits for mitochondrial health.
- Spirulina contains superoxide dismutase (SOD) and phycocyanin, which have antioxidant and anti-cancer properties.
- Clinical trials show that spirulina can improve mitochondrial function and overall health.
You Won’t Believe This
The video introduces a nutrient, endorsed by the United Nations and NASA, with 25,000 studies proving its ability to combat heart disease, Alzheimer's, and inflammation. It's highlighted as a protein-rich food that is easily absorbed and crucial for longevity.
Introduction to Superfoods
Dave Asprey discusses the topic of superfoods, expressing his frustration with companies that promote foods with limited benefits and potential toxins. He contrasts this with algae, specifically certain types that can remove toxins from the body. He shares a personal anecdote about using chlorella to counteract mercury exposure from sushi.
The Benefits of Algae
Dave shares a personal story about how eating chlorella helped improve his balance after eating sushi, which he attributes to chlorella binding to the mercury. He introduces algae as a true superfood with significant upsides and minimal downsides, especially concerning mitochondrial health.
Guest Introduction: Catharine Arnston
Dave introduces Catharine Arnston, the founder and chief science officer of Energy Bits, who has a PhD. They plan to discuss the benefits of spirulina and chlorella, focusing on their impact on mitochondrial health, energy production, and longevity.
Catharine’s Journey to Algae
Catharine Arnston shares her personal journey into discovering algae, prompted by her sister's breast cancer diagnosis. Her sister's oncologist recommended an alkaline diet, leading Catharine to research plant-based nutrition and discover algae as the most alkaline and nutrient-dense food. She also learned about Dr. Otto Warburg's research on cancer cells not thriving in alkaline environments.
The Science Behind Algae
Catharine discusses the science behind algae, highlighting its endorsement by the United Nations as a solution to world hunger and by NASA as the most nutrient-dense food. She mentions its safe use in Asia for over 60 years and its various health benefits, including improved mitochondrial health, reduced inflammation, and enhanced ATP production.
Mitochondria and Algae
Catharine emphasizes the importance of mitochondria for longevity and overall health. She mentions that the nutrients in algae, particularly spirulina, are documented to improve mitochondrial health. She highlights two specific components: superoxide dismutase (SOD) and phycocyanin.
The Role of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD)
Catharine explains that spirulina has the highest concentration of SOD, an antioxidant that neutralizes damaging free radicals, especially superoxide. She notes that the body's production of SOD decreases after age 30, making supplementation beneficial.
Alkaline Diets and Health
Dave and Catharine discuss alkaline diets, clarifying that while the body tightly regulates blood alkalinity, maintaining a slightly alkaline cellular environment is important for health. They touch on the misinformation surrounding alkaline diets and the potential benefits of alkaline buffers like baking soda.
Phycocyanin: The Cancer-Fighting Pigment
Catharine introduces phycocyanin, a unique blue pigment found only in spirulina, which has been proven to kill cancer cells. She explains that phycocyanin acts as a gatekeeper, either promoting energy production in healthy cells or triggering cell death in cancerous cells by affecting cytochrome C.
Clinical Trials and Future Research
Catharine discusses a clinical trial conducted with Dr. H Patel at UC San Diego, using the Me Screen technology to assess the impact of Energy Bits spirulina on mitochondrial health. The study aimed to validate the various benefits of spirulina, including its positive effects on mitochondrial health and inflammation.
Spirulina Efficacy Study
Catharine shares the preliminary results of a clinical trial where participants took Energy Bits spirulina tablets daily for 30 days. After just seven days, the study found dramatic improvements in ATP production, mitochondrial respiration, and a decrease in reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Mitochondrial Health Insights
Catharine shares a quote from Dr. Patel, who noted that the improvements in mitochondrial health from taking Energy Bits spirulina in seven days were comparable to those achieved in a three-month intermittent fasting trial.
Intermittent Fasting vs. Spirulina
The discussion compares the effects of spirulina to intermittent fasting, noting that both improve mitochondrial health. Spirulina enhances cell health through phycocyanin and SOD, improving the electron transport chain and reducing ROS, which supports autophagy and apoptosis.
Testimonials and Real-Life Benefits
Dave and Catharine discuss how people may not always notice the benefits of improved mitochondrial function immediately, as it can feel like returning to a normal state. Catharine shares testimonials from customers who experienced significant improvements in brain function, energy levels, and overall health after taking spirulina.
Quality Control and Safety
Catharine emphasizes the importance of quality control in algae production, noting that Energy Bits grows its algae in freshwater to avoid microcystins, toxins found in wild bodies of water. She compares the precision required in growing algae to that of making fine wine, highlighting the need for careful production processes to ensure safety and nutrient preservation.
Skin Health and Algae
Catharine discusses the benefits of spirulina for skin health, noting that it nourishes the body at the cellular level, reduces free radical damage, and contains K2, which helps move excess calcium out of soft tissues. She also mentions that algae has more collagen-building blocks than collagen powder.
Dosing and Usage Tips
Catharine recommends taking spirulina on an empty stomach for best absorption, noting that it is a food, not a supplement. She suggests a normal dose of 10 tablets per day or a therapeutic dose of 30 tablets per day. For chlorella, she recommends 10 tablets per day for general health and 30 tablets per day for detox purposes.
Brain Health and Recovery
Catharine discusses a clinical trial with military veterans suffering from PTSD, where 30 tablets of spirulina per day led to significant improvements in brain scans and HRV. She recommends spirulina for anyone involved in contact sports to help reduce inflammation and support brain recovery.
Aging and Biohacking
Catharine reveals she is 68 years old and shares that a brain tap test showed her biological age to be 30 after taking spirulina. She expresses interest in competing with Bryan Johnson in the "Aging Olympics" to demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of her approach to reversing aging.
Final Thoughts and Offers
Dave and Catharine conclude by emphasizing the cost-effectiveness and convenience of using Energy Bits spirulina to improve mitochondrial function and overall health. They offer a 20% discount to the audience using the code "upgrade" at energybits.com. Catharine stresses that the enzymes in raw spirulina are essential for its effectiveness, cautioning against using bulk spirulina powder.
