Algae: It’s out of this world 🚀!

Why Algae? 🤷‍♀️

At GEM, it’s no secret that we’re obsessed with algae! Algae is an incredible superhero ingredient that powers our bites ⚡️. NASA finds that algae is packed with vitamins and nutrients that are great for astronauts! It makes sense why they call it a superfood -- it's full of vitamins and nutrients, and is great for inflammation, among other things!

NASA scientists are seeking out more ways to utilize algae in outer space to launch us into the future! Here at GEM, we are powered by algae! Algae is great for astronauts, and it’s also great for you! We are totally geeking out! 🔬

How does it work 🤔?

Algae contain proteins, amino acids (the building blocks of proteins), vitamins, and lipids that are needed for optimal biological functioning!

Protein 💪:

Algae is packed with protein! The University of Maryland Medical Center found that amino acids (the building blocks of proteins) make up 62% of spirulina, a type of blue-green algae that’s in GEM!

Vitamins 👍:

Algae has more than 64 vitamins in minerals! Just to name a few -- vitamins A, C, E, B12, B6, Calcium, Magnesium, and antioxidants! Antioxidants are great for preventing cell damage as you get older.

Inflammation 🤕:

The Journal of Medicinal Food finds that algae can prevent inflammation and oxidative stress from free-radicals that can damage your cells! You can kick fine lines and wrinkles to the curb!

Last year, NASA initiated the Space Algae Experiment to explore the algae’s potential. They found that algae is a great food source for astronauts during their long voyages in space because of its high nutritional benefits! Additionally, many species of algae contain oils that may help alleviate the harmful effects of microgravity and help shield astronauts from cosmic radiation during spaceflights.

It’s great for astronauts -- and you! 👩‍🚀

NASA states that

“Astaxanthin on board could potentially be a preventative measure against:

i) Effects of radiation exposure - research shows that antioxidants such as astaxanthin can be preventative or potential therapeutic value in response to long-term diseases that may develop following exposure to ionizing radiation deriving from outer space.

ii) Eye damage caused by bodily fluid pressure - astaxanthin does this because it crosses the blood-retinal barrier and therefore protects the eyes. It also helps protect the eye against fatigue depth perception and increases blood flow to eye tissues.

iii) Damage to the overall cardiovascular system - results from multiple species support the antioxidant/anti-inflammatory properties of astaxanthin, establishing it as an appropriate candidate for development as a therapeutic agent for cardiovascular oxidative stress and inflammation.

iv) Bone loss - a study found that astaxanthin inhibits osteoclasts (large cells that dissolve the bone).”

The best part of NASA’s research is that they are utilizing algae not just as a food source, but also a real-food supplement with amazing health benefits -- which is exactly what we are doing here at GEM!

Algae on Mars 🚀

In 2020, NASA will launch another algae study, as the race to making Mars habitable for humans continues.

Bringing humans to Mars could be dependent on this tiny green superfood that powers GEM! Algae is one of NASA’s hopes for greater space exploration, steps toward sustainability on Earth, and so much more! 🌿

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