Algae products can have health benefits when contaminant-free. Forms like chlorella and spirulina are highly nutritious. They can lower heart disease risks and improve blood sugar control. However, some algae release toxins causing vomiting, diarrhea, and liver issues. Fish from algae bloom lakes are usually safe to eat in moderation. Algae can be hard for humans to digest. Some reports show digestive discomfort from algae foods. Avoid them if they cause you issues. Contaminants are possible in spirulina and side effects do occur.
Algae Cultivation
To grow algae, find sunlight and be cautious when culturing strains for eating. Commercially grown spirulina is the safest. Small algae farms can cost $10,000 but have pollution control benefits. Growth rates vary by species, temperature, light, and nutrients.
Nutritional Content and Digestibility
Algae is packed with essential nutrients that are beneficial for human health. Humans have eaten macroalgae, like wakame and nori seaweed, for thousands of years. The nutritional content varies depending on the type of microalgae, but two currently dominate the market for human consumption – the genera Chlorella and Arthrospira, more commonly known as “Spirulina.” Both are rich in nutrients.
Spirulina is a blue-green algae that rivals chlorella for its antioxidant properties. Unlike chlorella, spirulina can be digested by the human body in its whole food form, however, it’s still most commonly found as a powder or in tablet form. Spirulina has a fairly mild flavor and goes well in smoothies with tropical ingredients.
Algae also contains a range of carbohydrates and cellulose, which can be difficult to breakdown and absorb by the human digestive system. Consumption of algae can also lead to digestive disturbances, such as bloating, diarrhea, and cramping, due to the inhospitable bacteria contained in some species.
Potential Hazards
The basic reaction for algae growth is carbon dioxide + light energy + water = glucose + oxygen + water. However, drinking algae-affected water or consuming food (such as fish or shellfish) containing toxins can lead to gastroenteritis, which can induce vomiting, diarrhea, fevers, and headaches. These toxins may also affect the liver or nervous system. If you are concerned for your health, consult your GP immediately.
Algae have long been considered a better alternative to oil than other natural fuel sources like soybeans, corn, and wheat, primarily because algae are capable of producing a much larger yield (up to 100 times more oil per acre). Algae biofuel has the potential to replace fossil fuels in the future.
Researchers have found a cluster of algae-digesting genes from a marine bacterium that eats nori in human gut microbes. Some bacteria had the same nori-digesting genes found earlier, while others had different genes with the same ability. This shows that bacteria in the human gut have adapted to digest seaweed and algae.