What if a simple, natural superfood could not only boost your immune system but also help fight cancer, speed up recovery from illness, and even turn back the clock on aging? It sounds unbelievable, but the power of tiny algae like spirulina and chlorella is backed by serious science—and real-life results.
In a fascinating conversation on the “A Healthy Point of View” podcast, Sam Tejada, CEO and Founder of Liquivida®, speaks with algae researcher and ENERGYbits® CEO and Founder Catharine Arnston. Together, they reveal how these microscopic plants pack an astonishing punch of antioxidants, vitamins, and healing compounds that might just be the health breakthrough you’ve been waiting for.
This $1 Superfood Could Replace All Your Supplements (Backed by NASA!) | Catharine Arnston | Ep. 52
Why Algae Deserves a Spot in Your Wellness Routine
Algae might sound like pond scum, but it’s actually the oldest and most nutrient-dense food source on Earth. And according to Arnston, it’s not a supplement—it’s food. “It’s a crop. It’s just a vegetable that’s dried,” she explains. This distinction is powerful because it means your body can absorb algae’s dense nutrition just like it would a salad—only faster and more efficiently.
There are two primary types of algae used for human health: spirulina and chlorella. Spirulina is packed with protein and known for increasing energy, focus, and mental clarity. Chlorella, on the other hand, binds to toxins and heavy metals, making it incredibly effective for detoxification and immune support. Together, they offer a complete toolkit for anyone looking to optimize their health naturally.
The Cellular Powerhouse Your Body Has Been Waiting For
Inside every cell, there’s a microscopic engine called the mitochondria. It’s responsible for producing ATP—your body’s cellular energy. When this system slows down, aging and disease speed up. That’s where spirulina steps in.
A vibrant blue pigment found in spirulina called phycocyanin has a remarkable ability to accelerate the mitochondria’s energy production while protecting cells from oxidative stress. It’s not just energizing—it’s intelligent. In healthy cells, it enhances performance. But in cancerous or damaged cells, it can trigger apoptosis, or cell death, without harming surrounding tissue. “Spirulina knows exactly what to do in your body,” says Arnston. “That’s why I call it intelligent food.”
Chlorella offers equally impressive benefits. One study showed it could help direct chemotherapy drugs straight to cancer cells, avoiding harm to healthy ones. This targeted support is a game-changer in the quest for cleaner, smarter medicine.
Closing the Nutritional Gap Left by Modern Food
Our food system is broken. Soil depletion, processed foods, and synthetic additives have stripped our meals of their natural vitality. “The food we eat doesn’t have the nutrients it used to,” Arnston says. “Even if you’re eating organic, you’re still missing something.”
Algae offers a solution. It’s a complete food that contains over 40 vitamins and minerals, including essential amino acids, chlorophyll, iron, and antioxidants like SOD (superoxide dismutase), which plays a key role in reducing inflammation and slowing down aging. All of it is delivered in a pure, plant-based form that requires no prep, refrigeration, or complicated dosing. Just swallow and go.
Real Science. Real Results.
Arnston’s claims aren’t just anecdotal—they’re supported by over 25,000 peer-reviewed studies. Raw spirulina has been shown to reduce inflammation, protect against Alzheimer’s, and fight chronic diseases tied to oxidative stress. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a clinical study in Israel found that hospitalized patients who received spirulina alongside conventional treatment had zero deaths and recovered faster than the control group.
She also points to the presence of nitric oxide precursors in algae, which help dilate blood vessels and improve circulation—something that supports heart health, energy levels, and recovery in athletes and everyday people alike.
The Proof Is Personal
At nearly 69 years old, Arnston’s biological age clocks in at 30, based on extensive biomarker testing. She doesn’t follow extreme longevity protocols or spend a fortune on anti-aging treatments. Her secret is simple: she takes algae every day.
“I don’t do cryotherapy or injectables or hyperbaric chambers. I take algae. That’s it,” she says.
Her results speak for themselves, but more importantly, they highlight how accessible wellness can be when you focus on consistency and simplicity instead of chasing trends.
A Smarter Way Forward
Algae may be microscopic, but its potential is massive. It’s vegan, keto, and paleo-friendly. It’s sustainable and eco-friendly—requiring just one-tenth of the water and space of traditional crops. And it doesn’t ask you to change your entire lifestyle. It simply fills in the gaps where modern nutrition falls short.
“It’s the easiest way to get your body what it truly needs,” Arnston says. “You can take it anywhere. It doesn’t spoil. It’s not a pill. It’s food.”
So whether you’re looking to boost your immune system, detox from daily toxins, fight inflammation, or age with strength and clarity, it might be time to give algae a spot in your daily routine. Not because it’s trendy—but because it works.