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One of the most adaptable plants in our world, algae can be used to make microalgae or biofuel too. It is now a crucial component of repairing the environmental havoc that people have brought about on our planet, being able to absorb CO2 10 to 50 times more effectively than other plants on land. Algae, particularly in the form of algal oil, can assist our own wellness in addition to the welfare of the world by providing nutrients and bioactivities.
What is Algal oil
For people who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, algae oil is extremely beneficial because it is a sustainable and plant-based source of some of the most crucial elements (important vitamins, lipids, and even phytonutrients).
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Microalgae, or very tiny marine-based bacteria, are the source of microalgal oil, which is an oil. For instance, the oil made by these algae can be used as an ingredient in dietary supplements to raise the body's level of healthy fats. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as odd-chain fatty acids, can be found in algae oil, a source of good fats for your body (omega-3s). This is wonderful news for vegetarians and vegans, who may not be getting enough healthful fats, especially DHA derived from marine sources, in their diets.
In addition to being a fantastic source of omega-3s, algae oil is also an unique and environmentally friendly plant source of vitamin D3. Omega-3s and vitamin D, which are both derived from algae, are especially beneficial to supplement if eating a plant-based diet, making them the ideal addition for people who lead vegan or vegetarian lifestyles.
Health Benefits
For people who are concerned about sustainability or consume a plant-based diet, algae oil has special advantages. (Of course, those who eat meat and those who follow a flexible diet can also gain from some algal action!) Certain algae can naturally produce vitamin D3, and as vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, it mixes well with omega-3 fats to form an excellent "emulsion" that makes supplements that are most readily absorbed by the body.
Some people purposefully combine an organic trio of olive, flaxseed, and avocado oils with the star nutrient, algal-sourced vitamin D3, because other plant oils also contain healthy fats like omega-3s and omega-9s. It has integrated absorption technology.
Speaking of absorption, vitamin D3 (the preferred form for the body) is uncommonly found in plant sources. The only vegan foods that contain vitamin D2 are treated mushrooms and yeast. Animal products make up the majority of vitamin D3 sources.
Taking supplements with vitamin D is important (actually, it's critical) because we can't get enough of the vitamin from diet and sunlight alone. This is true not only because many adults lack sufficient amounts of the vitamin and many people around the world consume far less vitamin D than is actually required to achieve and maintain healthy vitamin D levels in the body.
Given the extensive list of essential, whole-body health benefits that vitamin D offers—including support for bone, teeth, muscles, and the immune system, to name a few—experts find the numbers on vitamin D insufficiency to be extremely alarming.
