These days, it can seem like the food industry is constantly saturated with new health crazes and superfoods. And while we're certainly on board with trying new, experimental things, sometimes you have to go back to the basics in order to find a path to long term wellness that actually works.
And by basics, we're talking about algae. Yes, algae.
You may only think of it as the slimy stuff that you avoid touching at the beach, but eating algae can actually lead to a ton of benefits when it comes to nutrition and sustainability.
That's why we teamed up with iWi, a plant-based nutrition company that specializes in algae farming. Their name means "tribe" in Maori, and they believe that the only way to keep our planet thriving for generations to come is for the tribe of humanity to band together and make some serious changes.
That change begins with how (and what) we eat. Traditional methods of plant and animal farming are depleting limited natural resources faster than we ever imagined, and that's why iWi believes the future of nutrition lies in sustainable farming and plant-based nutrients. The 4 different iWi algae supplements offer diverse sets of benefits, so you can pick the one that works best for you.
Here are 5 benefits of adding algae into your routine.
1. It's a great source of protein.
Getting enough protein in your diet is an eternal struggle. And doing so while avoiding high fat and high cholesterol foods? That's practically a pipe dream.
But here's the good news: Algae is a (surprisingly) amazing source of protein.
iWi's particular algae contains up to 40% protein, which means that it's the perfect way to reach your daily protein quota without all the bad stuff.
2. It helps preserve our planet.
As our population grows at an unprecedented rate, it's crucial that our systems for cultivating food also adjust to accommodate these rising numbers.
iWi harvests their algae in a way that doesn't affect marine ecosystems, and instead leverages sun, salt water, and otherwise-unusable arid land. Compared with typical plant and animal farming methods, algae farming has a seriously smaller ecological footprint, making it the best and most sustainable choice for the nutrition of the future.
3. It may boost your immune system.
Whether it's a winter flu or a summer cold, we could all use an extra boost now and then when it comes to protecting against illness.
Algae supplements have been shown to support immune system function in some people who take them, which means that algae should be a vitamin cabinet staple for anyone trying to stay healthy.
4. It could benefit prenatal health.
When it comes to prenatal health, balance is key.
Expectant moms who want to add an element of balanced nutrition to their vitamin regimen can boost their routine by taking an algae supplement. iWi's prenatal product provides a daily dose of folic acid and DHA, both of which are vital to mom and baby health.
5. It's a source of vegan nutrition.
Whether or not you've committed to a vegan diet, decreasing your consumption of meat and animal products when possible can have benefits for your body and the environment.
According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, rising populations will require a 70 percent increase in food production by the year 2050. Since our current methods of animal and plant farming require a hefty amount of valuable natural resources, it's vital to start exploring other avenues of feeding the masses.
That's why plant-based nutrition is so important — growing algae requires fewer resources than raising animals and other plants, and you still yield a protein- and nutrient-packed food.
When it comes to investing in our wellness AND our future, what more could you ask for?
This post is sponsored by iWi.
