How to stop Free Radical Damage with Microalgae Superfoods

What causes free radical damage?

·      Mitochondrial Electron Transport chain (ETC) Activity

o   Mitochondria are the primary source of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in cells, producing about 90% of cellular free radicals under normal conditions.

·      Oxidative Stress

o   When ROS production exceeds the body’s antioxidant defenses (e.g., superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione), oxidative stress occurs. This imbalance damages mitochondrial components, impairing their function and leading to a vicious cycle of increased ROS production.

·      External Triggers

o   Environmental factors like UV radiation, pollution, smoking, or poor diet, along with inflammation or chronic infections, increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, stressing mitochondria and causing unintended damage through immune responses.

·      Aging and Mitochondrial Dysfunction

o   Over time, cumulative free radical damage to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and membranes impairs energy production, increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) leakage, which accelerates cellular aging, contributes to diseases like neurodegenerative disorders and cardiovascular issues, and is linked to age-related decline in cellular energy production, as shown in studies.

 

How do we combat this?

Spirulina and Chlorella: These microalgae are rich in antioxidants like glutathione, chlorophyll, phycocyanin, and superoxide dismutase (SOD). These compounds neutralize ROS, protecting mitochondria from free radical damage. For example, studies show Spirulina’s antioxidants reduce oxidative stress in cells, supporting mitochondrial health.

Algae’s SOD can enter the inner membrane to stop free radicals where most antioxidants can’t.

Why? Because it contains two membranes and the outer membrane has porins, which are tiny channels in cell membranes that allow antioxidants and proteins to flow in and out.

By the time you’re age 30, your body stops making SOD, and that’s when most chronic diseases start. SOD converts mitochondrial free radicals into water. Without SOD, mitochondria are drenched in free radicals. Free radicals are constantly released in the mitochondria as a byproduct of ATP production (cellular energy). They cause mitochondria to mutate or die if there isn’t protection from antioxidants like SOD. Think of SOD as a big umbrella that protects your mitochondria from a storm of free radicals.

Without SOD, mitochondria are drenched in free radicals, which causes them to die, mutate, and produce less cellular energy.

EnergyBits Spirulina food tablets have the highest concentration of SOD. 

SOD is an enzyme and can be destroyed by high heat, but EnergyBits Spirulina is not dried using high heat.

There are very few foods that have any useful level of SOD.

Cabbage has        48.6IU/100g

Spirulina has 338,480 IU/100g

Chlorella has 111,533 IU/100g

Each EnergyBits spirulina food tablet has 846 IU of SOD.

SOD is considered the most powerful of all antioxidants
Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2090506817301550?

SOD is proven to help prevent heart disease and Alzheimer’s
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8241491/#RSOB210013C13?

SOD has proven benefits for inflammatory diseases, respiratory diseases, and helps prevent cancer.
Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464620301419