It may seem hard to imagine, but some researchers believe algae is both the food of the future and the fuel of the future. Chlorella, a particular genus of algae, may hold the key to producing nearly limitless quantities of fuel as well as an inexpensive yet nutritious food that could help end world hunger.
Identification
Chlorella vulgaris is a particular species of single-celled green algae. According to author Toshihiro Kanno, Ph.D., in "Chlorella Vulgaris and Chlorella Vulgaris Extract," this type of algae is over 1.5 billion years old. It's found in lakes and swamps and is the ancestor of modern vegetables such as pumpkins and spinach. Since the mid-1960s, Chlorella algae has been offered as a health-food supplement in Asian countries such as Japan, Korea and Indonesia.
Characteristics
According to Kanno, members of the Chlorella genus of algae contain more chlorophyll than other plants. This means they can absorb the sun's energy and, through the process of photosynthesis, turn water and carbon dioxide into useful nutrients including starch. Each single-celled Chlorella vulgaris organism ranges in size from 2 to 10 microns, only visible beneath a microscope. This particular strain also features a thinner cell wall than other species of Chlorella, making it easier to digest and absorb in dietary supplements.
CK Strain
Within the species of Chlorella vulgaris, scientists have identified particular strains with slight variations in cell wall thickness and available nutrients. According to Kanno, the most beneficial nutritionally is the Chlorella vulgaris CK strain. Only the CK strain features a polysaccharide compound called Chlorella vulgaris extract, or CVE. Kanno notes that CVE can help detoxify your body, improve liver function and lower your blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as regulate digestion and your immune system.
Algae as Food
According to Kanno, Chlorella contains abundant plant-based protein, a rich supply of vitamins and minerals and dietary fiber. In the introduction to Kanno's book, Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt of the American Academy of Neural Therapy notes that chlorella itself is made up of 50 percent protein and amino acids, along with additional nutrients such as vitamin B6 and beta carotene. It also contains a form of vitamin B12 called methyl-cobolamine, the one most absorbent within the human body.
Algae as Biofuel
According to ScientificAmerican.com, algae are a potentially viable large-scale fuel source. Producers use sunlight, water and carbon dioxide to produce sugar, which algae then transform into oil. In 2009, Continental Airlines performed a successful test flight with algae-based fuel and recorded increased mileage. According to manufacturer Sapphire Energy, their algae-based fuels will work with existing infrastructure such as refineries, pipelines and motor vehicles.
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