Wish to eat wholesome and save the planet? Change beef with Spirulina algae, say researchers

A brand new examine led by Dr. Asaf Tzachor, in collaboration with a world crew of scientists, analyzed a state-of-the-art biotechnology system that cultivates Spirulina.

The system, designed and operated by Vaxa Influence Diet, is positioned in ON Energy Geothermal Park, Iceland, and advantages from useful resource streams accessible via Hellisheidi energy station, together with renewable electrical energy for illumination and energy utilization, cold and hot water streams for thermal administration, freshwater for cultivation, and carbon dioxide for biofixation.

Primarily based on laboratory evaluation, the researchers discover that the dietary content material of the Spirulina produce is superior to beef meat when it comes to proteins, important fatty acids and iron, and might function a wholesome, secure and extra sustainable meat substitute in day by day diets.

In line with the examine, for each kilogram of beef meat changed with Icelandic Spirulina, customers will avoid wasting 1,400 liters of water, 340 sq. meters of fertile land, and practically 100 kilograms of greenhouse gases emitted into the environment. Furthermore, the algae could also be consumed in several varieties, together with as moist biomass, or within the type of paste, powder, or capsule. For instance, one can use Icelandic Spirulina powder as an ingredient in pasta, pancakes and pastries, or drink an Icelandic Spirulina shake.

Whereas the function of meat in human diets has been instrumental, its ecological footprint is appreciable and detrimental. Elevating beef cattle requires arable lands and feed shares, and emits greenhouse gases to the environment contributing to local weather change and international warming One kilogram of beef requires roughly 1,450 liters of water and 340 sq. meters of fertile land. Furthermore, the manufacturing of 1 kilogram of beef meat leads to the emission of about 100 kilograms of greenhouse gases.

Because the demand for animal supply proteins develop, so do the damages brought on by the livestock sector. As a response, humanity is trying to find novel methods to make sure its dietary safety, together with the availability of different protein sources, nutritional vitamins and important minerals.

Algae, particularly Spirulina, are thought of among the many best meals producers on earth and will be cultivated utilizing completely different strategies. On this examine, Spirulina is cultivated in closed, managed programs, utilizing superior photonic administration strategies (managed publicity to desired wavelengths), solely remoted from the tough Icelandic atmosphere.

This biotechnology system is exceptionally resilient to fluctuations in environmental and weather conditions. It may be deployed in a modular vogue in several areas of the world. Furthermore, Spirulina is an autotrophic organism and depends on photosynthesis and a provide of carbon dioxide. Thus, not like many different various protein sources, cultivating this meals supply removes greenhouse gases from the environment and mitigates local weather change.

Dr. Asaf Tzachor, from the Faculty of Sustainability at Reichman College says that “Dietary safety, local weather change mitigation, and local weather change adaptation can go hand in hand. All customers should do is to undertake a little bit of Icelandic Spirulina into their meals and diets as a substitute of beef meat. It is more healthy, safer, and extra sustainable. No matter change we want to see on the planet needs to be manifested in our dietary decisions.”

The analysis is printed within the journal Marine Biotechnology.