The Latest Superfood Redefining Beauty, Brain Health, Longevity, and Sustainable Nutrition
- Jul 24
- 6 min read
Honor Tremain is an award-winning longevity nutritionist, author, and journalist whose journey into nutrition began with a personal health crisis. Determined to reclaim her life, she completed qualifications in nutrition, eventually healing herself and going on to complete a Bachelor of Science degree.
In the ever-evolving world of nutrition, true breakthroughs are rare, but when leading skin care companies are stockpiling patents related to microalgae, it’s time to take notice. While many so-called “superfoods” come and go, one tiny microalga is quietly emerging as an exciting new area of research in longevity science, beauty, brain health and sustainable nutrition.
“It’s the newest superfood, yet the oldest species on earth; the first species in fact!” states Professor Lindsay Brown, Adjunct Professor at Griffith University, QLD, Australia.
It’s microalgae!
A revolutionary new whole-form, Nannochloropsis Oceanica, is being grown in Australia on the pristine shores of the Byron Bay region, and it’s changing the way we think about beauty, health, food and even the future of our planet.
Although microscopic in size, it packs an extraordinary nutritional punch. Rich in complete proteins, essential omega fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and chlorophyll, it delivers an impressive nutritional profile in its pure, natural, vegan form, all while offering the potential to support more sustainable food production.
With chronic inflammation rising globally and underpinning accelerated aging along with most of our world’s biggest health concerns; this little plant food could be a potent solution.
“I think 'Let food be thy medicine' is one of the best quotes ever conceived. Because you truly are what you eat,” says Dr. Thomas-Hall, Principal Scientist, Chief Technology Officer, and microalgae expert at Seao2nutrition, whose new super-wholefood microalgae, nanno. oceanica aka-Nannovia™ just happens to be a fierce anti-inflammatory firefighter, amongst its many other powerful health impacts.
“The abundance of beneficial nutrients in certain microalgae, like the nanno, means there's significant potential to enhance individual health by modulating inflammation at the cellular level. These nutrients help address a wide range of conditions, from cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases to premature aging and even cancer.”
In both people and pets, this can mean reduced inflammation and pain, a longer and healthier lifespan, increased vitality, better heart health and cholesterol levels, a lower risk of disease, improved mental clarity, shinier hair and coats, and healthier, glowing skin.
Pure powerful beauty begins within
Many top skin-care companies are also exploring the potential of microalgae, with nanno being up there due to its unique profile of EPA omega-3, omega-7, combined with antioxidants and chlorophyll, which all support healthy, younger-looking, vibrant skin from the inside out.
Newly discovered Omega-7 has been studied for its relationship with skin hydration, healthy mucous membranes and cell rejuvenation, while B vitamins, amino acids, selenium and polyunsaturated fatty acids, nourish, support, moisturise and promote healthy growth of skin, hair and nails.
Skin health is further boosted by the antioxidants present, that reduce free radical damage and support cell repair, while anti-inflammatories help reduce redness and swelling.
Combined with high-quality protein; providing amino acids needed for collagen and tissue maintenance, this microalga offers nutritional building blocks that truly support healthy, glowing skin, shiny hair and overall vitality.
Omega-3: Nature’s potent essential food
“Not many people see Omega-3 fatty acids as being essential. But they should,” states Professor Lindsay Brown, Adjunct Professor at Griffith University, QLD, Australia.
Omega-3s are vital not only for skin, but for heart, brain, joint, immune, and eye health, yet around 85% of the global population are deficient in them.
“Omega-3s are some of the most powerful anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective nutrients we know of. Specifically, EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) is key for reducing cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, diabetes, and inflammation,” says Dr. Skye Thomas-Hall. And a big reason fish oil supplements are so beneficial. But here’s the kicker:
Fish are not the original producers of the omega-3 found within them. It comes from the microalgae they consume.
So, let’s cut out the middleman and go direct to the source: Nanno. Oceanica.
Longevity brain food
Healthy brain aging is another of today’s greatest health priorities, with the number of people living with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease increasing worldwide.
Omega-3 consumption improves cognition, memory, learning and increases blood flow to the brain. Omega-3 also protects against neurodegeneration, preserving nerve cells.
EPA omega-3 contributes to the structure and function of cell membranes and, combined with naturally occurring antioxidants, such as powerful violaxanthin, zeaxanthin, lutein, vitamin C, E, and beta carotene, helps protect cells against oxidative stress, lowering inflammation in the brain and in all cells.
The whole spectrum advantage
Unlike isolated fish oils or synthetic supplements, this microalga delivers nutritional excellence in a whole-food form, where the beneficial compounds work together synergistically, allowing you to gain more from its broad and complex nutritional profile.
“Nanno. oceanica isn’t only high in the essential omega’s, it also contains over 50% protein, with 25% being essential amino acids; more than three times what you’d get from beef,” says Dr. Thomas-Hall. “It also contains eight times more iron than red meat but in a gentle, vegetarian form that’s far more sustainable.”
The nutritional diversity of this new superfood is one reason scientists are studying it as a very real contributor to longevity. Rather than relying solely on isolated supplements, whole foods like this provide complex biological compounds that work together in more nourishing ways on multiple systems throughout the body.
Feed your gut-brain
As we saw in my previous article on the gut-brain here, modern science now recognises the vital relationship that exists between gut health and complete wellbeing. Prebiotic factors, both insoluble and soluble fibres like Beta-glucan in this new superfood, nourish beneficial gut bacteria, support short-chain fatty acid production, and other naturally occurring compounds such as anti-inflammatories that improve digestive health and contribute to a healthy gut microbiome, associated with improved mood, immunity, skin, and wellbeing.
Sustainability at its core
Perhaps what makes microalgae even more extraordinary is their potential benefits that extend far beyond nutrition.
Microalgae are among Earth’s most ancient and most important life forms and are responsible for producing roughly half of the planet’s oxygen, as seen here. They absorb carbon dioxide as they grow through the process of photosynthesis and produce 50 times more protein per acre than soy does, making it a game-changer for sustainable agriculture.
The future of longevity nutrition
As longevity science advances, the focus is shifting towards more cohesive nutritional strategies that support real healthy ageing across multiple body systems.
Nutritional foods such as microalgae embody this philosophy by providing an impressive spectrum of naturally occurring compounds that researchers are discovering work together to support skin health, brain health, cardiovascular function, immune resilience, gut health, and cellular protection.
The rare combination of plant proteins, EPA omega-3, omega-7, antioxidants, prebiotics, chlorophyll, vitamins, minerals, and other healthful components of nanno. oceanica; makes it a nutritionally dense whole food ingredient very worthy of our attention.
And in a world searching for foods that benefit both people, animals and the environment, the future of beauty, brain health, longevity and sustainable nutrition may already be growing off the pristine waters of the Byron Bay region of Australia.
Find more
To purchase Nannovia™, an Australian-grown Nannochloropsis oceanica product, in supplemental form through RawOmega, visit here & here. Read more about this microalga here. Contact the growers of Australian-grown Nannochloropsis Oceanica at SeaO2 Nutrition here.
Read more from Honor Tremain
Honor Tremain, Nutritionist, Author, and Journalist
Honor Tremain is an award-winning longevity nutritionist, author, and journalist whose journey into health began with a personal crisis where, between the ages of 18 and 23, Honor was bedridden with multiple chronic illnesses & determined to reclaim her life, she completed a Diploma in Nutrition, eventually healing herself, and went on to complete a science degree. Honor opened a thriving nutrition practice in Sydney, Australia, became a columnist and feature journalist for national and international publications, and in 2015, Honor published her debut book, A Diet in Paradise. Most recently, she founded Daya Pet Food Co., a health-focused and sustainable dog food company that was proudly awarded Best Health-Conscious Dog Food Brand 2025.
References:
Brown, L. (2023). Personal interview. Adjunct Professor, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia.
Holscher, H. D. (2017). Dietary fiber and prebiotics and the gastrointestinal microbiota. Gut Microbes, 8(2), 172-184.
Mohan, S. V., Rohit, M. V., Chiranjeevi, P., Hariprasad, R., & Arora, S. (2015). Integrating microalgae cultivation with wastewater treatment for biodiesel production. In D. Das (Ed.), Algal biorefinery: An integrated approach (pp. 377-408). Springer.
Slavin, J. (2013). Fiber and prebiotics: Mechanisms and health benefits. Nutrients, 5(4), 1417-1435.
Thomas-Hall, S. (2024-2026). Personal interview. Principal Scientist, Chief Technology Officer, and microalgae expert, SeaO2 Nutrition.
Zanella, L., et al. (2020). Vitamin composition of Nannochloropsis species. (Complete journal title, volume, issue, page range, and DOI required.)
Zheng, Y., & Cantley, L. C. (2019). Toward a better understanding of folate metabolism in health and disease. Journal of Experimental Medicine, 216(2), 253-266.
Additional source:
Authors unknown. (2022). (Title required). National Center for Biotechnology Information.
