The Newest Superfood & 5 Reasons to Make It Part of Yours & Your Pet’s Diet
- Brainz Magazine
- Jul 9, 2025
- 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.
Amidst a booming global demand for high-quality, health-conscious food for both humans and pets, an ancient yet sophisticated new food is making waves, and it's all happening on the East Coast of Australia. From the pristine waters of the Byron Bay-Ballina region, a microscopic powerhouse is being hailed as the new face of nutrition, longevity, and sustainability.
It’s not kale, it’s not quinoa; “It’s the newest superfood, yet it’s also the oldest species on earth; the first species in fact!” States Professor Lindsay Brown, Adjunct Professor at Griffith University, QLD, Australia. And they may be one of the most important biological allies we’re yet to fully embrace.
I’m talking about microalgae.
These tiny single-celled organisms are essentially the very beginning of the marine food chain, and coupled with bacteria, form the base of all food webs. They’re found in varying water environments from fresh to super salty, and they convert sunlight into energy using green pigments such as chlorophyll. And currently, a unique species; Nannochloropsis Oceanica is being grown at a world-class eco-facility, thanks to a new Australian biotech company SeaO2 Nanno, and the results are catching the attention of leading scientists, veterinarians, environmentalists and forward-thinking pet food companies, such as Daya Pet Food Co., Winning Best Health-Conscious Dog Food Brand for 2025 in Australia.
What makes this ancient lifeform the most exciting and newest superfood?
Nannochloropsis microalgae isn’t just another green powder; it’s a nutrient-dense, protein and Omega-3-rich, disease-fighting, planet-healing super-wholefood.
And that’s just the beginning.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the reasons why you (and your pet) should be using this waterborne superfood every day.
1. Chronic disease is skyrocketing, and food is the cure
Chronic disease is now the leading cause of death and disability worldwide, accounting for around 90% of all mortalities, which includes asthma, anxiety, depression, pancreatitis, arthritis, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and other age-related conditions. And they are all directly related to diet and lifestyle.
The Journal of Internal Medicine states that 11 million premature deaths and 255 million disabilities per year are due to a suboptimal diet, processed/trans fats, excessive salts, sugars, inactivity, and a global Omega-3 deficiency.
And it’s not just humans who are suffering. Our pets are too.
Veterinary expert Dr. Marty Goldstein, DVM, notes that:
“Back in the 1970s, cancer in dogs was rare and usually occurred in old age. Today, one in two dogs will develop cancer at any age.”
Which seems to be reflective of the modern diet; often a base of low-grade, processed ingredients, filled with additives, preservatives, chemical residues, and even sawdust! Yes, recent audits into the pet food industry found sawdust to be a concerning addition to some off-the-shelf and vet-approved brands, hiding under the name of cellulose.
The combination of these nutrient-void, chemical, and calorie-laden foods for both humans and animals is what’s driving this health crisis. But the exciting news is:
Food used in the right way is also the most powerful weapon we have!
2. Microalgae: A natural inflammation fighter
In the last decade, scientists have affirmed two things: that diets high in wholefoods, particularly colourful vegetables, fruits, fibre, antioxidants, raw nuts, and Omega-3s, significantly reduce inflammation markers and the risk of disease. And inflammation, fuelled by poor diet and lifestyle, is now recognized as the underpinning cause of nearly all chronic diseases, from cancer to arthritis to dementia to obesity, and the list continues; inflammation is there for all of it.
“Inflammation" comes from the Latin root word inflammare, which means “to set on fire”. And what we eat either fuels or fights this fire. See journal study.
“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 SeaO2 Nanno, whose new microalgae, Nannochloropsis Oceanica, just happens to be a fierce anti-inflammatory firefighter.
“The abundance of beneficial nutrients in our Nannochloropsis offers significant potential to enhance individual health by modulating inflammation at the cellular level. These nutrients may 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 pain
Increased vitality
Longer, healthier lifespan
Less disease
Better mental clarity
Glowing skin, hair, and coats
3. Game-changer: Plant-based proteins
Protein is essential; it’s what your cells are made of. But not all protein is created equal.
Animal protein, especially in excessive amounts, is increasingly linked to accelerated aging, inflammation, and disease. Studies from Cell Metabolism and anecdotal evidence seen across The Blue Zones show that the longest-living populations, like the Okinawans and Sardinians, consume very little animal protein, focusing instead on high-quality plant-based protein sources.
Enter: Microalgae
“Our microalgae contain over 50% protein, with 25% being essential amino acids which is 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.”
And because it's grown in clean, contained environments, it's also free from hormones, antibiotics, environmental contaminants, GMOs, and is vegan, and renewable.
Even better? This microalga produces up to 50 times more protein per acre than soy does, making it a game-changer for sustainable agriculture.
4. Omega-3 & 7: Nature’s anti-aging elixirs
The next big thing about this microalgae is its unique Omega-3s.
“Not many people see Omega-3 fatty acids as being essential. But they should,” says Professor Lindsay Brown, Adjunct Professor at Griffith University, QLD, Australia.
Omega-3s are vital for heart, brain, joint, skin, immune, and eye health, yet over 80% of the global population is deficient in them, including our pets.
“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.” Dr. Skye Thomas-Hall. And the reason fish oil supplements are so beneficial is. But here’s the kicker:
Fish don’t make the Omega-3s found within fish oil. The Omega-3s come from the microalgae they eat! See longevity study.
SeaO2’s Nannochloropsis microalgae provides a unique, high-quality, pure, vegan, bioavailable EPA, that’s fish-free, mercury-free, and a sustainable alternative to fish oil, ideal for humans and pets alike.
And the benefits go beyond Omega-3.
This microalga is also rich in Omega-7, a lesser-known but highly beneficial fatty acid, amazing for:
Skin health and hydration
Brain and nerve regeneration
Insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation
Cardiovascular health
5. Antioxidants & phytonutrients for vibrant health
Antioxidants are the unsung heroes of health. They reduce inflammation, slow aging, and protect every cell in your body from potential damage and disease by disabling free radicals.
Nannochloropsis just so happens to be loaded with these and more:
Zeaxanthin and violaxanthin are two powerful carotenoid antioxidants that support eye health, brain function, and skin regeneration.
Mixed tocopherols (Vitamin E) are antioxidants crucial for immune support, skin, hair, and cellular health.
Beta-glucans, a prebiotic fibre, are known for lowering cholesterol, immune-boosting, and anti-cancer activity.
Bioavailable Vitamin B12, Iron, and Vitamin D, in a unique plant-based form- perfect for vegans and vegetarians.
Chlorophyll; an amazing green pigment for detoxifying & minimizing odours (yes, even for your dog’s breath, skin and farts!)
Combined, all these vital nutrients go straight into tissues, nourishing the skin, hair, eyes, joints, heart, brain, and body.
And the result? Shinier hair, vibrant skin, better energy, improved digestion, less inflammation, pain, disease, slower aging, and a far healthier, happier person and pet.
The future of this new longevity superfood
Top nutritionists, scientists, and pet food brands like Daya Pet Food Co. have been collaborating directly with the founders at SeaO2 Nanno to bring these extraordinary microalgae to the world as one of the newest health, beauty, and longevity products for both humans and pets.
“Our mission extends beyond delivering exceptional nutrition,” says Gian Minns, Co-Founder of Seao2 Nanno & advisor to Daya Pet Food Co. “We aim to help place Australia at the forefront of the global superfood movement; for the planet, for our pets, and for future generations.”
Try it today
Explore our Nanno microalgae range or contact us for details here.
Explore Nanno microalgae enriched pet food or email us for more details at honnutrition@hotmail.com, free shipping until next week!
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.
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