DR. CATHARINE ARNSTON

Unlocking the Power of Algae for Women’s Health and Longevity

COURTNEY MCGEE

2025

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Dr. Catharine Arnston, Founder, CEO, and Chief Scientific Officer of ENERGYbits Inc., has spent the last 15 years championing the power of algae as one of the most nutrient-dense superfoods on the planet. Arnston sat down with TereZa Hakobyan-Lolli and Anthony Lolli, Editors-in-Chief of longevity and wellness platform Biohack Yourself, for an interview for the influential upcoming women’s health documentary, “sHEALed,” to exclusively share her journey, insights into the benefits of spirulina and chlorella, and how these microalgae can transform women’s health at every stage of life.

The sHEALed Documentary is the sister documentary to Biohack Yourself, which became a massive success after exploding on the scene in December 2024 and ignited a firestorm of interest in information focused on health and longevity. Biohack Yourself features 114 prominent and respected high-profile politicians, doctors, bestselling authors, Ph.D.s, M.D.s, scientists, chemists, inventors, biotech investors, and world-renowned academics. Stemming from the success of Biohack Yourself, TereZa Hakobyan-Lolli and Anthony Lolli have grown Biohack Yourself Media to become the number one resource for health news, publishing over 500 articles ranging from breaking news to peer reviewed content.

A Personal Journey Turned Global Mission

Dr. Arnston’s journey into the world of algae began with a family crisis. "My younger sister was diagnosed with breast cancer, and her oncologist recommended she switch to an alkaline diet," she recalled. "As I researched what that meant, I discovered algae—the most alkaline and nutrient-dense food on Earth."

The deeper she dug, the more she realized that algae had been extensively studied for its health benefits, yet remained largely unknown to the general public. "There are over 100,000 studies on spirulina and chlorella documenting their benefits for brain health, energy, detoxification, and longevity," she explained. "I knew I had to bring this knowledge to the world."

Earning Credibility: The PhD That Changed Everything

Despite her years of self-directed research, Arnston felt that having a PhD would give her greater credibility. "I had the knowledge, but in some circles, people only take you seriously if you have the title. So three years ago, I began working on my PhD in Natural Health," she shared. "At nearly 70, I feel sharper than ever, and I credit that to daily algae consumption."

Arnston sees herself as a bridge between complex scientific research and everyday consumers. "Scientists aren’t always great communicators. My mission is to translate their findings into practical knowledge that people can use to improve their health."

The Superpowers of Spirulina and Chlorella

Spirulina and chlorella are the two main types of algae used for health purposes. Arnston broke down their unique benefits:

Spirulina (ENERGYbits & BEAUTYbits): Known as the “nutritional powerhouse,” spirulina is rich in protein, B vitamins, and essential fatty acids. "It provides instant energy, improves brain function, and supports muscle growth," she explained. "It’s like nature’s multivitamin, but better."
Chlorella (RECOVERYbits): The ultimate detoxifier, chlorella is packed with chlorophyll and binds to heavy metals, toxins, and environmental pollutants. "It helps remove everything from pesticides to alcohol and even radiation from the body," she said. "If spirulina is your nutritional insurance, chlorella is your health insurance."

Why Women Need Algae More Than Ever

According to Arnston, women face unique health challenges that make algae consumption even more critical:

Hormonal Decline & Menopause: "Estrogen protects mitochondria, the energy-producing powerhouses of cells," she explained. "As estrogen declines, mitochondria weaken, leading to fatigue, brain fog, and metabolic slowdown. Spirulina provides superoxide dismutase (SOD), an antioxidant that protects mitochondria—essentially replacing the lost protection of estrogen."
Bone Health & Osteoporosis: "85% of osteoporosis cases are in women," Arnston pointed out. "Algae contains the highest concentration of plant-based calcium and minerals, which strengthen bones better than traditional calcium supplements."
Cognitive Function & Alzheimer’s Prevention: "Women are twice as likely as men to develop Alzheimer’s. Spirulina’s neuroprotective antioxidants, especially SOD, can help slow cognitive decline and even reverse early-stage memory loss."

Breast Cancer Prevention: "Spirulina contains a blue pigment called phycocyanin, which has been shown to kill cancer cells. Some chemotherapy drugs are now incorporating phycocyanin for its potent anti-cancer properties."

Algae for Every Life Stage

From childhood to old age, Arnston believes algae should be a staple in everyone’s diet:

Children & Teens: "Our food is so nutrient-depleted that even organic diets often lack essential vitamins and minerals. Spirulina fills in those gaps and supports brain development."
Young Women (20s-40s): "Spirulina supports hormonal balance, energy production, and skin health, while chlorella helps with detoxification and immunity."
Perimenopause & Menopause (40s-60s): "Women need extra mitochondrial support as estrogen declines. Spirulina helps combat fatigue and cognitive decline, while chlorella detoxifies excess estrogen to prevent hormonal imbalances."
Seniors (60s+): "Algae protects against neurodegenerative diseases, supports bone health, and provides the protein needed to maintain muscle mass."

The Simplest Superfood: Easy Integration into Daily Life

Unlike traditional supplements, algae is food. "You don’t have to mix it, blend it, or cook it. Just swallow a few tablets, and you’re done," Arnston said.

For general health, she recommends 10 tablets daily, but for therapeutic benefits, 30 tablets per day are ideal. "That’s only 30 calories and provides more nutrition than an entire plate of vegetables."

Debunking Myths & Looking to the Future

One of the biggest misconceptions Arnston encounters is the fear of supplementing with estrogen. "The Women’s Health Initiative study that scared women away from hormone replacement therapy has been largely debunked. The right kind of hormone therapy can be lifesaving."

She also hopes to see more functional foods in schools and hospitals. "We need to get rid of ultra-processed foods that are making people sick. Algae should be as common as a bag of spinach."

Flipping the Script on Aging

Arnston’s final message is one of empowerment. "Women have been conditioned to believe that aging means declining. That’s not true. You just need to give your body what it needs," she said.

"Take charge of your health. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Prevention is key, and algae is one of the simplest, most effective tools we have."

At nearly 70, Arnston is living proof of her message. "No Botox, no medications—just algae, sleep, and movement. If I can do it, so can you!"

Check here for information about the upcoming spring 2025 edition Biohack Yourself Magazine, where the team at Biohack Yourself Media dives deeper into their insights on biohacking, longevity and cutting-edge wellness strategies. Biohack Yourself Magazine is the first peer-reviewed longevity publication with international distribution across the U.S. and Canada, bringing science-backed health optimization, functional medicine and performance-driven breakthroughs to a broader audience. Pick up a copy at major retailers, including Barber & Noble, Books-A-Million, Publix, Kroger, Indigo/Chapters, and select fitness gyms and pharmacies.