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Summary: In this enlightening episode of Confessions of a Male Gynecologist, Dr. Shawn Tassone sits down with Professor Isaac Berzin, a pioneer in biotechnology and sustainability, named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 most influential people. Dr. Berzin, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of VAXA Technologies, discusses his fascinating journey into the world of microalgae, the incredible nutritional benefits it offers, and its potential to revolutionize food systems while addressing sustainability concerns.

From his groundbreaking work at MIT with NASA to his current efforts at VAXA, Dr. Berzin explains how microalgae is a game-changer for human nutrition, offering a nutrient-dense, sustainable food source. The conversation covers topics like Omega-3s, Vitamin B12, bioavailability of plant-based iron, and how these nutrients are crucial, especially for women. They also dive into the innovative methods VAXA uses to grow algae efficiently while maintaining high nutritional standards.

Dr. Berzin and Dr. Tassone further explore how Orlo Nutrition’s algae-based products are unique, boasting sustainable production and a carbon-neutral footprint. They discuss the challenges of making algae-based products more palatable, the importance of personalized nutrition, and the future of algae in the food industry.

Key Topics Discussed:

  • Dr. Isaac Berzin’s background and how he became an innovator in biotechnology and microalgae research.
  • The potential of microalgae as a sustainable and nutrient-rich food source.
  • The challenges of producing algae at scale, and how VAXA’s technology solves issues like unpleasant taste and inconsistent quality.
  • The importance of Omega-3s, B12, and iron, particularly for women’s health.
  • Orlo Nutrition’s algae-based products and how they are sustainably produced with minimal environmental impact.
  • The future of food technology, sustainability, and the broader implications of algae in nutrition.

Notable Quotes:

  • "Microalgae are world champions in photosynthesis—100% nutrition, no waste."
  • "Iron in spirulina is 6.5 times more bioavailable than in beef."
  • "We measure sustainability in three dimensions: carbon footprint, water use, and land use."

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Connect with Dr. Isaac Berzin:

Watch the podcast here

    Episode Highlights:

    • [00:00:00] Introduction to the podcast and guest, Dr. Isaac Berzin.
    • [00:01:30] Dr. Berzin discusses his inclusion in TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People list.
    • [00:02:15] Dr. Berzin’s groundbreaking research at MIT and his discovery of the potential of microalgae.
    • [00:04:12] Exploring the nutritional value of microalgae, including its high concentration of Omega-3s, iron, and B12.
    • [00:11:19] Why women, in particular, can benefit from supplementing with microalgae-based products.
    • [00:27:55] How Orlo’s algae products are sustainable and different from conventional supplements.
    • [00:34:16] The future of algae production and sustainability at Orlo’s Iceland facility.

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