The Longevity Superfood No One Is Talking About (And Why Women Need It)

What if one of the most overlooked longevity tools for women has been hiding in plain sight for billions of years? In this episode of the Biohackher podcast, Azra sits down with algae expert and founder of EnergyBits, Catharine Arnston, to unpack the science behind spirulina and chlorella — and why these tiny green tablets might be one of the most underrated tools for women's energy, brain health, muscle preservation and healthy ageing. If you're in perimenopause or menopause, struggling with fatigue, brain fog, cravings, poor recovery or stubborn energy crashes, this episode explores the cellular and mitochondrial reasons why — and whether algae could be the missing link. Catharine explains why women over 40 experience a "perfect storm" of mitochondrial decline, how hormones impact cellular energy, and why nutrients like chlorophyll, protein and antioxidants may matter more than ever for longevity. You'll also hear the science behind why spirulina and chlorella have been studied for everything from metabolic health and inflammation to detoxification, sleep, muscle maintenance and cardiometabolic health. We cover: Why Catharine calls algae the "first biohack on earth" The surprising reason women lose energy in midlife What mitochondria actually do — and why they matter for longevity The menopause–mitochondria connection Why women experience more brain fog, fatigue and cognitive decline Spirulina vs chlorella: what's the difference? How algae may support energy, focus and blood sugar stability The role of algae in muscle preservation and healthy ageing Why protein becomes increasingly important for women in midlife The science behind chlorophyll and cellular health Could algae help support detoxification and toxin burden? Mold, heavy metals and environmental toxins — what the research says Why sleep, recovery and bowel health matter for longevity How Catharine personally uses spirulina and chlorella daily Whether algae can support cardiometabolic health and healthy ageing Why some professional athletes use spirulina and chlorella for performance and recovery About Catharine Arnston Catharine Arnston is the founder and CEO of EnergyBits and one of the leading educators in algae nutrition. After her sister was diagnosed with breast cancer, Catharine began researching alkaline nutrition and discovered spirulina and chlorella — a discovery that changed the direction of her life. Since then, she has spent more than 17 years researching algae, speaking on its benefits and helping translate the science into practical health strategies. Connect with Catharine Website: https://energybits.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/energybits/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ENERGYbits/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/energybits    HELP US SPREAD THE WORD! If you found this conversation valuable, interesting or inspiring I'd love you to share the pod and leave a review! Great reviews will help me to continue to bring you interviews with experts in longevity, and health and wellness. I would be so grateful if you could take a few minutes to submit a review on the podcast platform you listen from. WANT TO LEARN MORE? If you're keen to get started on your biohacking journey to optimise your health and live well longer please join me on my socials:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biohackher_official Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/people/Biohackher  Website: www.biohack-her.com  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@biohackherpodcast