What is Euglena?

Euglena (Japanese name: Midorimushi) is a microalgae that has both plant and animal characteristics and was born on the ancient earth about 500 million years ago. It is known that it has survived since ancient times by photosynthesis. Euglena is said to be a superfood that contains 59 types of nutrients. Let's take a look at Euglena, which is said to help maintain sustainable health for humans.

The results of many studies suggest that consuming Euglena may help improve lifestyle-related diseases and boost immunity. Euglena contains 13 vitamins, 19 amino acids, 9 minerals, 12 unsaturated fatty acids, and a unique component called paramylon that acts similarly to dietary fiber. It also contains five other nutrients, including lutein, zeaxanthin, chlorophyll, spermidine, and putrescine, for a total of 59 nutrients. It is also known that Euglena is easily digested and absorbed because it has no cell walls.

On the other hand, it also has the rare ability to "have high photosynthetic ability and grow in an environment with a CO2 concentration about 1000 times that of the atmosphere." This means that it could play a leading role in the future environmental conservation "sustainable" society.

Paramylum is a polysaccharide (β-1,3-glucan) found only in the Euglena genus. It acts directly on human intestinal cells to inhibit cellular oxidation and activate immune cells, which is said to help maintain and promote health. This is why it is expected to be effective in preventing many lifestyle-related diseases. It has been suggested that continued intake of paramylum may improve the immune balance adjustment function and alleviate influenza symptoms.

Euglena Co., Ltd.'s Initiatives

Euglena Co. has set a corporate philosophy of "Sustainability First" to "make people and the planet healthy," and is working to address social issues such as food problems and environmental problems through its business as a corporate group, aiming to create a sustainable society. Specifically, the company is working on a global scale in areas such as the "healthcare business," the "biofuel business" to protect the future environment, and "social business" to solve nutritional problems in developing countries.

Three business operations

Euglena research and development

Promoting cutting-edge biotechnology with sustainability at its core, we contribute to people and the earth. We are conducting research and development every day to utilize the excellent properties and functionality of Euglena to improve obesity, support healthy lifespan, improve mental health scores, manufacture and sale of cosmetics, and other areas where Euglena has high efficacy. In 2005, Euglena Co., Ltd. became the first in the world to succeed in 'mass cultivation outdoors for edible purposes'.

Healthcare Business

Euglena contains not only the vitamins and minerals found in vegetables, but also 59 types of nutrients, including DHA and EPA found in fish, and unsaturated fatty acids that are difficult to consume in everyday life. Therefore, by making full use of the efficacy of Euglena, we are continuing our research with the aim of creating a society where everyone on the planet can live healthy lives without nutritional imbalance. Since health is directly linked to beauty, we offer cosmetics, anti-aging products, inner beauty supplements, drinks, and other products that support a healthy lifespan and suggest ways to live a healthy, powerful, and beautiful life.

Energy and Environment Business

It is known that Euglena can produce more oil in its body depending on the cultivation method. If the Euglena biofuel produced in this way can be used as fuel for buses and aircraft, the sustainable society we aim for will not be a dream. Euglena Co., Ltd. actually produces its biofuel "Susteo" (made from used cooking oil (waste cooking oil) and algae such as Euglena). In 2018, a biofuel production demonstration plant was completed in Yokohama City, and next-generation biodiesel fuel was completed in March 2020. It has also been introduced to Kawasaki Tsurumi Rinko Bus (land) and Yaeyama Tourist Ferry (sea), and in June 2021, it was successfully flown (in the sky) by the HondaJet Elite, a private jet flight inspection aircraft owned and operated by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. The hope that future vehicles will minimize air pollution as much as possible is becoming a reality.

Ishigaki Island Euglena Garden

Euglena and the blessings of Yaeyama keep your mind and body healthy

This cafe Restaurant is located next to the Euglena Mall, an arcade shopping street in the main area of Ishigaki Island. You can enjoy delicious, healthy dishes and sweets made with Ishigaki Island Euglena, as well as locally produced dishes using Yaeyama ingredients such as Yaeyama Gori beef, Agu pork, and seasonal island vegetables.
The interior of the store is a natural and modern space with green accents throughout, accented with the green color of Euglena. Euglena powder sticks and tablets are also sold, making it convenient for those who want to incorporate it into their daily lives.

Original and locally produced menu

The hamburger steak, made with the native Ryukyu Agu pork, Japanese beef, and island tofu from Ishigaki Island's famous Tofu no Higa restaurant, is a mouthwatering dish that is fluffy and full of meaty flavor. The salad in the set is served with a dressing made with Ishigaki Island euglena.

"Yaeyama Gori Beef" is a branded beef produced by Japan's first calf farm. The roast beef is a masterpiece with a delicate texture, rich flavor, and the aroma of charcoal grilling.

For sweets, the restaurant is known for its smooth, melt-in-your-mouth soft-serve ice cream, made in a server by Italian manufacturer Carpigiani, and it can also be enjoyed as a float.

Ishigaki Island Euglena Garden

• https://www.instagram.com/ishigaki_euglena_garden/
• 270-2 Okawa, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture MAP
• Approximately 8 minutes walk from Ishigaki Port Remote Island Terminal
• 9:00-17:00 (Morning 9:00-11:00, Lunch 11:00-)
• Irregular holidays
• 0980-87-5711
• None