Put these 2 in your space omelette

Space radiation rages an ongoing threat against our cells. Especially on long term missions. 

But another nutrient comes to mind that heals cells.

That is, of course, Omega-3 fatty acids. And here’s a few reasons why:

Benefits

• Better cardiovascular health

• Reduced risk of some cancers

• Lower risk of vision loss

• Controlled inflammation

• Improved immune system

Those fatty acids allow white blood cells and platelets to form. Those pretty much are your immune system.

Some go after pathogens. Others repair injuries.

The biggest reason though?

Omega-3s build and fortify your cell walls.

The cell walls keep the right things inside and the wrong things out. If they’re damaged they can’t do that.

And what does space radiation damage?…

It’s notorious for destroying cells causing chronic and degenerative diseases.

What we’ll eat

It’s commonly associated with fish. But I don’t foresee an abundance of fish in space.

Nuts and seeds are usually the way to go.

• Flax seeds

• Chia seeds

• Walnuts

• Etc.

But tiny seeds run the risk of getting into equipment and ventilation systems.

(Did you know they don’t use salt and pepper in ground form on the International Space Station?)

So…

The two heroes that I think will make it big in space are… spinach and algae.

Spinach will thrive in the self-contained farming systems that will be on stations and ships. It packs plenty of nutrients in the small space it takes. And the yield is high.

It even regrows after cutting.

Algae (think seaweed) is famed for its health benefits. Just take a look at its use in Japanese cuisine.

There’s even micro-algae.

It’s often dried into powders. From there you can add them to anything from smoothies to omelettes.

Powders in space ain’t the brightest idea. But purees and gels would do the trick.

Both of these are good sources of Omega-3 fatty acids. And both are quite versatile on menus.

I can already picture a spinach and algae space frittata cooking at low temperature in a sous-vide bag with an immersion circulator.

Delish.

TL;DR

Omega-3 fatty acids will be important for cellular health in space.

Given the constraints, I imagine greens like spinach and micro-algae will be popular on the menu.