What is Euglena?

Euglena (Japanese name: Midori Mushi) is a microalgae that has both animal and plant characteristics that was born on the ancient earth about 500 million years ago. It is known to have survived since far back in time through photosynthesis. That Euglena is called a superfood with 59 kinds of nutrients. Let's unpack here the euglena that claims to maintain sustainable health for people.

The results of many studies suggest that people may be able to improve lifestyle-related diseases and enhance immunity by consuming euglena. Euglena contains 13 vitamins, 19 amino acids, 9 minerals, 12 unsaturated fatty acids, and the unique ingredient paramylon, which functions similarly to dietary fiber, as well as lutein, zeaxanthin, chlorophyll, spermidine, and putrescine. In addition, it is also known to be easily digested and absorbed due to its lack of cell walls.

On the other hand, it also has the rare ability to grow in an environment with a high photosynthetic capacity and a CO2 concentration that is approximately 1,000 times higher than that of the atmosphere. This could play a leading role in future environmental measures for a "sustainable" society.

Paramylon is a polysaccharide (β-1,3-glucan) that only the Euglena genus has in its body. It is said to work directly on human intestinal cells to inhibit cell oxidation and activate immune cells while maintaining and improving health. This is the reason why it is expected to be effective in preventing many lifestyle-related diseases. It has been suggested that continuous intake of paramylon may improve the function of adjusting immune balance and alleviate flu symptoms.

Initiatives of Euglena Co.

Euglena Co., Ltd. has adopted the corporate philosophy of "Sustainability First" in order to "make people and the Earth healthier," and aims to achieve a sustainable society by addressing social issues such as food and environmental problems through its business activities as a corporate group. Specifically, we are working on a global scale in our "healthcare business," our "biofuel business," an energy source that protects the future environment, and our "social business," which solves nutritional problems in developing countries.

Three Business Activities

Euglena research and development

To contribute to people and the earth by promoting state-of-the-art biotechnology with sustainability at its core. In 2005, Euglena Co. In 2005, Euglena Co., Ltd. succeeded in the world's first outdoor mass cultivation of edible euglena.

Health Care Business

Euglena contains 59 kinds of nutrients, including vitamins and minerals found in vegetables, as well as DHA and EPA found in fish, and unsaturated fatty acids that are difficult to obtain in daily life. Therefore, we are continuing our research to fully utilize the benefits of euglena, aiming to create a society in which all people on earth can live healthy lives without unbalanced nutrition. Since health is directly related to beauty, we offer cosmetics, anti-aging products, inner beauty supplements, drinks, and other products that support a healthy life span and propose healthy, powerful, and beautiful living.

Energy and Environment Business

Euglena is known to produce more oil in the body depending on the cultivation method. If the euglena biofuel produced in this way can be used as fuel for buses and airplanes, the sustainable society we are aiming for is not just a dream. In fact, Euglena's biofuel "Susteo" (made from used cooking oil (waste cooking oil) and algae such as Euglena) is produced. 2018 saw the completion of a biofuel production demonstration plant in Yokohama, and next-generation biodiesel fuel will be completed in March 2020. It has been introduced to the Kawasaki-Tsurumi Rinko Bus (land) and Yaeyama Kanko Ferry (sea), and in June 2021, it was successfully flown (in the sky) by the HondaJet Elite, a private jet owned and operated by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism for flight inspection. 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 for Healthy Mind and Body

The café-restaurant is adjacent to the Euglena Mall, an arcade shopping street in the main area of Ishigaki Island. You can enjoy delicious and physically pleasing dishes and sweets using Ishigaki Island Euglena, as well as a locally produced and consumed menu incorporating Yaeyama ingredients such as "Yaeyama Gosato Beef," "Agu Pork," and seasonal island vegetables.
The interior of the restaurant is a natural modern space accented with the green color of Euglena and greenery in various places. Euglena powder sticks and tablets are also available for those who want to incorporate Euglena in their daily lives.

Locally produced and locally consumed menu full of originality

The hamburger steak, a combination of Ryukyuan native "Agu pork," Wagyu beef, and island tofu from the famous Ishigaki Island restaurant "Tofu no Higa," is a mouth-watering dish with a fluffy texture followed by the delicious flavor of meat. The set salad is served with Ishigaki Island Euglena dressing.

Yaeyama Gori Beef" is a brand of beef produced by Japan's first calf farmers. The roast beef is a gem with a fine texture, rich flavor, and a wonderful aroma from the charcoal grill.

As for sweets, the smooth, melt-in-your-mouth soft ice cream made with servers from the Italian manufacturer Carpigiani is well known and can be enjoyed as a float.

Ishigaki Island Euglena Garden

• 270-2 Aza-Ohkawa, Ishigaki City, Okinawa MAP
• 8 min. walk from Ishigaki Port Terminal
• 9:00-17:00 (Morning 9:00-11:00, Lunch 11:00-)
• Closed on weekends and holidays
• 0980-87-5711
• None