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ABSTRACT:
Red algae have been used as a traditional medicine for centuries. Medical science has identified a number of complex carbohydrates with unique chemical properties. For instance, certain algal extracts have antiviral and anti-tumour properties. The high fibre content of red algae means it is also useful in improving digestion. Red algae are frequently taken as a dietary supplement, though its status as a "super-food" is uncertain since it hasn't been shown to improve normal function. Blue-green algae are used as a source of dietary protein, B-vitamins, and iron. They are also used for weight loss, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), hay fever, diabetes, stress, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and other women's health issues. Some people use blue-green algae for treating precancerous growths inside the mouth, boosting the immune system, improving memory, increasing energy and metabolism, lowering cholesterol, preventing heart disease, healing wounds, and improving digestion and bowel health.
KEYWORDS: Antioxidants, immunomodulatory, superfoods, proteins, metabolism.
INTRODUCTION:
Today's scientists are only beginning to grasp the incredible nutritional value of blue-green algae and red algae, but these superfoods have a reputation that reaches far back into history. A form of blue-green algae was consumed regularly hundreds of years ago by Aztecs. Today blue-green algae and redalgae are some of the top superfoods, providing extraordinary nutrition in a time when most food sources are of poor nutritional quality.They are natural foods that have existed since life began. Their nutritional content is broad and highly concentrated. These algae have been lab tested in vitro (glass contained specimens) or in vivo (live mammals) for many health issues often with astonishing positive results.
Red algae:
Taxonomy1
Kingdom: Plantae or Protista
Division: Rhodophyta
Class: Florideophycidae
Order: Halymeniales
Family: Halymeniaceae
Genus: Prionitis
Species: lanceolata
Description:
Phylum Rhodophyta of the kingdom protista consist of the photosynthetic organisms commonly known as red algae. Members of the division have a characteristic clear red or purplish color imparted by accessory pigments called phycobilins. In general algae can be referred to as plant-like organisms that are usually photosynthetic and aquatic, but do not have true roots, stems, leaves, vascular tissue and have simple reproductive structures. The red algae are multicellular and are characterized by a great deal of branching, but without differentiation into complex...