Red algae they are widely used both in the kitchen and in cosmetics. In fact, they are used as food thickeners and stabilizers, but also for the treatment of obesity and cellulite. Let's find out better.
> 1. Description of the algae
> 2. Ownership and use of red algae
> 4. Contraindications
Description of red algae
The red seaweed or Rhodophyta, from the Greek "pink plant", is a eukaryotic organism that generally lives in warm seas, but not only. Freshwater red algae species have also been identified. Among the red algae we find Chondrus crispus, and the related species, very common along the northern coasts of the Atlantic Ocean, where they form carpets in the sublittoral zone.
Red marine algae are abundant in clear tropical waters, where their red pigment, phycoerythrin, allows photosynthesis to take place deeper than green algae. These algae are reddish in color precisely due to the presence of the characteristic red pigment, mixed with bluish pigments, the phycocyanins: the combination of these colors, together with chlorophyll, generates typically red or, in other cases, purplish algae.
About 4.000 different species of red algae have been identified, considered by many scholars and special experts as bio-building organisms, for their ability to contribute to the formation of sedimentary rocks.
These algae are indeed important in coral reef formation, as they produce new material and cement other organisms together. The use of red algae, and algae in general, is particularly widespread in the East, where they are grown and are considered a gastronomic delicacy.
Properties and use of red algae
Red algae are generally used both in cooking and in cosmetics. In the kitchen as thickeners, emulsifiers, gelling agents and stabilizers. Red algae are also used as adjuvants in the treatment of obesity, overweight, cellulite and related disorders.
In cosmetics for the packaging of anti-aging creams, muds, moisturizing, elasticizing and anti cellulite. Their composition, rich in precious mineral salts that come from the sea, and of iodine, which can benefit the body from both inside and outside; they come used a lot in the thalassotherapy.
The Palmaria palmata and Porphyra species, for example, typical of the British seas, are used as food for human consumption. In particular, Palmaria has a strong and spicy taste and is dark red in color: it is used for preparation of tasty soups and soups and to enrich dressings.
It appears that algae also have some anti-stress power and regulate the production of keratin, very important for nails and hair, but also to counteract eczema and psoriasis. More and more creams, lotions and cleansers contain red algae, useful for preventing skin impurities and for giving vitality to mature skin.
It also has an effective moisturizing and protective capacity, useful against pollution and external agents. In the industrial field, the products obtained from the processing of red algae are used as car polish and in paints.
Also find out which are the enemy algae of cellulite
Benefits of red algae
The richness of algae is generally in the high quantity of precious minerals they contain, such as magnesium, calcium and potassium. Red algae are mainly composed of cellulose and have photo-synthesizing properties. In general, the cell wall of red algae is source of polysaccharides, such as agar agar, and carregenine, gelatinous substances used in food, dietetics (favor the sense of satiety and they are gods natural laxatives), industrial and cosmetic, such as gelatin or thickener.
Red algae have the property of toning and revitalizing the epidermis, especially if the skin is dry, lacking in tone, dull and tired. The red seaweed is an excellent bactericide, it also works as an anti-free radical, purifying, antioxidant and anticancer.
The other beneficial properties of the seaweed are due to the high content of minerals, such as zinc, essential oil, starches, polysaccharides, iodine and a good dose of Vitamin C, vitamins of group B and PP. The red seaweed also seems to have the property of absorbing X-rays which can harm the body and is good for the hair.
Controindicazioni
Given the iodine content, red algae is contraindicated in case of hyperthyroidism and should in any case be taken with caution even in cases of presumed impaired thyroid function.
In presence of hypertension it is advisable to consult your doctor before use and is generally contraindicated in pregnancy. Overdose can cause tremors, tachycardia, arterial hypertension, diarrhea.
Red algae among natural magnesium supplements
Other articles on red algae:
> Try the strawberry jelly recipe with red Agar-agar algae
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