Algae, thanks to a large number of nutrients and easy digestibility, have long been used by man not only for food, but also for cosmetic procedures. One of the most useful sea herbs are red algae. In Russia, red alga, or crimson, is common in the cold seas - Barents and White. In Japan, except for the natural environment, they are specially cultivated for further use. There are about a thousand species of red seaweed, and porphyry and rhodium are very popular.
Useful substances in red algae
In its composition, red algae contain a large amount of protein and minerals:
- selenium;
- manganese;
- calcium;
- phosphorus;
- iodine;
- linoleic acid;
- lecithin;
- iron;
- carotene;
- vitamins A, B, C, D, E.
Such a composition imparts crimson anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Medicinal properties of red algae
Scientific research in recent years has noted that drugs based on these algae have a powerful curative and preventive effect. It is the red algae attributed to the low percentage of breast cancer in Japanese women, because of their abundance in the diet (up to 25%).
The intake of red algae in food increases the antioxidant status, which allows using it for the prevention of cancer of the lungs, stomach, brain.
Sulfatrirovannye carbohydrates, which are part of the alga, helps to reduce the development of the human immunodeficiency virus. Also, red algae is used to produce an extract used in the complex therapy of AIDS patients.
The intake of red seaweed extract enriches the body with the necessary substances, which increases the immunity, accelerates the healing of fractures, wounds, stimulates the restoration of cartilaginous tissue. Regular use of scarlet:
- reduces the level of nicotine in the blood during smoking;
- increases the effectiveness of treatment for cataract and other ophthalmic diseases;
- slows down aging.
In childhood, the intake of red alga extract helps to strengthen bone tissue and increase resistance to infectious diseases.
Application of red algae in cooking
Red algae are actively used in food by the inhabitants of Asia. The most famous application of algae in dried form is the nori sheets for roll and sushi. In addition, they are added to soups and desserts (rice balls and cakes). In England and Ireland, they are used as a side dish, pre-boiled and then fried.
Also from red algae Gelidium amansii are made agar-agar - gelling products, which has the same useful properties as the alga itself. Agar-agar is actively used in the food industry for the preparation of soufflé, marmalade, jellied dishes, marshmallow, etc.
In folk medicine, this substance from red algae is used as an easy laxative. A regular consumption of dishes cooked with agar-agar:
- help clean the intestines ;
- normalizes the acidity of the stomach;
- will help reduce cholesterol in the blood.
Application of red algae in cosmetology
The ability to slow down aging made red alga irreplaceable in cosmetology. Many cosmetic companies add it to their anti-aging products.
Seaweed wraps are very popular. They actively moisturize the skin, stimulate the production of collagen, and remove inflammatory manifestations. Regular use of algae as wrapping or masks:
- allow the skin to return elasticity;
- will strengthen the regeneration of epidermal cells;
- will effect the lifting.