Red Marine Algae Help, Cold Sores And Your Skins Health

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by: MarkMilton
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Word Count: 505
Date: Sat, 9 Apr 2011 Time: 1:21 AM
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Red marine algae are among the oldest of all multicellular algae, which as their name suggests, red in color. They are a group of marine species that has been an important source of food for human beings since time immemorial. Several species of red algae have seen quite a presence in both European and Eastern cuisines throughout history. Present-day products include jelly extracts that are used as ingredients in many popular desserts. Also, dietary supplements and medicinal preparations containing red marine algae are becoming increasingly widespread in treatment of viral infections such as cold sores.

Coastal communities have always incorporated certain species of red marine algae into their diet, notably the biggest ones in the form of seaweeds that include Palmaria palmate, Porphyra laciniata, Porphyra umbilicalis, and Chondrus crispus among others. These species have been extensively used as an additive in the food industry and highly valued for their gelatinous properties, as is evident in red algae products like agar and carrageenans. Vegetarians and vegans in particular prefer gelatins from red marine algae to other plant-based gelatin products because of the nutrients they contain.

Contains High Levels of Sulfated Polysaccharides

It has long been postulated that sulfated polysaccharides play a role in human health. There have been a number of studies that associate these chemical compounds to the prevention of many different diseases and alleviation of virus-induced infections. Sulfated polysaccharides, whether organic or synthetic, have been shown to influence blood coagulation and tumor growth in a positive way. In the past few years, many species of red marine algae have been identified to contain natural forms of sulfated polysaccharides. This discovery spurred a series of studies in an effort to provide an effective treatment for cold sores and other infections brought on by the herpes simplex virus, or HSV.

Inhibits Replication of Herpes Simplex Virus

Fucoidan and carrageenan are the primary sulfated polysaccharides found in red marine algae and is the subject of antivirus studies that are well underway. While there has been no known long-term relief for herpes infections, researchers believe that these two sulfated polysaccharides may cut short the duration of cold sores, herpetic whitlow, genital herpes, and other herpes outbreaks. Fucoidan has been mentioned in several researches that aim to quantify its inhibitory effects on HSV replication. Carrageenan, also spelled as carrageenin, is a known microbicide and is commonly used as a topical application, such as lubricants formulated to reduce transmission of viruses during sexual intercourse.

Strengthens Antibodies and Immune Responses

Red marine algae have also been linked to an increase in white blood cells, especially neutrophil granulocytes, which are the most abundant of all leukocytes in the employ of the immune system against infectious diseases and potential pathogens. Herpes simplex virus is likely to encounter neutrophils first, and metabolites of red marine algae contribute to the success of this first line of defense against cold sores and other herpes outbreaks.

About the Author

If you experience Cold Sores or Herpes breakouts regularly, give Red Marine Algae a try and see if it helps prevent the painful occurrences of this dreadful virus. http://herpes-outbreak.us/