Marine Algae Profile

Red, Green, Brown Marine Algae, Control, and Ecosystem Management Profiles

Marine algae, or seaweeds, are the oldest members of the plant kingdom, extending back many hundreds of millions of years. They have little tissue differentiation, no true vascular tissue, no roots, stems, or leaves, and no flowers. Algae range in size from microscopic individual cells to huge plants more than 100 feet long. Though the flora is continuous along the coast, an abrupt change in overall species composition occurs at Point Conception, where nutrient-rich northern currents meet warmer southern ones.

Red Marine Algae's medicinal properties are thought to enhance the immune system's regulatory response, indicating that it functions as an immuno-modulatory/antiviral agent.

Red marine algae has been used by people as a food staple for thousands of years. In the Chinese Materia Medica, a volume dating back to 600 B.C., we find the following statement, "Some algae are a delicacy fit for the most honorable guest, even for the king himself." In China, Japan, and the Indo-Pacific region, several dozen species of Red Algae are used commercially.

• It is a complete protein with all the essential amino acids—unlike most plant foods.
• It has a high functional carbohydrate content.
• It contains an extensive fatty acid profile, including Omega 3 and Omega 6 lipids.
• It features an abundance of vitamins, minerals, and trace elements in a naturally occurring synergistic design.