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Microalgae – Secret to Strong Immunity by Celebrities
The trend towards microalgae-based foods has been spreading since the last decade. The reason is that such products are loved and promoted by many celebrities worldwide. In 2018, frontiers published a mini-review on “Trends in Microalgae Incorporation Into Innovative Food Products With Potential Health Benefits.” In this report, Martin P. Caporgno and Alexander Mathys discussed the importance of microalgae for food and nutrition security. They also highlighted their potential health benefits.
To discuss from the immunity perspective, understanding the human immune system is essential. Immunity is the inner strength of a person’s body to fight against disease or disease-developing conditions. Scientifically various immunity-specific (inner cellular) and nonspecific (physical) components plan and execute resistance power. They help the biological system recognize, avoid, and fight against a foreign entity. These immunity-specific and nonspecific components are essential to determine how strong is the immune power of that person.
How immunity is developed?
The origin of immunity development determines two basic types of immunities – Innate and Adaptive immunity. Innate immunity – the primary type employed by the genetic makeup and lifestyle of the person. This affects internal and external, specific and nonspecific components. Adaptive immunity – By natural as well as artificial means the person’s body acquires this immunity. This helps to develop more strength in passive or active mode.
The actual physical strength of the person lies in his/her innate immunity, which is the first line of defense. This keeps his/her body strong in all kinds of disease-causing conditions. Good nourishment, good habits, and regular exercise help to develop good innate immunity. Above mentioned components are quite essential for the natural development of the body and to maintain good health. The one component which exerts a major impact on all of them is a healthy and nutritious diet.
Importance of a healthy diet and how microalgae can boost immunity?
One’s diet nourishes with all the nutritional components required for good immunity. Whatever any person eats ultimately plays an important role in developing a good immune system. On average, a person’s whole-day meal contains grains, fruits, meat, dairy products, green leafy vegetables, dry fruits, pulses, etc. This all may provide a sufficient amount of carbs, proteins, fibers and vitamins, minerals, etc. The question is, is it what all require to develop good immunity?
To maintain overall health, the body requires some essential nutritional components. Such components include bioactive, growth factors, essential amino acids, and essential fatty acids. Nutritional health supplements and a special diet provide with necessary additional nutrients. Commercial health supplements add an individual or combination of these nutrients to their formulation. There are essential nutrients in extracts from plants, vegetables, or other natural sources. A regular diet can’t provide these nutrients.
It is possible to obtain many of these essential dietary supplements by consuming whole microalgal biomass. The bioactive compounds present in microalgal biomass promote antioxidative, antihypertensive, immunomodulatory, anticancerogenic, hepato-protective, and anticoagulant activities.
Essential Microalgal Nutrients
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) such as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are known for their importance in the early stages of embryonic and child development, lactating maternal health, and cardiovascular function. Being an integral part of cell membranes, omega -3 fats affect the function of the cell receptors in cell membranes throughout the body tissues. This leads to the cascade reaction of proteins for making hormones that regulate blood clotting, contraction, and relaxation of artery walls, inflammation, and even gene regulation. Fishes are the major source of these components. But in reality, microalgae and phytoplankton are the original sources from where fishes also obtain these nutrients.
Beta Glucan extracted from Euglena gracilis, boosts immunity by training the immunity cells for quick response against pathogens. Natural pigments extracted from microalgae are other essential supplements. They serve as the best source of antioxidant proteins (Like, Astaxanthin, Phycobiliprotein), Chlorophyll, iron, and minerals. These components take part in the direct and indirect improvement of the immune system. Currently marketed microalgae products are Spirulina and Chlorella dried whole biomass powder and tablets as protein and bioactive-rich superfoods. The extracted pure single component also has multiple applications in the food industry and nutraceuticals to improve the human diet. Hence microalgae are explored for various nutritional applications proving that this is going to be the food of the future.
