Modern diets today, especially in the U.S. arehigh in refined and processed foods and are often lackingr in thenecessary dietary fiber. The healing and therapeutic qualities of adiet high in both soluble and insoluble fiber are manifold. Dietaryfiber is necessary for clearing the digestive system. Constipationelevates blood pressure so algal dietary fiber can help to lowerblood pressure. Algal dietary fiber, in addition to assisting inclearing the digestive system, also protects the surface membraneof the stomach and intestine from potential carcinogens and absorbsvarious substances such as sodium ions and cholesterol , ultimatelyto be eliminated. Recent research on experimental animals showsthat certain algal acidic polysaccharides do prevent theproliferation of implanted cancer cells, possibly by enhancing theimmune system. It has recently been reported that some of themelevate immune activity of cultivating cells when they were treatedwith some of these polysaccharides.
Key words : Dietary fibers, soluble fibers, Seaweeds,Pharmaceutical Functions, immune system |
