The Seaweed Diet in Prevention and Treatment of the Neurodegenerative Diseases |
| |
| Authors: | Leonel Pereira Ana Valado |
| |
| Institution: | 1.Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal;2.MARE-Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal;3.Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, ESTESC-Coimbra Health School, R. 5 de Outubro, S. Martinho do Bispo, Ap. 7006, 3046-854 Coimbra, Portugal; |
| |
| Abstract: | Edible marine algae are rich in bioactive compounds and are, therefore, a source of bioavailable proteins, long chain polysaccharides that behave as low-calorie soluble fibers, metabolically necessary minerals, vitamins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and antioxidants. Marine algae were used primarily as gelling agents and thickeners (phycocolloids) in food and pharmaceutical industries in the last century, but recent research has revealed their potential as a source of useful compounds for the pharmaceutical, medical, and cosmetic industries. The green, red, and brown algae have been shown to have useful therapeutic properties in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases: Parkinson, Alzheimer’s, and Multiple Sclerosis, and other chronic diseases. In this review are listed and described the main components of a suitable diet for patients with these diseases. In addition, compounds derived from macroalgae and their neurophysiological activities are described. |
| |
| Keywords: | edible macroalgae public health nutraceuticals functional foods neuroprotective agents |
|
|
