Red algae

Characteristics of red algae

Algae, we have all seen algae on the beach, in the sea, rivers, lakes, etc. In the world there are three main types of algae: green, brown and red. Today we come to talk about red algae. They belong to the Phylum Rhodophyta and are an important group of algae that includes around 7.000 species. They are characterized by having a reddish coloration and not having flagella. This gives you little ability to move.

In this post we will talk about red algae in depth. Therefore, if you want to know more about it, you just have to keep reading 🙂

Key features

Red algae

Algae are photosynthetic organisms capable of absorbing sunlight and transforming it into energy. The red coloration is due to the rhodoplasts. These organelles contain chlorophyll A. It also has other pigments such as phycoerythrin and phycocyanin. These pigments are responsible for covering the chlorophyll to give this plant the characteristic red color.

They are organisms that cannot mobilize themselves. As they do not have any type of scourge, they cannot move throughout the entire life cycle. They also do not have centrosomes and any other form of organization by microtubules.

These algae usually secrete colloids such as agar-agar and carrageenan. These substances are widely used for pharmaceutical and food use. For this reason, red algae have become very important marine plants for humans.

Some of them can be found in fresh water, although in general they are all marine. They usually grow in the tropics and subtropics below the intertidal line.

Red algae diet

Red algae under the sea

Red algae not only need sunlight to photosynthesize and thus persist. They need a humid environment. They take in the inorganic compounds from the aquatic soil which, together with oxygen and sunlight, transforms into glucose and carbonyl sulfide.

At present, thanks to studies carried out with algae, it has been possible to discover that they can feed on certain bacteria that inhabit underwater soils. This would make the red algae not strictly autotrophic, but would tend to heterotrophism.

Ecological and economic importance of red algae

Properties of red algae

For the ecological balance of marine ecosystems, red algae are quite important. They are those that secrete calcium carbonate, which is why they are the main responsible for the formation of coral reefs. When you see red coral reefs, they are called coralline algae.

These coral reef formations can be formed thanks to the calcium that It is deposited on the walls of the algae in the form of calcium carbonate.

Regarding the economic importance of these algae, we see how they are one of the most important foods for future generations, due to their high protein and nutrient content.

Likewise, in the industrial area, red algae are used as the main raw material to make laxatives, thickeners for soups, ice cream, jellies and some desserts. They can also be used as a clarifier in the production of beers and dairy products.

Algae properties

Red algae have great health and cosmetic properties. We are going to analyze some of them.

Seaweed has a large number of nutrients, protein, fiber, and vitamins. In this sense, have become the superfood, both for their nutritional values ​​and for vitamin K and calcium. In some countries like Japan, the cultivation of red algae like nori is perfecting its technique to make them grow faster.

Antioxidant effects, iodine and hypertension

Antioxidant effect of red algae

By having high concentrations of compounds, vitamins and minerals, they have great antioxidant effects to protect our body from free radicals. They are a powerful antiviral, especially the carrageenan it secretes. It is able to strengthen our immune system and protect ourselves from diseases caused by bacteria and viruses.

The good thing about these algae is that it does not have any type of addiction, a side effect like other types of drug.

They have an iodine effect and therefore they are effective for the treatment of goiter. They have a large amount of iodine and restore thyroid functions. In these cases it is better to pay attention to our doctor.

It must be remembered that if this mineral increases drastically in our body, we can generate the opposite effect to what is sought and even aggravate the health problems we have. It is better to consult the doctor so that we can treat red algae with an adequate concentration of iodine in our body.

It is very good for people who have problems related to hypertension. It is highly recommended to take supplements based on red algae. Some studies have shown that they have an inhibitory effect on the enzyme that is responsible for increasing blood pressure. This means that by taking red algae capsules we can control tension.

Effect of calcium and vitamin K

Red seaweed vitamin K effect

Calcium is essential for the treatment of osteoporosis. 900 daily milligrams of calcium are needed per day to regain the shape of our bones. Since red algae have a high content of this mineral, they are effective in supplying such an amount of calcium.

Excess calcium can damage the body. Digestive disorders such as gas, bloating or constipation can be caused by an excessive intake of calcium. If consumed in excess it can cause the formation of kidney stones.

Vitamin K is quite beneficial in improving bleeding and bleeding. Among the properties are to form clots to stop these types of complications. Contrary to this, excess vitamin K can be harmful for people with heart problems and prone to heart or stroke.

The recommended daily consumption is 80 mcg, for those who do not have the aforementioned complications. As they always say, everything is better in good concentration, since it is the dose that makes the poison.

I hope that with this information you can learn more about red algae and all the properties and benefits it has for humans.


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  1.   jamie burgos said

    Excellent, very good information on this type of tolophytic plants; We will be waiting for similar articles on chrysophytes and peophytes.