Seaweed

RECOMMENDED USE: The seaweed is one of the most nutritive foods of the planet, rich in proteins of easy assimilation that are specially valuable since they contain a great number of essential amino acids. Because of its low content of calories its inclusion in a balanced diet is important since it does not generate overweight. They are rich in iodine which aids to the good operation of the gland thyroid.

INGREDIENTS: Seaweed (Gigartina chamissoi).

CONTENT: 90 capsules / 500 mg. each one.

DOSE: Take 2 capsules, two or three times daily, before meals.

WARNINGS: Because of their high content of Iodine, people who suffer from hyperthyroidism, or those who have had their thyroid removed, should avoid taking this supplement. Also Vitamin B6 can alter or interfere with L-DOPA, which is used in the treatment of a variety of neurological problems, such as Parkinson’s disease, so those patients undergoing treatment for this condition should also avoid from taking this supplement.

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Seaweed constitutes a healthy and complete food, ideal for our time, when bad dietary habits, processed foods and the use of chemical substances weaken our systems.

Seaweed revitalizes and rejuvenates us; it has all the basic nutrients we need, it purifies us and helps us conserve our health.

Seaweed is some of the most nutritious food on the planet, it is ideal for preventing as well as combating illnesses. One of the main components of algae is protein, which is easily assimilated. Seaweed is a food very rich in protein, which represents 25% of the dried weight of algae. These proteins are especially valuable, since they contain a large number of essential amino acids.

These amino acids are easy to digest due to the particular composition of the algae, which is also rich in salts, minerals and in some enzymes. These help the algae reach a digestible coefficient of 95%, and are digested four to five times more quickly than animal proteins. In addition, they contain no cholesterol, saturated fats or residuals of antibiotics. Seaweed is relatively poor in carbohydrates and sugars, making it an ideal complement during periods of extended recovery, pregnancy or while dieting. Of special interest are the carbohydrates present; which for the most part mannitol (are a liver stimulant and lightly laxative) but don’t increase the glucose in the blood stream, making them perfectly acceptable to diabetics.

The sugars that are present are mostly mucilagigenic that is to say that they attract and retain water, but don’t assimilate into the body. This characteristic avoids increasing the level of sugar in the blood, and also aids in digestion and the relief of constipation.

The lipids contained are primarily polyunsaturated fatty acids. These acids work with the permeability of the cellular membranes, transporting the cholesterol out of the body and reducing the formation of arterial plaque.

Iodine is necessary for optimum operation of the thyroid gland. A thyroid lacking in iodine has an adverse impact on the pancreas. Also, iodine acts as a decongestant on the lymphatic system, encourages health in the endocrine glands and facilitates cellular metabolism. Marine algae is five times richer in iodine that seawater. However, people suffering from hyperthyroidism should not take marine algae as a supplement. Algae offers a rich source of high-protein food that is easily assimilated; it is the top-selling health food supplement sold in countries like Japan.

Because algae is rich in nutrients and low in calories, algae is one of the most important components of a balanced diet. Marine algae in particular, has been shown to burn excess calories and improve nutrients, in addition to stimulating the intestinal tract and encouraging the elimination of fatty acids and heavy metals such as lead, arsenic and mercury, as well as other toxins. It can also reduce the level of cholesterol and lipids in the blood.

To maintain the biochemical characteristics of Gigartina Chamissoi (Chondracanthus Chamissoi), we reduce the algae to its dry form and micro-pulverize it, ending with a product that is a considerable source of proteins (42.92%), vitamins and minerals. This allows us to offer this product as an important nutritional supplement.

Vitamin content

Thiamine or Vitamin B1: This vitamin is necessary to break down carbons and allow the absorption of nutrients. The main vitamin source B1 (and of most of those of the B group) should be cereals and whole grains, but the advent of white flour and refined cereals there has been a widespread increase in B1 deficiency, especially among the population of industrialized countries. The serious deficiency of thiamine can lead to such illnesses as beriberi, seen in many countries in Asia due to the excessive milling of rice, which reduces its thiamine content. In Europe and North America thiamine deficiency is more often observed in alcoholics, although people undergoing kidney dialysis or suffering renal failure are also at risk. A form of intravenous treatment that restores or maintains a balanced nutritional state, was developed in 1968, when Dudrick and his collaborators developed a therapy that allowed essential nutrients to be introduced without using the gastrointestinal tract, and demonstrated that this was a feasible therapy. Deficiencies are also observed in children breast-feeding from mothers with a thiamine deficiency, and in alcoholics. The illness affects the nervous system and the cardiovascular system, and can manifest symptoms of muscular weakness, lost of reflexes, confusion, coma, even death. In children a more fulminating for exists, with vomiting, cyanosis, convulsions and death by cardiac insufficiency.
In milder forms, it can result in cardiovascular dysfunctions (loss of sensation in arms and legs, a feeling of pressure in the chest, etc.) and neurological or psychic manifestations (fatigue, loss of concentration, irritability or depression). Tobacco and alcohol reduce the ability of the body to absorb this vitamin, so people who drink and smoke must supplement their diet with vitamin B1.
The main symptoms of thiamine deficiency are related to the nervous systems (dry beriberi) and cardiovascular (wet beriberi). Many of the signs and neurological symptoms are characteristic of peripheral neuritis, with sensitive alterations in the extremities, even some areas of hyperesthesia. There is gradual loss of muscular strength even complete paralysis of an extremity. It can also generate personality disorders, depression, lack of initiative and inadequate memory. It is the equal of such extreme syndromes as Wernicke’s Syndrome or Korsakoff’s psychosis.

In adults, the body processes approximately 1 mg. of thiamine each day, thus the minimum daily requirement must equal this amount. When the diet provides less than this amount, little or no thiamine is excreted in the urine. When the diet provides in excess of the minimum, body tissues automatically store enough thiamine to saturate the tissues, and any excess will be excreted without change to the thiamine molecule.

Thiamine deficiencies that are observed in clinical studies can vary from beriberi (such as Wernicke’s Syndrome or Korsakoff’s psychosis) to the polyneuropathy of alcohol consumption. Since the normal metabolism of carbohydrates assists the absorption of thiamine, it has been observed repeatedly that the administration of glucose can precipitate symptoms of thiamine deficiency in subjects with inadequate nutrition. This has also been noticed during the correction of endogenous hyperglycemia. The clinical data seems to depend on the magnitude of the deficiency. Wernicke’s Syndrome and Korsakoff’s psychosis are demonstrated in the most severe cases, as are the effects to the cardiovascular system, while polyneuropathy can be seen in the more mild cases.

Riboflavin or Vitamin B2: Vitamin B2 assists in the processes of cellular breathing, liver detoxification, embryonic development and maintenance of the sheath of the nerves. It also helps with growth and reproduction, and it improves the state of the skin, fingernails and hair. It is found mainly in meat, fish and foods rich in proteins. A deficiency of riboflavin is generally manifested by the appearance of lesions in the skin, mucous membranes and the eyes. Heavy drinkers and smokers, and people who follow a strict vegetarian diet (including no milk and no eggs) are frequently seen with Riboflavin deficiencies.

Riboflavin deficiency symptoms also include skin ailments, such as seborrheic dermatitis (inflammation of the superficial layers of the skin); reddening, maceration and itch. The most common signs are pallor and maceration of the mucosa in the angles of the mouth (angular stomatitis) and vermilion surfaces of the lips (cheilosis), followed by superficial linear fissures that may leave scars when healed. The tongue may appear magenta. Cutaneous lesions usually affect the nasolabial folds, alae nasi, ears, eyelids, scrotum and labia majora. These areas usually become red, scaly and greasy and sebaceous material accumulates in hair follicles, producing dyssebacia or shark skin.
Rarely, neovascularization of the cornea and epithelial keratitis occur, resulting in lacrimation and photophobia. Nutritional amblyopia may respond to riboflavin.
Anemia that appears with Riboflavin deficiency is normochromic and is related to reticulosis; although the leukocytes and the platelets are usually normal. The administration of Riboflavin in patients with deficiency can cause reticulocytosis, and the hemoglobin concentration will soon return to normal. The anemia, in part, can be related to the alterations of the metabolism of the folic acid.

The problem in the clinical recognition of Riboflavin is that some data, such as anemia and dermatitis, are frequent manifestations of other illnesses, among them deficiencies of other vitamins. It is also difficult to recognize Riboflavin deficiency, because it rarely occurs in an isolated instance. In children's nutritional surveys in an urban area, and of hospitalized patients selected at random, Riboflavin deficiency was often observed but almost always in conjunction with deficiencies of other vitamins. In the same way, we encounter Riboflavin deficiency in a large proportion of alcoholics and people in a lower socioeconomic state, such as youth living in urban areas. Biochemical data of Riboflavin deficiency have been observed in new-born babies treated with ultraviolet light for hyper bilirubinanemia. Breast-feeding babies are more sensitive to this problem, due to the relatively low content of Riboflavin in breast milk. Urinary excretion of <50 mg/day of riboflavin/g creatinine is associated with clinical signs of riboflavin deficiency. Increased activation of RBC glutathione reductase by riboflavin is also an early sign of deficiency.

Pyridoxine or Vitamin B6: Is indispensable in the metabolism of proteins. It is found in so many foods and vegetables; it is rare to see a Pyridoxine deficiency. Pyridoxine is found in such foods as avocados, bananas, beef liver, chicken, ground beef, ham, lentils, potatoes, salmon, shrimp, soybeans, tuna and wheat germ, as well as many other animal products and vegetables. It is sometimes prescribed to improve regeneration of the nervous system, to counteract the negative effects of chemotherapy or radiation treatment, and for motion sickness. The lack of this vitamin can result in seborrheic dermatitis, insomnia, irritability, mental confusion, muscle twitching, nervousness, skin lesions, poor walking coordination and weakness. It can also manifest signs of weight loss, anemia and hyperactivity, as well as an abnormal electroencephalogram.
Although it is certain that Pyridoxine is essential in the nutrition of human beings, the clinical syndrome of simple deficiency of Pyridoxine is uncommon. When considering a patient with a general deficiency of the B complex vitamins, it must be considered that the B6 vitamin would be included in that diagnosis. In treating any B complex vitamin deficiency, a multi-vitamin/mineral supplement is essential.

Vitamin C: Is necessary to produce collagen, important in the growth and repair of the skin and connective tissues, for healthy gums, bones and teeth, and for metabolizing fat, which is linked to cholesterol reduction. Studies have shown that a diet rich in vitamin C also adds protection against many types of cancers.

Vitamin C provides antioxidant protection for many of the body’s important enzyme systems. White blood cells utilize vitamin C to help produce cytotoxic enzymes, which they use to eliminate foreign matter. It also helps strengthen collagen, helps with healing of wounds, bleeding gums, prevention of the common cold, and a general boosting of the immune system.

Vitamin C is considered similar to Seaweed in that it should be included as a necessary ingredient in a completely balanced diet.

Phosphorus: Combined with Calcium, is vital for the formation of bones and teeth. It is also essential for metabolism of foods (energy production), as well as to maintain tissues and fluids. Phosphorus is also critical (in combination with Calcium), for an increase in bone mass for patients with osteoporosis.

Calcium: Calcium constitutes approximately 2% of all body weight, distributed mainly among the bones, ligaments and teeth, and is vital in maintaining the formation and health of these structures. It is also necessary in blood clotting, muscle function (providing the mechanism for muscle contraction and relaxation) and is vital in the nervous system, where it regulates heart rhythm, and is also essential for nerve/muscle innervation.

Sodium: In collaboration with Potassium, Sodium regulates the balance of liquids in the body. It contributes to the digestive process by maintaining osmotic pressure (the force that allows the semi-permeable membrane to allow adequate exchange of nutrients and solutions. In addition, when acting within cells, it facilitates the transmission of nerve impulse and function.

Potassium: Potassium is called the “alkalizer”, because it neutralizes acid and returns alkaline salts to the blood stream. It also assists in metabolic function, and helps the kidneys eliminate toxins. Essential in the storage of carbohydrates and their later conversion into energy, it helps to maintain an appropriate heart rhythm and normal arterial pressure. It is an essential mineral for the transmission of nerve impulse and function. Potassium is a natural pain desensitizer, helps control convulsions, headaches and migraines, promotes faster healing of cuts, bruises and other injuries, and generally contributes to a sense of well-being.

Zinc: Zinc is present in all tissues, organs and secretions of the body, and is vital for growth and the production of insulin. It is essential for cellular reproduction, which is the process of growth and repair. Zinc is found in particularly high concentrations in the prostate and reproductive fluids, and also helps the buildup of Vitamin A in the liver.

Iodine: Iodine is essential for the correct operation of the thyroid, which in turn is essential for good health. Iodine is called the “metabolizer”. It is one of the most vital of all nutrients. An iodine deficiency during pregnancy and early childhood can result in cretinism (an arrested physical and mental development with dystrophy of bones and soft tissues and mental retardation). In adults, a low ingestion (or very high) of iodine can cause hypothyroidism, which can manifest as extremely low energy levels, dry or yellowish skin, numbness in the extremities, weight gain, goiter, anemia, depression, miscarriages and hormonal imbalance. Hypothyroidism can also trigger carpal-tunnel syndrome, as well as Raynaud’s disease. Hypothyroidism can also contribute significant increase to the levels of cholesterol and homocystine, and has been implicated in 10% of the cases of extremely high cholesterol. Treating hypothyroidism can help reduce the levels of cholesterol and homocystine by as much as 30%.