In many parts of the world, seaweed is not a regular part of the daily diet. In fact, there are many people who would not even consider eating seaweed. However, with Agel UMI, the exceptional health benefits of this oceanic treasure are now available to the masses. So, what is it about the brown seaweed that is so extraordinary? Through extensive research, scientists have identified a complex sulfated polysaccharide, called fucoidan as the active ingredient. Its primary makeup consists of an essential sugar called fucose along with other elements such as xylose, mannose, and galactose, and glucose. Studies consistently show that fucoidan possesses a wide range of properties beneficial to maintaining optimal health.One of the primary ways in which Fucoidan provides a vast array of health benefits is its ability to interact with, and modulate the immune system. Several studies have identified many of the immune modulating effects of Fucoidan. The ability of a substance to modulate the immune system is an extremely useful property. Modulation is a term used to describe the process of reducing the extremes of cellular activity &mash; either stimulation or inhibition. Immune modulating substances have the ability to increase immune function when it is depressed, and also to reduce it when it is over-stimulated.
Most immune modulating agents work by improving inter-cellular communication. One way cells interact and communicate is by presenting glycoproteins on their surface. Glycoproteins are complex information-rich macromolecules composed of a protein core to which is bound arrays of linked chains of sugars (polysaccharides). The structures of the polysaccharides vary and therefore relay different codes for different messages. For example, one message might tell a cell to secrete a specific cellular product, and another message might tell a cell when to divide. Other cells have corresponding glycoprotein receptor molecules, which can then read these messages and respond accordingly. Thus, our bodies are involved in a very sophisticated and harmonious intercellular communication all the time.
The immune system depends heavily on this kind of communication to co-ordinate cellular defense, apoptosis, cell attack and repair processes. When any of the range of individual saccharides required to build competent glycoproteins (and thereby convey an accurate message) are missing, the quality of that communication is compromised. It has been shown that dietary supply of certain saccharides improves the integrity of glycoprotein production. Fucoidans provide an abundant supply of Fucose, one of the necessary saccharides, and smaller amounts of several other required sugars. This is likely to be one mechanism by which the fucoidans exert their immunomodulatory effect.
Now, with this understanding of glycoprotiens, and intercellular communication, let’s specifically identify the ways in which Fucoidan has been shown to be of significant benefit for health and wellness.
