Seaweed is one of the healthiest foods on the planet with over 10,000 different types inhabiting our oceans. However, only certain types of this must-have superfood are fit for human consumption. This might come as a surprise, but algae - yep, that stuff you thought only fish eat - is one of the best!
Gigartina, a strain of red marine algae, is particularly nutritious; packed full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that are easily utilised by the body to help boost your immune system.
In this article, we’ll ‘dive a little deeper’ into the benefits of supplementing with gigartina to promote a healthy lifestyle, what viruses it’s so effective in treating, and find out everything there is to know about what the sea vegetable people call the “Plant of the Sea.”
What is Gigartina?
Gigartina is an active strain of red marine algae traditionally used in Chinese and Japanese medicine because of its nutritional benefits dating back as far as 300 B.C. It’s a plentiful source of protein, vitamins, trace minerals, and fibre.
This marine gem is the richest known source of sulphated polysaccharides (protein-bound carbohydrates). Polysaccharides are easily endured by the human body and even tend to seize high bioactivity and biocompatibility. ( 1 )
Red marine algae also contain a high concentration of sulphuric acid— proven to support the body’s immune response to bacteria, viruses, fungi and toxins. ( 2 )
Gigartina has a multitude of benefits for the body and is commonly used to treat chronic viruses like oral herpes, genital herpes, Epson Barr, shingles, HIV, influenza and mononucleosis. But that's not all — it’s great for the skin too!
Gigartina red marine algae benefits
Incorporating red marine algae into your diet on a daily basis will see you reap the greatest rewards. For example, it will help to:
- ● Boost your immune system
- ● Nourish the skin
- ● Promote healthy circulation in your body
- ● Regulate blood sugar levels
- ● Lowers bad cholesterol levels
- ● Contribute to bone health
A study carried out by Nutrition Research and Practice to evaluate the physiological effects of seaweed supplementation on blood glucose levels, lipid profile, and antioxidant enzyme activities in subjects with type 2 diabetes found that the addition of seaweed influences glycemic control and may be effective in lowering blood lipids and improving antioxidant enzyme activities. ( 3 )
"Someone struggling with insulin resistance issues or someone trying to naturally combat cholesterol levels and anyone trying to improve their immune health would be a good candidate for red algae." — Cara Clark. Certified Nutritionist
Red marine algae are also shown to improve LDL (bad cholesterol) with a number of recent studies documenting the cholesterol- and lipid-lowering ability of algae. ( 4 )
Furthermore, an animal study examing the therapeutic effects on the lipid metabolism of rats fed diets rich in cholesterol found there to be a significant hypocholesterolemic effect accompanied by a decrease in the accumulation of hepatic cholesterol and by lowered plasma TG and VLDL-C levels. ( 5 )
Red algae being a rich source of protein, vitamins and antioxidants makes it a great addition to skincare routines. According to dermatologist Dr Jaliman, “The ingredient also has outstanding moisture-retaining properties and promotes a healthier skin barrier and helps replenish the skin’s natural hydration.” ( 6 )
The diagram below illustrates a round-up of gigartina red marine algae benefits:
Antiviral properties of gigartina red marine algae
The antiviral compounds of gigartina red marine algae, have been known for many years giving way for it to be labelled as a ‘therapeutic food.’
Carrageenans, a family of polysaccharides abundant in gigartina, help prevent a wide range of diseases by ramping up interferon production (proteins that are part of your natural defences) in the immune system.
They work by signalling to your immune system when germs enter the body and in turn, immune cells are triggered to fight those foreign invaders.
Interferons got their name because they "interfere" with viruses and keep them from multiplying. ( 7 )
Carrageenans also increase the productivity of T and B-cells which destroy cells already infected with a virus. Because of this, red marine algae is considered by some to be a powerful preventative measure against everything from yeast infections and shingles to serious viruses like HPV and Epstein-Barr.
Gigartina red marine algae for treating Herpes and Epstein Barr
The high concentration of sulfated polysaccharides found in gigartina are potent inhibitors for the herpes simplex virus. They help our immune systems to combat free radical damage which may suppress the herpes virus in the initial stages of a flare-up, and increase the length of time between outbreaks. ( 8 , 9 , 10 )
Human clinical trials recorded in the National Institutes of Health database indicate the sulfated polysaccharides in gigartina may help counter oral and genital herpes, shingles, HIV, influenza, and other viruses. Regular intake may reduce the number of viral attacks and their severity. ( 11 )
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a herpes virus that infects 90% of the adult human population. Both the microalgae and macroalgae (seaweeds) are potential sources of antiviral compounds, with sulfated polysaccharides again being the major active principles. ( 12 )
It's also important to note that the human body can develop resistance to specific antiviral drugs prescribed by a doctor. This has led many people suffering from HPV, HSV, and other viruses to supplement with red marine algae—an entirely natural product.
Gigartina: Vibrant Health’s red marine algae supplement
Vibrant Health’s G igartina , is purely a red marine algae supplement containing the encapsulated powder of 5 strains of algae from the Gigartinaceae family. This product is seen as a significant advancement in gigartina supplementation as it contains gigartina skottsbergii, the most actively potent strain — known to have an inhibiting effect on certain viruses, including the herpes virus and Epstein-Barr virus.
Vibrant Health searched long and hard before settling on this particular strain to ensure their product was of the highest quality available.
Each capsule of Gigartina provides 300mg of sulfated polysaccharides concentrated up to a minimum of 30% in the gigartina extract with zero additional artificial colourings, preservatives or fillers.
When you choose Vibrant Health’s Gigartina supplement , you’re getting a top-shelf product that’s:
- ● The richest source of gigartina available
- ● Provides 1000mg Gigartina skottsbergii per serving (4 capsules)
- ● Contains the highest source of sulphated polysaccharides from 30% extract
- ● Soy, gluten and dairy-free
- ● Non-GMO
- ● An Incredibly fast-acting dietary supplement
What some of our customers are saying…
★★★★★
“This product is great against viruses and shingles. I have taken it previously and it works.”
★★★★★
“ It seems to bolster my family’s immune system. It was recommended by a virologist”
★★★★★
“Excellent product hard to find”
★★★★★
“Great product, good anti-viral”
FAQ
1. What can I use Gigartina for?
Gigartina can be taken to fend off viral infections and help treat herpes. It can also be used to control Multiple Sclerosis, Shingles, Epstein Barr, Mononucleosis, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
2. When is the best time to take Gigartina?
As a food supplement, it’s best to take Gigartina on an empty stomach to ensure maximum absorption.
3. Is Gigartina safe to take with other supplements?
Gigartina is safe to use with other supplements, or with other health products. However, if you have any concerns, we always recommend you check with your doctor or health professional first.
4. Is Gigartina gluten-free?
Yes, gigartina is gluten-free.
5. Is Gigartina vegetarian?
Gigartina is suitable for vegetarians and vegans alike. The ingredients are encapsulated in a vegetable cellulose capsule.
6. Is it safe to take Gigartina while pregnant?
Yes, gigartina is a 100% plant-based supplement and is safe to use while pregnant. However, we would always recommend consulting with your doctor or health care professional before consuming, just to be on the safe side.
7. Is it safe for children to take Gigartina?
Gigartina is safe for adults and children alike but as always it's best practice to consult with your health professional for guidance first.
8. Is there a limit on how long one can take Gigartina?
Gigartina can be taken indefinitely. If the symptoms you are trying to cure persist, you may continue to take this supplement until you are satisfied with the outcome.
Summary
Seaweeds are a popular health trend at the moment. One of the most nutrient-dense is red marine algae. Gigartina, a strain of red marine algae is a powerful natural supplement from Vibrant Health with a high concentration of sulfated polysaccharides. These immune-boosting compounds make gigartina very effective in treating many viruses such as herpes and Epstein-Barr. It also has many other benefits such as nourishing skin and regulating blood sugar levels.
Written by Kieran Higgins, Health Writer.
Water for Health Ltd began trading in 2007 with the goal of positively affecting the lives of many. We still retain that mission because we believe that proper hydration and nutrition can make a massive difference to people’s health and quality of life. Click here to find out more.
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