3 minute read
WELLBEING
If you have never heard of fucoidan, TRUDY KITHER believes it’s to learn about the benefits of this high-purity seaweed extract which has clinically-proven soothing, protecting and anti-ageing properties.
Fucoidan is a natural skincare ingredient extracted from wildgrown Undaria pinnatifida seaweed (commonly known as wakame or mekabu), which grows in the pristine ocean waters of Patagonia and Tasmania.
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It protects seaweed against a range of external stresses, including UV radiation and environmental contaminants such as marine-borne pathogens and viruses.
These benefits are captured in one natural, soothing ingredient designed to maintain the youthful appearance of skin by protecting its building blocks and enhancing dermal condition.
With anti-inflammatory and immune boosting properties, fucoidan is the slimy constituent and key ingredient in marine brown seaweeds.
It appears to be a highly effective mobilizer for stem cells, which we rely on to replace cells lost to ageing. Other sources of cellular damage such as that caused by chemotherapy and radiotherapy, are now being studied. It may help move stem cells to where they are needed for cellular replacement.
In addition, fucoidan has been shown to amplify populations of certain kinds of stem cells and has been shown to rescue ageing stem cells that are important for rebuilding the inner walls of damaged blood vessels.
Chemically, fucoidan is a polysaccharide (a long chain of simple sugar molecules), bonded together with fucose and has been researched extensively for its bioactive benefits.
The fucus vesiculosus seaweed, commonly known as bladderwrack, grows wild in the waters of Nova Scotia and Brittany, where it is hand harvested on an environmentally sustainable basis.
Marine polyphenols and fucoidans naturally protect it against a range of external stresses, including UV damage and marine-borne pathogens and toxins.
It delivers these benefits by providing superior antioxidant activity to protect skin from the damaging effects of free radicals.
Clinical studies have found that fucoidan is safe, non-sensitising and highly effective at evening skin complexion. It enhances radiance and visibly reduces age spot pigmentation.
Central to the efficacy of this ingredient is its proven ability to inhibit elastase, collagenase and tyrosinase – key enzymes known to accelerate the visible signs of ageing.
A reputable company that supplies fucoidan has undertaken extensive in vitro and human clinical testing, and identified potential benefits and biological effects including that fucoidan is safe for topical application.
Fucoidan is contained in naturopathically formulated doses in skin care moisturisers available from the Queensland-made House of Sachi skin care brand. These also include other natural herbs specifically to assist the skin and help with anti-ageing, mature and problematic skin.
This form of fucoidan is bioactive with a long shelf life, and is non-allergenic. It really is a miracle from the sea.
Taken internally in a therapeutic form, fucoidan is now being studied for its ability to: • Boost the immune system. Several human studies suggest it may stimulate immune functioning and boost antibody production after vaccination. • Reduce inflammation. Lab studies suggest that fucoidan has antiinflammatory properties. • Prevent cancer. Lab studies show that fucoidan has anti-tumor properties, but clinical trials have not yet been conducted. • Lower blood pressure. A study in overweight and obese adults suggests that fucoidan used over a sustained period may decrease blood pressure and “bad” cholesterol levels, however more studies are needed. • Prevent blood clots. A study in humans suggests it slows the production of blood clots, although it may also increase bleeding risk with blood-thinning medications. Trudy Kither is a naturopath and owner of Nature’s Temple. Visit naturestemple.net
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