The habitat of marine algae varies from species to species and
many of them are exposed to direct sunlight in different aqueous
environments. As a result they produce many compounds at different
levels that will have some effect on human health. The EAM
samples evaluated in this study were shown to be a rich sources
of proteins, vitamins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, minerals, high
ash content (that can contribute with important microelements
to human and animal nutrition), and also contain acceptable
amounts of 9 out of 10 EAA as compared to terrestrial foodstuffs.
The antioxidant properties, FA profiles (MUFA and PUFA), the n3/
n6 and h/H ratios and also the non-animal nature of the EAM nutrients
lends them for use in many food supplements and/or pharmaceutical
products that will augment a nutritionally balanced diet.
As a result, the regular consumption of EAM allied with the low
level of seawater pollution around the Azores Islands will improve
human health conditions and will have a protective effect on the
most common degenerative diseases. In addition, the EAM with
high protein levels associated with other important nutrients
may also be used in the production of foods for fish farmed by
aquaculture. According to Mustafa, Wakamatsu, Takeda, Umino,
and Nakagawa (1995) a Porphyra meal used as a food additive in
fish feed appeared to improve body weight gain and increase triglyceride
and protein deposit in muscles as well as improve the
resistance of fish to stress or diseases.