Algae seen through a microscope.
Many people are familiar with seaweed as common algae. It is a multicellular organism and includes varieties of green and brown algae, as well as red algae. The plant is considered the oldest organism in the plant kingdom. Some varieties of seaweed that people may be more familiar with include algae, phytoplankton, and dolphinfish.
Most of the algae consists of red algae, which has 6,000 species.
Unlike weeds found among garden plants, seaweed does not consist of flowers, roots, or other typical plant parts. Although it contains chlorophyll, algae reproduce through spores. The size of algae can vary greatly. Some samples can be microscopic, while others can be hundreds of feet or meters long, as many people with ocean experience can attest.
Most algae are red varieties, constituting 6,000 species of organisms. Brown algae are responsible for another 2,000 species. The green varieties include 1,200 species of algae.
Seaweed is more commonly known as seaweed.
Several countries, such as Japan, regularly use seaweed as a source of nutrition. It was considered a delicacy in ancient China. Algae are complete proteins, rich in carbohydrates and fatty acids such as omega-3. Red algae in particular are also considered to be an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. Many people in Western countries recognize these benefits and have actively campaigned for the wider use of seaweed as a source of sustainable protein.
A nutrient-rich microorganism commonly found in oceans and seas, seaweed has long served as food for some populations.
Algae extraction is another benefit that humans receive from the body. Ingredients used in cooking, such as agar, are extracted from algae. Carrageenans extracted from red algae are a popular ingredient in vegan alternative foods like gelatin. Cosmetic companies sometimes employ the use of seaweed extracts, as do manufacturers of insecticides.
In addition to being used as a food source, seaweed is a popular base for many medicines. People take it as a nutritional supplement to boost immunity and treat herpes. Some manufacturers claim that seaweed can help support weight loss; therefore, many consumers also buy it for this reason.
Seaweed also has some more surprising uses, including as fuel, livestock feed, or fertilizer. Some farmers note, however, that when laying hens are fed a diet that includes algae, their yolks may become discolored. Algae are also used as stabilizers in many products, such as ice cream and milkshakes.
Some types of algae are considered nuisances. Fish pond owners, for example, often take special care to ensure that their ponds do not become overloaded with the organism. This can be done by properly feeding marine animals, installing a quality water purification system, and including algae-eating organisms in the tank.