Sevda Inan

By Nilay Seyidoglu, Sevda Inan and Cenk Aydin

Our planet’s resources have been declining, as you know. The life qualities of humans have also changed a little because of their economy, nutrition, sports, and family life. Therefore, more alternative resources are being sought after by humans. Also, in the food supply for animals, scientists have been researching different and alternative supplements for growth performance, immunity, reproduction, and metabolism. Spirulina platensis and its contents have been linked to a nutritional component in both human and animal health and welfare. Growth and immunomodulation properties of this supplement have been widely studied in animals and humans, recently. Nowadays, nutritional specifics of S. platensis are a main focus for researchers. S. platensis is a single-cell protein due to its rich components, such as protein, essential amino acids, fatty acids, antioxidant pigments, carotenoids, beta-carotene, and phycocyanin. Today, researchers study the nutritional quality and investigate the effects of S. platensis on growth, immunity, antioxidant, antitoxicologic, anticancerogenic, cholesterol and glucose metabolism, and fertility. For these reasons, S. platensis may be acceptable as an alternative and/or superfood for the next generation. So, we review this information regarding S. platensis using historical background, literature reviews, qualitative studies, and microscopic appearances in this chapter.

Part of the book: Superfood and Functional Food

By Sevda Inan

Nutraceuticals are defined as a food or food ingredients that prevent and treat diseases. They contain dietary supplements like proteins, vitamins and minerals, compound derived from natural sources. They have functions about delaying, preventing and treating chronic inflammatory diseases due to the presence of the phytochemicals. They have anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting of the activation of NF-κB, blocking the overexpression of tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-1, downregulation of the overexpression of cell adhesion molecules and inhibiting phospholipase A2, COX-2, lipoxygenease, iNOS, myeloperoxidase and inhibiting reactive oxygen species (ROS) generating enzyme activity and increasing ability to scavenge ROS. They have antioxidative role that can reduce the level of ROS and free radicals. They have effects on the process of lipid oxidation that inhibit or slow the formation of free alky radicals and cut off the free radical chain reactions.

Part of the book: Nutraceuticals