Why Fucose?
by: Karen Walker
Haven't heard of fucose? Think it's the latest teen dance craze?
Think again, because fucose could make a huge difference in your
quality of life.
Fucose is a rare sugar, one of the eight known bioactive sugars
essential for proper cell to cell communication. Found in many
plants, marine algae is purported to be one of the best sources
of fucose and has long been used by naturopathic physicians to
support immune function in patients. Those concerned with optimal
health should have a basic understanding of the role fucose plays
in our bodies.
Fucose molecules are found throughout the body and are involved
in many functions. For example, fucose is found in the photoreceptor
layer of the retina of the eye. Fucose is also found in the skin,
brain cells, and kidneys. Fucose is also excreted in breast milk
and may play a part in the transfer of immunity to the newborn.
In addition, fucose has an active role in the immune system and
in red blood cell function.
According to research, fucose is important in regulation of the
immune system, which may affect the activity of inflammatory diseases
in the body. Fucose has also been found to inhibit the ability
of bacteria to adhere to cells, without which infection cannot
occur. In addition, research has also shown fucose to inhibit
the growth and spread of cancer cells.
Still think fucose is new to you? One abundant source of the
marine algae which fucose is derived from is seaweed. Even if
you are not a fan of Asian foods, you have likely consumed some
seaweed today in the form of carrageenan, agar or other algae
derivatives. Check the labels of some of your favorite foods and
you'll find seaweed in cheese, instant puddings, chocolate milk,
mayonnaise, ice cream and sherbet, for example. Unfortunately
for you, commercially processed seaweed products do not contain
active fucose.
Because of the role fucose plays in the body, and especially
the immune system, does it not make sense to support the body
with supplementation? It is well known that depleted soils, food
storage techniques and manufacturing methods all adversely affect
the levels of nutrients available to us in our modern diets. It
is doubtful anyone can obtain enough of this valuable glyconutrient
through food alone.
But there is a very good, accessible source of fucose available
today. The brown seaweed Undaria pinnatifida, considered to be
essential to long term health in Japan, is an excellent source
of the fucose sugar. However, anyone considering using brown seaweed
should be sure of its source due to the increasing pollution of
the world's oceans by toxic chemicals and other contaminants.
Nonetheless, there are safe brown seaweed products available.
Fucose is a rare sugar not commonly consumed in most people's
diets, at least not to a level that is beneficial to the body.
A better understanding of fucose and the important, complex role
it plays in our health should lead to a careful consideration
of supplementation.
Summary
Fucose is a bioactive sugar found throughout the body and has
been shown to play an active role in immune system function. One
abundant source of fucose is brown seaweed. Unfortunately for
you, commercially processed seaweed products used in foods do
not contain active fucose. But there are safe, active brown seaweed
products now on the market and supplementation should be considered
by anyone seeking optimal health.
About The Author
Karen Walker is a wellness consultant and author. She works from
her home in western Montana. She and her husband, Lynn McCormick,
maintain a website to help those whose lives have been upset by
catastrophic health events.
www.keephealthkeepwealth.com
karen@keephealthkeepwealth.com
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