Can Marine Algae Help Prevent Cancer, STDs and HIV?
New research has found that an algae-derived compound called carrageenan is a powerful weapon against the virus that causes cervical cancer and various sexually-transmitted diseases. It is an extract of red algae – a type of seaweed found in the northern Atlantic Ocean. Carrageenan is purely natural with superior moisturizing properties and many potential health benefits. Carrageenan has been used as a food additive and thickener for hundreds of years and a vegan/vegetarian alternative to gelatin, and is now being studied as a topical microbicide to help protect women from cervical cancer, STDs and HIV.
Cervical cancer is especially common in the United States, where around 10,000 women are diagnosed each year and about 10 die every day. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has found that carrageenan inhibits the infectious ability of the viruses that cause cervical cancer and certain STDs. The test-tube study proved carrageenan to be nearly a thousand times greater in potency than other inhibitors tested, according to NCI researchers. Of all the substances tested, the red algae extract proved to be extremely potent as it prevents the harmful viruses to interact or enter the cervical cells.
The Population Council (PC) has received hundreds of millions of dollars in funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates and Rockefeller Foundations to support microbicide research efforts which include studies on carrageenan-based formulas. Carrageenan has also been proven to play an inhibiting role against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the lentivirus that causes AIDS.
Some personal lubrication products utilize carrageenan as the main ingredient to support women’s sexual wellness. It’s recommended by numerous health professionals to use lubricants during sexual intimacy that have additional health benefits far and above the relief of vaginal dryness. In addition to carrageenan, some lubricants also contain organic aloe to naturally soothe and sustains healthy sensitive tissue. Another great ingredient is organic agave inulin – a prebiotic that helps women maintain healthy microflora, and vitamin E to fight free radicals and soothe and sustain healthy sensitive tissue. Beware of lubricants that use silicone, petroleum-based glycol, parabens, glycerin or other harsh chemicals.
By using an all-natural lubricant that contains carrageenan, women can better protect themselves from developing cervical cancer, and/or contracting STDs or HIV. This is an incredible scientific breakthrough that can drastically improve the health and wellness of women world-wide.
Allura Joy has worked with women of all ages and of diverse backgrounds for many years in offering support, holistic therapy and relationship counseling, as well as sharing resources and useful information in the areas of women’s sexuality, health & wellness. Allura has facilitated various women’s groups, retreats, conferences and special events for women to come together in community to share, connect and support one another.
