ABSTRACT
Algae possess various important features which give it industrial significance. These serve as a source of some novel compounds that are potential to be utilized in human disease prevention and health maintenance. Several unique bioactive compounds (BACs) like different types of proteins (amino acids, lecithins, peptides, and phycobilin-proteins), polysaccharides, polyphenols, and many others which are not present in common food sources make algae effective to modulate chronic diseases. Health claims associated with algal bioactives include anticancer, antiviral, and anticoagulant properties and also abilities like modulating intestinal health and risk factors for diabetes and obesity. Many in vitro and animal studies have shown evidences for the beneficial effects of seaweeds and their components in terms of human diseases and health status. This chapter critically evaluates the industrial importance of the macro- and micro-algae and their BACs draw attention towards planning and implementing future studies.
