ABSTRACT
Considering the exponential rise in world population, increasing fuel demands and the scarcity arable lands, algae may act as a potential alternative to supplementing biofuels and nutraceuticals. Both microalgae and macroalgae are abundant in a wide range of biologically active compounds such as proteins, phenolics, pigments, carbohydrates, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), dietary fibers and various other bioactive compounds, which can be used as nutraceuticals with specific health benefits. The algae and algal-derived bioactive compounds are used in food supplements effective for several chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, stroke and osteoporosis. Algae are found to be beneficial because of their antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and other immunomodulatory or non-immunomodulatory activities. In addition to human food, algae are the feeding resources for the animals and other aqueous creatures. Besides the food applications, algal-derived compounds are being utilized in various cosmeceuticals and as medicines. This chapter provides a detailed overview of the numerous nutraceuticals of microalgal and macroalgal origin, their biochemical properties, health benefits and various challenges, such as bioavailability of the nutraceuticals and biomagnification of the toxic molecules through the food chain associated with the algal biomass.
