Organic Algae
Takeaway and fast food junkies may have a reason to rejoice! According to British scientists, fast food high in fat and calories could be made healthier by adding extracts from exotic seaweed. Seaweed extract, called alginate, could be used to increase the fibre content of pies, burgers, cakes and other high fat foods.
A recent study by Newcastle University says that this is an important breakthrough because it would allow people to continue eating junk food and yet enjoy the benefits of healthier alternatives. Seaweed is a valuable weapon in the international battle against obesity, diabetes, heart problems and diseases such as bowel cancer.
The study has found that alginate strengthens the mucus lining the gut wall, can inhibit digestion and can slow the uptake of nutrients in the body. Alginate, which is high in fibre, is in widespread use by the food industry as a gelling agent and to thicken the frothy head of premium lagers. The seaweed is processed in the laboratory to produce alginate (an extract of seaweed) – a tasteless and odourless off-white coloured powder – that can then be added to food to enhance fibre content.
Says Professor Jeff Pearson, who led the research team, “We believe it’s hard to change people’s habits and that the most practical solution is to improve the food they do eat. With a burger, for example, you would simply remove some of the fat and replace it with the seaweed extract, which is an entirely natural product from a sustainable resource. You’d have a healthier burger and it’s unlikely to taste any different. This compound can also be added to any number of foods, like synthetic creams and yoghurts.”
Seaweed may not be too appetising when it is dried out and ponging on the beach, but bladderwrack, kelp, and other ocean algae could become a key part of a healthier diet, say dieticians and doctors globally. High seaweed content may account for low breast cancer rates in Japanese women. Pearson explains, “We’re just not eating enough fibre, yet we need this to keep us healthy. Adding the seaweed extract could quadruple the amount of fibre in white bread.”
Does it work? Alginate, a structural polysaccharide, is a form of fibre. A study in the US found that people who eat lots of soluble fibre in their diet have a lower risk of heart disease and stroke than those who eat very little. It may also help to protect against cancer, particularly bowel cancer. However, not everyone is convinced. “Alginate is an emulsifying agent,” says Professor Mike Lean, professor of human nutrition at Glasgow University. “It may technically resemble dietary fibre, but that does not mean that eating alginate will have the same benefits of eating fibre-rich whole foods such as beans and whole meal bread.”
Alginate is packed full of minerals. “It may contain between seven and 14 times as much calcium as milk, depending on the type of seaweed,” says dietician Nigel Denby. Seaweed also contains essential fatty acids. Bladderwrack is used in herbal medicine as an anti-bacterial agent, expectorant and tonic.
“Brown algae contains high amounts of iodine, a trace element that is essential for human health. Organic iodine is involved in the production of certain key hormones and helps the thyroid gland to function properly. Studies have shown that iodine can inhibit the growth of breast tumours in rats. It has also been suggested that the high dietary seaweed content may account for the low prevalence of breast cancer in Japanese women,” says dietcian Anjali Mukherjee.
Says Vikram Khatri, master chef, Sakura, The Metropolitan Nikko, Delhi, “Seaweeds form a major part of Japanese organic food. We offer a microbiotic salad with a plum based dressing, made from seaweed. The sea weed content in Japanese food keeps it low in fat and healthy.”
Seaweed is believed to contain no fat, and alginate extracted from seaweed may even help you slim down. The down side: Scientists have found mercury, uranium, copper, aluminium, chromium and radioactive isotopes in seaweed.
And if seaweed is medically proved to actually cut your flab, then you can binge on your burgers without feeling guilty.
Seaweed extract, or alginate, increases the fibre content of junk food and makes it healthier
A recent study by Newcastle University says that this is an important breakthrough because it would allow people to continue eating junk food and yet enjoy the benefits of healthier alternatives. Seaweed is a valuable weapon in the international battle against obesity, diabetes, heart problems and diseases such as bowel cancer.
The study has found that alginate strengthens the mucus lining the gut wall, can inhibit digestion and can slow the uptake of nutrients in the body. Alginate, which is high in fibre, is in widespread use by the food industry as a gelling agent and to thicken the frothy head of premium lagers. The seaweed is processed in the laboratory to produce alginate (an extract of seaweed) – a tasteless and odourless off-white coloured powder – that can then be added to food to enhance fibre content.
Says Professor Jeff Pearson, who led the research team, “We believe it’s hard to change people’s habits and that the most practical solution is to improve the food they do eat. With a burger, for example, you would simply remove some of the fat and replace it with the seaweed extract, which is an entirely natural product from a sustainable resource. You’d have a healthier burger and it’s unlikely to taste any different. This compound can also be added to any number of foods, like synthetic creams and yoghurts.”
Seaweed may not be too appetising when it is dried out and ponging on the beach, but bladderwrack, kelp, and other ocean algae could become a key part of a healthier diet, say dieticians and doctors globally. High seaweed content may account for low breast cancer rates in Japanese women. Pearson explains, “We’re just not eating enough fibre, yet we need this to keep us healthy. Adding the seaweed extract could quadruple the amount of fibre in white bread.”
Does it work? Alginate, a structural polysaccharide, is a form of fibre. A study in the US found that people who eat lots of soluble fibre in their diet have a lower risk of heart disease and stroke than those who eat very little. It may also help to protect against cancer, particularly bowel cancer. However, not everyone is convinced. “Alginate is an emulsifying agent,” says Professor Mike Lean, professor of human nutrition at Glasgow University. “It may technically resemble dietary fibre, but that does not mean that eating alginate will have the same benefits of eating fibre-rich whole foods such as beans and whole meal bread.”
Alginate is packed full of minerals. “It may contain between seven and 14 times as much calcium as milk, depending on the type of seaweed,” says dietician Nigel Denby. Seaweed also contains essential fatty acids. Bladderwrack is used in herbal medicine as an anti-bacterial agent, expectorant and tonic.
“Brown algae contains high amounts of iodine, a trace element that is essential for human health. Organic iodine is involved in the production of certain key hormones and helps the thyroid gland to function properly. Studies have shown that iodine can inhibit the growth of breast tumours in rats. It has also been suggested that the high dietary seaweed content may account for the low prevalence of breast cancer in Japanese women,” says dietcian Anjali Mukherjee.
Says Vikram Khatri, master chef, Sakura, The Metropolitan Nikko, Delhi, “Seaweeds form a major part of Japanese organic food. We offer a microbiotic salad with a plum based dressing, made from seaweed. The sea weed content in Japanese food keeps it low in fat and healthy.”
Seaweed is believed to contain no fat, and alginate extracted from seaweed may even help you slim down. The down side: Scientists have found mercury, uranium, copper, aluminium, chromium and radioactive isotopes in seaweed.
And if seaweed is medically proved to actually cut your flab, then you can binge on your burgers without feeling guilty.
Seaweed extract, or alginate, increases the fibre content of junk food and makes it healthier
posted by organicworld | 9:50 PM
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