Researchers have created a ground-breaking technique to improve seaweed, doubling its antioxidant content, tripling its natural sunscreen content, and raising its protective pigment content. This method has enormous advantages for numerous businesses.
Scientists from Tel Aviv University and the Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research Institute have made significant advancements in enhancing seaweed for various industries. Their study demonstrates that they have doubled the antioxidants found in seaweed, tripled its natural sunscreen quantity, and increased its protective pigments ten-fold. Seaweed, or macroalgae, not only play a crucial role in marine ecosystems but also produce bio-active compounds beneficial to humans. Seaweed living in challenging environments have developed unique chemical defense mechanisms to survive, and the researchers aimed to enhance the production of valuable biomaterials in seaweed by exposing them to stress conditions. The team’s methodology can be applied globally in the seaweed aquaculture industry, and they envision imbuing seaweed with additional natural substances with significant medical properties. Seaweed is known to be a nutritious food source, rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, offering benefits such as thyroid function support, cell protection, weight loss assistance, and potential improvement in heart health. However, caution should be exercised regarding sodium intake and iodine levels, and it is advisable to consult with healthcare professionals before making dietary changes.
Source: super-seaweed-boosts-health