Originally published October 17 2005
Researchers recommend seaweed be added to the British diet
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
At Newcastle University, scientists have studied the positive effects of a diet high in seaweed and concluded that seaweed extract is an excellent way to incorporate more fiber in the average person's diet by fortifying junk foods with the extract known as alginate.
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 British diet.
Scientists at Newcastle University believe that seaweed extract, known as alginate, is the ideal way to add fibre to junk food such as burgers, pies and cakes.
The natural gelling agent, which helps to bind water molecules, is already used to thicken up the tops of premium lagers and pet food chunks.
Professor Jeff Pearson, who led the research team, 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."
A study in America 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.
"Alginate is an emulsifying agent and I am mystified as to why anyone should claim that it has value for human health," 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 wholemeal bread."
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.
Scientists have found mercury, uranium, copper, aluminium, chromium and some radioactive isotopes in seaweed as well as worrying levels of mercury.
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