Floating Food
Healthy eating is regularly in the news, and many people think they know what it means. However, important nutrients can come from surprising places. Researchers are looking at seaweeds and other macroalgae -- marine life forms other than fish and shellfish -- as a source of heart-healthy ingredients. These macroalgae could have all the benefits of dairy products without causing problems for people who may not be able to consume dairy.
The new look at seaweed is part of a growing trend in nutrition to look at "functional foods," which are not merely healthy in a general way but are beneficial for specific needs. Eating seaweed is actually quite common in some cultures, such as nori in Japanese cuisine. The "fifth taste," umami, was discovered in seaweed by Japanese researchers.
Now Western scientists are looking at seaweed as well. A component of milk, called bioactive peptides, are also abundant in some edible seaweeds. Bioactive peptides help reduce blood pressure. You may not see more seaweed on the menu anytime soon, but researchers are working hard to get its benefits to your plate.