 |
 |
 |
|
Seaweed has very rich
mineral elements which is 36% of its dry
mass. The rich mineral elements include
sodium, calcium, magnesium, potassium,
chlorine, sulfur and phosphorus whereas the
trace elements include iodine, iron, zinc,
copper, selenium, molybdenum, fluorine,
manganese, boron, nickel and cobalt.
Among all the mineral elements in seaweed,
the iodine content is significantly high.
Compared with the Daily Recommended Intake
of iodine, seaweed contains huge amount of
iodine and serves as a source of iodine.
Among various types of seaweed, brown algae
contain the highest iodine content. In most
cases, red and green algae contain lower
iodine content than brown algae however, it
is still higher than any land-based plant.
In a lack of iodine in human beings will
lead to abnormal function of thyroid gland
as the thyroid uses iodine to synthesis
thyroid hormone.
Besides iodine, seaweed is the riches plant
sources of calcium. Calcium is required for
formation of human skeletal and dental
components as well as to maintain the normal
function of the cell membrane. However,
there is a loss of calcium from human body
everyday hence, it needs to be replenished
particularly during a child’s growing stage.
Some seaweed contain large amount of
magnesium which it helps to relieve stress
and prevent heart disease caused by tension.
On the other hand, coppers associate with
the absorption of iron in body.
|
|
The overdose
of copper, zinc and manganese in human body
can cause toxicity and lead to liver damage
if the level is not maintained. Research
shows that manganese, blood glucose level
and the occurrence of epilepsy are
interrelated. The facts above stated that a
balance of mineral elements in our body is
an important factor to maintain health.
Therefore, we must maintain an appropriate
level of major and trace elements in the
body. A daily consumption of seaweed may
replenish a variety of inorganic elements to
our body.
The protein content in seaweed is slightly
different in various types of algae. Brown
algae have 5-11% of its dry mass while red
algae have 30-40% of its dry mass. This
content is almost equivalent to the protein
content in legumes. Besides, the protein
content of green algae is as high as 20% of
its dry mass. Spirulina and micro-algae is
well-known to contain high protein content
up to 70% of its dry mass.
The vitamins that seaweed contains are
carotenoids, vitamin B1, B2, B12 and vitamin
C. The fat content of algae is low, 1-5% of
its dry mass, but its essential fatty acids
level still higher than terrestrial plants.
Green algae is rich in oleic acid and
α-linoleum acid. Seaweed has high fiber
content, about 32-50% of its dry mass.
Research shows that seaweed fiber has
properties including antioxidant,
anti-mutation, anti-coagulation, anti-tumor,
and enhance human lipid metabolism. The
soluble fiber in green and red algae is
about 51-56% per total fiber content whereas
brown algae are 67-87% per total fiber
content. Generally, soluble fiber can lower
cholesterol level and has hypoglycemic role. |
| |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
As development of technology, the use of
seaweed has become increasingly widespread.
From food processing and application
industries, it can also be processed to
bio-diesel to fulfill the global demand. The
uses of seaweed has multiplied rapidly and
become one of the economic growth factors in
recent years.
The uses of seaweed include the following:
|
 |
Food |
|
|
Food binding |
|
|
Cosmetic and skin
care |
|
|
Pharmacy |
|
|
Color binding |
|
|
Bio-diesel |
|
|
Fertilizer |
|
|
Plastic wrapping and
bag |
|
|
Toothpaste and soup |
|
|
Ice-cream |
|
|
Condom |
|
|
Pudding |
|
|
Tyres |
|
|
Sausages, corned
beef and ham |
|
|
Meatball and frozen
food |
|
|
|
|
|
1. Health Care |
| Since ancient times in China, seaweed is
considered as a powerful pharmaceutical and
longevity food as it contains high amount of
iodine and potassium which help in treating
goiter and preventing high blood pressure.
In recent years, some studies have shown
that seaweed can lower fever and
inflammation, prevent cancer as well as
thrombosis. It has antibacterial, hemostatic
and diuretic properties. The phycolloid
extracted from seaweed is often used to
treat injuries, ulcers, improve the
formation of connective tissue, prevent
blood loss, lower cholesterol and blood
pressure. A long term consumption of seaweed
can help to regulate metabolism and energy,
stimulate the immune system, ease the
digestive tract, purify blood, prevent
bacterial and viral infection, maintain cell
function and support the normal operation of
thyroid gland. |
|
|
2. Feed |
| Seaweed can be used to make a very good
livestock feed additives (mostly for pig,
cattle and sheep) because it can increase
the appetite of livestock and enhance their
immune system. The added processed seaweed
powder in their feed will accelerate the
growth of livestock, reduce disease, improve
the yield and quality of livestock and so
on. In the aquaculture industry, seaweed is
the important dietary factor for fish,
shrimp, crab and shellfish. |
|
|
3. Fertilizer |
| Seaweed can be composed to fertilizer which
does not contain weed, seed and pest growth
factors. Therefore, the fertilizer made from
seaweed will not breed weeds or pests. It
also contains a large amount of organic
matter to improve nutrient of soil and the
retaining capacity of soil so that soils
will not easily be loss. Some calcified
seaweed, Lithothamnium, can even be used in
the manufacture of marl or to lower soil pH. |
|
|
4. Industrial Uses |
| Seaweed can be extracted to get agar,
alginate and carrageenan which are widely
used in food processing and as culture
medium of basic research because they are
gelatinous, adhesive and emulsive. At the
same time, it is also used in paper making,
textile industry, wine making, cosmetic
industry, paint making, teeth modeling,
printing, production of film, sewage
purification and so on. In addition, large
algae are also used to product hydrocarbon
(such as methane), which provides yet
another new energy source. |
|
|
5. Environmental
Enhancement |
| Recently, scientists propose that the
large-scale declination of algae resources
may be one of the major causes of occurrence
of red tide. The uses of polyculture
technology by using seaweed and aquatic
animals can reduce disease, purify and
improve the quality of water and
environment. |
|
|
|
|
|
