Natural organic seaweed does not happen automatically, as seaweed is a global industry and grown in a whole range of ocean environments. Not all areas are the same. We hear and see reports in the media that oceans are full of microplastics or pollution. (National Geographic) We have chose to grow our Pacific SeaMossTM in an area that is low in urban and rural runoff, and we regularly monitor the ocean water, and have implemented a range of practices to ensure the seaweed is organic and monitored.
Gallery of Seaweed Farm Photos
Seaweed harvested
Seaweed attached to ropes and floating just under surface
View of seaweed ready for harvest at 40 days
Whale shark
A giant form Kappaphycus alvarezii forms
Seaweed growing on lines underwater
Salps with baby Damsels
Red seaweed that is brown coloiur
Frog fish in the seaweed
Schools of small fish
Many species grow in the same habitat
Jelly fish and squid like to hide
Frog fish
The small fish eat the seaweed
Organically Certified
The seaweed has been certified by OCCP, the Philippine National Organic Certification Authority and is regularly reinspected to ensure that the seaweed is pure, natural organic seaweed.
Certified organic
Why Is there an Allergy Warning?
Seaweed farms create an environment where other fish come to live. With shelter from the open water, the ecology changes. Over the growing cycle, small fish give rise to larger fish who come to feed on them. And molluscs shellfish and sea creatures attach to the seaweed. (Seafood allergies and Seaweed)
Ever wondered how insta influencers get luscious, long hair without extensions? Why is it that their hair grows faster?
So do we. Most of us have to spend hundreds on expensive products only to find ourselves with brittle hair and split ends from all the over styling we’ve been doing. Does this sound a lot like your daily struggle?
Our Customers Report Hair Grows Faster
Well, we’ve got some great news for you. the science buffs at Biosea Health have stumbled upon some amazing science that may hold the answers. Their customers, taking seaweed for blood pressure problems, started reporting hair was growing quickly and trips to the barber or hairdresser were becoming more frequent.
Turns out that seaweed could be the solution to our dry, damaged-hair problems. Studies have shown that the right amount of seaweed can increase hair growth by nearly four times. Yes, you read that correctly, four times faster than the normal rate of hair growth.
Hair Grew 4 times faster in Experiments
In a study back in 2011, Muhammad et al found within 15 days, those that ate seaweed with recently cut hair had a regrowth rate of 95-100% and those that did not eat seaweed had a regrowth rate of 25-30%. Basically, with a high seaweed diet, we can see our hair transforming from lush to lusher.
Want to see the results but don’t fancy a munching on a big bowl of seaweed everyday? Not a problem. Biosea Health have dried whole seaweed and put it into capsules or granules so you can get the right amount of seaweed without having to chow down on sea-greens by the bucket load
So, ditch the hair-growth gummies and test out a more effective, vegan alternative to long, lively hair.
STAGES IN HAIR GROWTH
ANATOMY OF HAIR
HAIR GROWTH IN RATS
(a) Ethanolic extract of seaweed, (b) aquaeous extract of seaweed (c) honey, (d) water. From Fard et al [1]
Why did hair grow faster?
The authors found the extraction fraction from seaweed also possessed several antioxidant compounds which may be responsible for the accelerated hair growth and wound healing. Hair is considered to be a major component of an individual’s general appearance. Demand for medications that alter hair growth and appearance has led to a multibillion-dollar industry and thus far few natural effective products are available.
Customers eating Pacific Seamoss have provided us with glowing testimonials that their hair growth is better.
References
[1] Muhammad, K. and S. Mohamed (2011). “Ethanolic extract of Eucheuma cottonii promotes in vivo hair growth and wound healing.” J. Anim. Vet. Adv 10: 601-605. (MedWell)
Seaweed – not just good food, Food for Health. Try it. See if your hair grows faster!
Surprise, surprise! We’ve found yet another incredible health benefit from seaweed. Turns out seaweed is not just great for your nails, hair and overall health, it’s actually works to heal wounds faster.
Our Biosea science team has stumbled across some research in wound healing that will knock your socks off.
In a 2011 study, seaweed was given to wounded rats to assess its effects on the healing process. Those that were fed the seaweed had 100% wound healing over 15 days. Those that were not fed the seaweed supplement only had a 50% healing rate (Muhammad and Mohamed 2011). Basically, those that supplement their diet with seaweed should see their wounds heal 50% quicker than those that don’t eat their sea-greens.
From Mohamed 2011 – hair and wound healing in mice with seaweed [1]
The Real World
Most of us deal with burns, scratches or wounds with a band-aid and some curse words.
But imagine if the healing process really was faster? For young people, regular intake of seaweed could help with ulcers, cold sores or the occasional skateboarding injury. Maybe we’d live a little bit more on the edge (in a good way, of course). But what about that angry red zit you’ve had to pop? Imagine if it healed quickly enough to not scar, or ruin Friday date night? Perhaps seaweed could be the answer to quick-healing blemishes. In our pilot trial for dysmenorrhea, 60% of the participants said their skin healing was faster.
Customers Report Wounds Heal Faster
Over a dozen customers of Pacific Seamoss report they have gone into surgery for skin operations, such as Basal Cell Carcinoma removal, Arthroscopic surgery, knee surgery and when they return to get the stitches out, the surgeon or nurse are surprised wounds haved healed much faster than expected. These are anecdotal studies. But when a surgeon who has done thousands of operations comments on speed of recovery, its time to pursue some more.
Heal Wounds Faster if You are Older
For someone over 70, a significant wound can perpetuate into something much worse. A wound or ulcer could be the difference between vitality and immobility; even seeing the grandkids or doing the things that bring them joy. We all know that grandma would probably not be keen to eat 10 rolls of sushi a day, but a couple of capsules from Biosea health could make a massive difference to her life. For the youngins, we may not be incapacitated from a minor injury but next time we take a tumble, we’ll be grateful that we had our daily dose of sea-greens to see us through.
So, try seaweed out for yourself and see if it makes a difference. But most importantly, make sure you get grandma onto it (and maybe even mum and dad). They’ll thank you later.
WOUND HEALING PHASES
The cycle of wound healing with 4 distinct phases. Diagram from [2]
References
[1] Samaneh Ghasemi Fard, Fatemeh Tash Shamsabadi, Mozhdeh Emadi, Goh Yong Meng, Kharidah Muhammad and Suhaila Mohamed (2011). “Ethanolic extract of Eucheuma cottonii promotes in vivo hair growth and wound healing.” J. Anim. Vet. Adv 10: 601-605. (MedWell) DOI10.3923/javaa.2011.601.605
[2] Panayi A.C., Reitblat C., Orgill D.P. (2020) Wound Healing and Scarring. In: Ogawa R. (eds) Total Scar Management. Springer, Singapore (DOI)
Seaweed – not just good food, Food for Health and Heal wounds faster!
Most of us have 20 nails. Finger nails. Toe nails. And while the industry is a multi-billion dollar industry and there are thousands of vitamins and minerals, the peer reviewed science [1] says that vitamins and minerals do not make for healthy nails naturally.
In late 2019, after about 1 month of sales, we started getting feedback from our customers that they were getting naturally healthy nails. At first we didn’t believe them. The science evidence was clear that supplemention with vitamins and minerals did not lead to healthy nails.
Yet here are just some comments back
I have to cut my finger nails every week. Used to be every 2 weeks. Sidney – Adelaide, SA, AU
My nails are the best they have been for 40 years. Judy – QLD, Aus
Stronger nails Wayne, QLD
My nails are the best they have been since I had thyroid cancer 20 years ago. Amazing. Why? Lea, QLD, Aust
Testimonial
Anais provided this testimonial. She ate seaweed as she saw the good food and vitamins. She was unaware about the effect on nails and hair. In just 3 weeks this is her story.
SEAWEED FOR NATURALLY HEALTHY NAILS
Artificial Products Promoting healthy nails
Nails are a beauty / personal statement and the consumer market is full of products that claim to make naturally healthy nails. The ingredients in these “miracle” lotions are generally synthetic vitamins, a protein complex and soy protein. The ingredients for this of “Sally Hansen Nail Growth Miracle” that is “vegan” and pure and states it is formulated without formaldehye, formaldehyde resin, toluene, xylene, acetone camphor, parabens, ethyl toluide, triphenyl phosphate animal-derived ingredients but does include:
What is the relationship between seaweed and naturally healthy nails?
We don’t know. The published peer-reviewed research papers say vitamins and minerals don’t help healthy nails [11] yet Cashman [7] says every nutritional deficiency affects health. Every popular media article insists that eating healthy and taking multi-vitamins will provide naturally healthy nails, especially if you use Product “X”.
Seaweed is full of vitamins and minerals. A daily serve of 4.2g of dry seaweed includes:
Potassium: 30% of RDA (Recommended daily allowance)
Maybe the people who took this were not eating healthy? But that does not explain the large number of consumers that all say the same thing. Some only noticed after 3 months when their nails had grown out.
Is the Reason due to Improvement in Gut Health?
Seaweed is an effective pre-biotic and changes the gut bacteria. Animal studies show a change in microbiome.
Has 5% of daily dietary fibre
Has high insoluble carbohydrate to provide pre-biotic improvements.
We know a diet of seaweed provides powerful anti-oxidants. In human and animal trials there is a reduction in fatty liver, lower blood pressure, less inflammation in liver, gut, and heart. So maybe this is involved?
Seaweed Does Moderate Hormonal Systems
Seaweed has impact on oestrogen levels and has been researched for breast cancer and for other cancers and in antiviral studies. The evidence is that the seaweed assists in stabilizing hormonal levels.
NAIL GROWTH DETAILS
Nails are complex. What can you do for naturally healthy nails
LOOK AFTER NAILS, NATURALLY
Nail saloons can be sources of infection
Naturally Health Nails Are Wanted!
A healthy fingernail has the function of protecting the distal phalanx, the fingertip, and the surrounding soft tissues from injuries. It also serves to enhance precise delicate movements of the distal digits through counter-pressure exerted on the pulp of the finger. We want healthy nails naturally as most don’t want to spend hours attending to them.
What Nails Tell Us About Our Health
There are many myths and stories about the health of our nails. This is just a list from health.com: 10 Things Your Nails Say About Your Health; by Kathleen Mulpeter. Most arise due to poor nutrition, and healthy living will give you naturally healthy nails.
Yellow nails – occurs with age or with smoking
Dry cracked or brittle nails; There are various physical causes such as overuse of nail polisher, frequent dishwashing, swimming. Brittle nails maybe associated with hypothyroidism
Clubbing. may be a sign of liver or kidney disease
White spots Some suggest it is associated with calcium but minor trauma is more likely
Horizontal ridges. Minor trauma only
Vertical ridges – age – like wrinkles on your face
Severely bitten nails – sometimes OCB behaviour
Spoon nails – thin nails and short of iron
Pitting – may be psoriasis
Dark stripes or a painful growth. Melanoma.
References
[1] Scheinfeld N, Dahdah MJ, Scher R. 2007 Vitamins and minerals: their role in nail health and disease.J Drugs Dermatol. 2007 Aug;6(8):782-7. (Pubmed)
[2] E. M. Brown et al., “Seaweed and human health,” Nutrition reviews, vol. 72, no. 3, pp. 205-216, 2014.
[3] S. Wanyonyi, R. Du Preez, L. Brown, N. A. Paul, and S. K. Panchal, “Kappaphycus alvarezii as a food supplement prevents diet-induced metabolic syndrome in rats,” Nutrients, vol. 9, no. 11, p. 1261, 2017. (Nutrition)
[5] Teas, J. et al. Could dietary seaweed reverse the metabolic syndrome? 145–157 http://apjcn.nhri.org.tw/server/APJCN/18/2/145.pdf (2009).
[6] du Preez, R. et al. Carrageenans from the Red Seaweed Sarconema filiforme Attenuate Symptoms of Diet-Induced Metabolic Syndrome in Rats. Mar. Drugs 18, 97 (2020).
[7] Cashman,M, Sloan, S 2010 Nutrition and nail disease 2010 Clinics in Dermatology Vol 28, Issue 4, July–August 2010, Pages 420-425 (Science Direct)
[9] Jung J, Lee JA, Ko MM, et al Gyejibongneyong-hwan, a herbal medicine for the treatment of dysmenorrhoea with uterine fibroids: a protocol for a randomised controlled trialBMJ Open 2016;6:e013440. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-013440
Seaweed – not just good food, Food for Health and Nail Vitality
Painful periods or menstrual cramps, is pain during menstruation. The technical name is dysmenorrhea. It normally occurs around the time that menstruation begins, and symptoms typically last less than three days. The pain is usually in the pelvis or lower abdomen. Other symptoms may include back pain, diarrhea or nausea.
Wikipedia says “Dysmenorrhea occurs less often in those who exercise regularly and those who have children early in life. Treatment may include the use of a heating pad. Medications that may help include NSAIDs such as ibuprofen. ”
In severe cases and in many countries, then hormonal birth control and the IUD with progestogen are effective but they are not cheap or many do not want to go on the pill at an early age.
In a study in Spain with university students [11] over 75% had dsymenorrhea. Most (90.5%) students with dysmenorrhea used pharmacological treatment, and 80% self-medicated. Its a major problem among youth today and impacts their quality of life. While physical activity may alleviate symptoms, other complementary treatments that work, should be promoted at all study and workplaces.
Katies Experience. Pain from 9 to a 1
Katie is a student in Davao, Philippines. She’s suffered dysmenorrhea for over 5 years. Her pain was sometimes so bad she failed assignments or examinations. She was encouraged to eat Pacific Seamoss. In one month her pain went from a 9 to a 1.
Typical pain measuring scale.
Y DOES SEAWEED REDUCE PERIOD PAIN?
We don’t know specific reasons why Katies period pain went from she says was 11 to a 1. The first month – surprise. The second. Wow. This might work. Third month. All with a pain scale of 1. Why?
VITAMINS AND MINERALS REDUCE PERIOD PAIN
Theres good research that Vitamins and minerals do help for painful periods. Seaweed is packed full of vitamins and minerals. A daily serve of 4.2g of dry seaweed includes:
Potassium: 30% of RDA (Recommended daily allowance)
Seaweed is an effective pre-biotic and changes the gut bacteria. That is demonstrated in animal studies, and work is underway to check what happens in humans.
Has 5% of daily dietary fibre
Low energy but high insoluble carbohydrate to provide that pre-biotic improvements.
CHANGES IN HORMONAL SYSTEMS
Seaweed has impact on oestrogen levels and has been researched for breast cancer. Professor Teas didn’t know exactly what is going on. She concluded seaweed assists in stabilizing hormonal levels.
Pilot trials and clinical trials are in the planning stage to see how how clinically effective seaweed is.
ACNE IMPROVEMENT
A Korean herb Gyejibongneyong-hwan or the Guizhi Fuling Formula in Chinese, is widely used to treat uterine fibroids in East Asian countries including Korea, China and Japan but recent studies are underway to assess the efficacy and safety of the herbal formula for the treatment of primary and secondary dysmenorrhoea. What is interesting is that also is used to reduce acne; and other trials are underway to see if it improves acne.
Seaweed may also as well and we will follow those who take Pacific Seamoss and see if there is a reduction.
REFERENCES
[1] J. Teas, J. R. Hebert, J. H. Fitton, and P. V. Zimba, “Algae–a poor man’s HAART?,” Medical Hypotheses, vol. 62, no. 4, pp. 507-510, 2004. (Science Direct)
[2] E. M. Brown et al., “Seaweed and human health,” Nutrition reviews, vol. 72, no. 3, pp. 205-216, 2014.
[3] A. Farah Diyana, A. Abdullah, Z. Shahrul Hisham, and K. Chan, “Antioxidant activity of red algae Kappaphycus alvarezii and Kappaphycus striatum,” International Food Research Journal, vol. 22, no. 5, 2015. (Google Scholar)
[4] S. Wanyonyi, R. Du Preez, L. Brown, N. A. Paul, and S. K. Panchal, “Kappaphycus alvarezii as a food supplement prevents diet-induced metabolic syndrome in rats,” Nutrients, vol. 9, no. 11, p. 1261, 2017. (Nutrition)
[5] Teas, J. et al. Could dietary seaweed reverse the metabolic syndrome? 145–157 http://apjcn.nhri.org.tw/server/APJCN/18/2/145.pdf (2009).
[6] du Preez, R. et al. Carrageenans from the Red Seaweed Sarconema filiforme Attenuate Symptoms of Diet-Induced Metabolic Syndrome in Rats. Mar. Drugs 18, 97 (2020).
[8] Wong CL, Farquhar C, Roberts H, Proctor M (October 2009). “Oral contraceptive pill for primary dysmenorrhoea”. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (4): CD002120. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD002120.pub3. PMID19821293.
[9] Jung J, Lee JA, Ko MM, et al Gyejibongneyong-hwan, a herbal medicine for the treatment of dysmenorrhoea with uterine fibroids: a protocol for a randomised controlled trialBMJ Open 2016;6:e013440. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-013440
[10] Kim KI et al Effects of herbal medicine for dysmenorrhea treatment on accompanied acne vulgaris: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.BMC Complement Altern Med. 2017 Jun 17;17(1):318. doi: 10.1186/s12906-017-1813-1. (Pubmed)
[11] Fernández-Martínez E, Onieva-Zafra MD, Parra-Fernández ML. 2019 The Impact of Dysmenorrhea on Quality of Life Among Spanish Female University Students. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019 Feb 27;16(5). pii: E713. doi: 10.3390/ijerph16050713. (Pubmed)
[12] Anastasakis, Eleftherios & Kingman, C & Lee, CA & Economides, D & Kadir, Rezan. (2008). Menstrual problems in university students: An electronic mail survey. In vivo (Athens, Greece). 22. 617-20. (Researchgate)
You can make a chocolate as a healthy treat very easily. You need to eat about 5 to 6 grams of the dry powder each day. But seaweed powder flavor may be a little strong, so you use the chocolate to overpower the flavour of the seaweed.
Ingredients for 1 week supply
Pacific Seamoss Powder. Measure out 5 x 7 days of powder. (Seven heaped teaspoons)
100g to 200g block of chocolate. Use a chocolate of choice. Dark 65% or more has strong flavor, but sweet milk chocolate may be preferred for children
1 Ice Cube Tray. May need 2 trays, sufficient to hold all the chocolate
You will need access to a bowl, a refrigerator, microwave or pot. If using stovetop, heat pot of water and place bowl over hot water pot to melt chocolate.
Instructions
Melt the chocolate (microwave or use a pot on the stove). Do not overheat.
Remove from heat
Measure in 7 heaped teaspoons of seaweed powder
Stir
Pour into ice trays
Put icetrays into the refrigerator or freezer. Freezer may reduce the flavor and cause the chocolate to have a white flourery look.
Eating
Depending on the number of chocolate Cubes, split this across the week. Take 1/7th each day
This chocolate recipe is the simplest. If you want a Chocolate Recipe Paleo, read more
CHOCOLATE – TREAT WITHOUT GUILT
ICE TRAY FOR DAILY PORTIONS
Chocolate Recipe for Seaweed – Paleo
Want to make a cheaper or more involved recipe. Here is one that is on All Recipes.com and. Only 10 minutes and gives you healthy coconut as well as Paleo. The coconut also masks the seaweed for a delicious chocolate.
Recipe by: Linda(LMT)”Homemade chocolate that melts in your mouth. Made without artificial ingredients or waxes, this wholesome treat is ideal for the health conscious individual who enjoys an indulgent treat. Sweetness can be tweaked to taste, and add-in ingredients and combinations are endless.” The ingredients include
1/2 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup cocoa powder
3 tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Gently melt coconut oil in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir cocoa powder, honey, and vanilla extract into melted oil until well blended.
Then add the 7 teaspoons of seaweed (1 teaspoon per day)
Pour mixture into a candy mold or pliable tray. Refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour.
Seaweed stops rheumatoid arthritis in its tracks. Dr. Jan Villadsen had spondylarthritis / Psoriatic arthritis and it was gone in 17 days. For the first time in 5 years, his C-Reactive Protein levels went to zero. Symptoms went.
SEAWEED STOPS RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Arthritis is a complex set of over 100 different types – generally categorized as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid. The main difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis is the cause behind the joint symptoms. Osteoarthritis was thought to be caused by mechanical wear and tear on joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s own immune system attacks the body’s joints. (The cause of osteoarthritis has recently been challenged.) Arthritis affects more than 350 million adults globally.
When people get chronic inflammatory diseases such as spondylarthritis or Psoriatic arthritis, patients may be given disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). DMARDS are a category of otherwise unrelated drugs defined by their use in rheumatoid arthritis to slow down disease progression. The term is often used in contrast to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDS, which refers to agents that treat the inflammation but not the underlying cause and steroids (which blunt the immune response but are insufficient to slow down the progression of the disease).
Dr. Jan Villadsen is a Consultant Specialist Immunology at Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark. Dr. Villadsen had suffered from spondylarthritis / Psoriatic arthritis for decades. Despite the treatment of conventional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARD) and combination therapy of sDMARD and bDMARD, there had been no significant improvement. Dr. Villadsen was provided with a synbiotic (seaweed/oilseed rape fiber fermented mix) from a commercial provider Fermbiotics (see www.fermbiotics.com).
The outcome was astonishing. For the first time in 5 years, his C-Reactive Protein (CPR) went to zero. The seaweed mix was also provided to other hospital staff, and they wanted it for weight loss and general health.
DR JAN VILLADSEN
What Is this Research?
This research work comes out of the Macro Cascade project of the European Union Horizon 2020 program, where the primary aim is to get novel feed products for pigs to avoid using antibiotics. The product is made with brown seaweeds (Saccharina and Ascophyllum) and rapeseed waste and fermented with lactobacillus yeasts.
The current research between Fermbiotics and the Aarhaus Hospital is a clinical trial of 257 patients to look at this outcome more broadly with Dr. Villadsen and Dr. Henning Glerup.
Seaweed stops Rheumatoid Arthritis
Gut health is now known to be very important in a whole range of autoimmune diseases including:
[1] Review: Microbiome in Inflammatory Arthritis and Human Rheumatic Diseases. Jose U. Scher Dan R. Littman Steven B. Abramson 02 September 2015 https://doi.org/10.1002/art.39259
Could Pacific SeaMoss be the ultimate Sea vegetable?
Seaweed has been identified as a key food supplement that can be consumed conveniently in capsule form. Due to increased awareness about the nutritional and health benefits of seaweed, there has been a growing market for seaweed products in Europe. Seaweed is a good source of Vitamin (A, C, E, and K), and many minerals such as potassium, magnesium, copper, calcium, iron, and manganese that are often lacking in modern diets. Furthermore, food products made from seaweed are low in saturated fats and cholesterol. Seaweed contains iodine that helps in the proper functioning of the thyroid glands and normal energy-yielding metabolism.
Consumer demand for seaweed products in Europe
Utilisation of seaweed in Europe is still at its infancy, however, consumers are gradually seeking new sources of healthy and nutritious products and in effect looking towards seaweed. Demand from Europe is expected to increase due to increased consumer awareness on the health benefits of seaweed. In Europe seaweed could well become the next superfood and it is slowly being incorporated in very many different food and drink products. With the anticipated increase in seaweed for health, many leading health companies are now appreciating the potential impact of seaweed as a key ingredient in the manufacture of healthy food products. Food and beverage manufacturers are also looking into ways of incorporating seaweed ingredients into their products.
Consumers of food supplements search for products that help them maintain a healthy lifestyle and are extremely conscious about their health. These consumers have a preference for natural and organic products, and as a result, they purchase the organic seaweed food supplements. Therefore, the demand for seaweed is growing because it is recognized as a certified organic product. In Europe, in 2016 the market for certified organic products grew by 11.4% to over €33.5 billion. Countries that have great demand for organic products in Europe include Switzerland, Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France.
Companies that produce organic seaweed food supplements ensure that they maintain high-quality standards and have to always monitor the production process to avoid detoxification.
What is driving the demand for seaweed in Europe?
According to the World Health Organization, about 70% of European adults are overweight or obese, which has increased demand for food and diet supplements for weight loss. There is growing consumer awareness about the use of seaweed in pharmaceuticals as more and more people are preferring to use natural products for their health. Also, there is a growing popularity for Asian foods in Europe, and this is expected to support the growth of the target market. Seaweed food supplements have also been used to improve immunity and improved immunity is linked to preventive health. This opens up opportunities for seaweed supplements. Seaweed has fiber and sugars that can be used as food sources for good bacteria to nourish your gut. Seaweed is thought to help in preventing chronic diseases such as cancer and also aid in the prevention of high blood pressure in humans.
Maybe the ultimate sea vegetable is Pacific Sea Moss
Clean. Green, Sustainable. Good Food. Food for Health
Two forms of carrageenan plus one that is entirely different. What are they and how are they unique?
Carrageenan is Safe and Healthy
Carrageenan is a polysaccharide that naturally occurs in edible red seaweed
Carrageenan extract is commonly used as a food additive or thickening agent in items such as ice-cream and cheese. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have approved the additive for use.
Polysaccharides are naturally occurring carbohydrates or sugars that are cheap, non-toxic and readily available. Carrageenan is mostly used in the food industry as a gelling or thickening agent as well as in the field of pharmaceuticals to test for anti-inflammatory agents. There are many studies that have been conducted on the health effects and the safety of carrageenan. Many of these studies are based what sometimes called “degraded carrageenan”, which is in fact an entirely different molecule called Poligeenan.
Natural carrageenan is found in whole, unprocessed seaweed such as Pacific Sea Moss which has been termed a super food. Seaweed has been the food of our ancestors for millennia.
Food grade carageenan such as that used in the thickening of ice cream is readily extracted from red seaweed, and is processed with alkaline substances. It is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration and also the European regulators.
So-called denatured carrageenan is significantly altered at the molecular level with heat and acid. It is more accurately referred to as poligeenan. Poligeenan is not a food product, and only used in the lab. It is known to present considerable health risks.
Confusion between poligeenan and carrageenan
So called denatured carrageenan is in fact a different molecule which is correctly named poligeenan. Poligeenan has been extensively researched on animals and has been shown to cause ulcers and gut tumors, and even cause colon cancer in animals such as rats and mice. Few studies have been extended to humans due to these adverse effects. Poligeenan is not a food substance, it does not occur in nature, rather is is a potent chemical used in industry.
A detailed review of about 45 studies on carrageenan on animals revealed that most of these studies were based on poligeenan, which is derived from but not a form of carageenan. Poligeenan has been found to have harmful health effects. Therefore, it is important to distinguish between these different molecules.
Poligeenan is quite different to carrageenan From [1]
Naturally occurring Carrageenan is good for our health
Natural carrageenan is found in Pacific Sea Moss, which is whole seaweed food and is safe for human consumption. There have been several peer-reviewed studies that support statement. In a study on mice fed on carrageenan extracted from seaweeds, inhibitory activity of tumour growth in mice was detected. In another study on male rats, there was neither detected changes in their body weights nor any change in their health. Carrageenan extracted from red marine algae is a strong anti-inflammatory agent in rodents such as mice. In yet another study, carrageenan from marine algae has shown signs of inducing cells to detect and destroy pathogens found in the body of rats. Another peer-reviewed study used a set of five rats and fed them with carrageenan extracted from red seaweed. After 10 days of observation, there was similar weight gain and fecal excretion in all the rats that were studied. There was no carrageenan detected in the liver or intestines of these rats and the carrageenan excreted in the faeces had similar gel filtration distribution pattern as that of the carrageenan that had been administered.
These studies indicate that the native carrageenan extracted from Pacific Sea Moss is entirely safe and has no negative effects. They are not degraded in the gut and therefore are not toxic. Obviously, if the good carrageenan found in Pacific Sea Moss were to be degraded in the body, it would have been detected in the numerous studies and should have resulted in significant ulceration and tumor growth.
References
[1] Re‐evaluation of carrageenan (E 407) and processed Eucheuma seaweed (E 407a) as food additives European Food Safety Commission
Around the globe – from the European Union, UK, USA, Australia China, Philippines governments and industry are looking to expand growing seaweed and use the products in new and innovative ways.
The USA Department of Energy has the Mariner Program of research. They have focused their efforts on modelling, biofuel and growing systems.. See their program page here
