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
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