Provided by www.fucoxanthinbulk.com. Much is made about the benefits of an authentic Asian diet which consists mostly of vegetables and grain. Soy gets a lot of attention, but more and more, people are realizing the benefits of seaweed, which constitutes about 10 percent of the Japanese diet. Aside from the high levels of essential vitamins and minerals found in edible seaweed, on-going studies are revealing other potential benefits of consuming brown algae. Fucoxanthin is one such element currently being explored. But what exactly is it?
Fucoxanthin is the carotenoid pigment found in brown algae. It is fat-soluble and serves as the dominant pigment, thus hiding the green hue of chlorophyll. Its job is to carry on photosynthesis, the process by which algae create food from light. Because it is a carotenoid, fucoxanthin has antioxidant properties which can support the immune system. Along with beta carotene, it is one of the most plentiful carotenoids naturally produced. Red and green algae are not good sources of fucoxanthin simply because they contain very little if any of this pigment, however it is very abundant in brown algae.
Other studies using brown algae like wakame and hijiki, are exploring fucoxanthin as a potential key to weight loss. UCP1, a thermogenic protein, was detected in the white adipose tissue (WAT) of mice after introducing fucoxanthin to their system. There was a noted reduction of abdominal WAT in the mice. In humans, WAT accounts for 20- 25% of body weight and is found around the internal organs. This is important because UCP1 is responsible for breaking down stored fat. With obesity on the rise, finding healthy, natural ways to combat it is important.
Fish oil is a common omega-3 fatty acid supplement, but fucoxanthin has the same benefits as Omega 3 without the fishy odor. So, brown algae and fucoxanthin, with its antioxidant properties, are being studied. It is difficult to absorb the benefits of fucoxanthin in its natural state because it is tightly intertwined with other proteins in the seaweed. The pigment is extracted from the seaweed, processed and then packaged in soft gel or capsule form for easy dosing.
There are about 2,000 species of brown algae, most of which are marine based algae. Wakame, the brown algae used in the research, has branched out to other locations besides Asia and cultivation is occurring to meet demand. Kelp forests of wakame have been found in waters off the coasts of New Zealand and California. If they can find a way for the seaweed to coexist with other native plants and animals, this could have a positive economic effect on these areas. As more and more possibilities arise from the use of fucoxanthin, demand may very well skyrocket for public consumption as well as medical research.
Over the past twenty years, Westerners have slowly begun to accept seaweed as a food source. But, it will never be as popular in the Unites States as it is in Asia. Some people may never be able to overlook the slimy texture. With research, anyone can enjoy the benefits of seaweed- whether it's cooked, raw or in pill form. For more information, look to www.fucoxanthinbulk.com.
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