Why Algea Is Going To Be the Next Big Thing in 2018 |
Posted: January 15, 2018 |
As we head into a new year, nutritionists are looking at the coming diet trends and trying to predict which new health foods will be a bigger hit. While 2018 brings several big changes, one of the most promising may be a greater emphasis on the health benefits of algae. The properties found in algae may make this product a staple in 2018 for those interested in new foods and healthier hearts. Algae May Be The Latest High Functioning Food Additive While spirulina and chlorella algae has made an impact in the lives of some, it's still a very well-kept secret to much of society. That may change in the coming year, as algae gains more recognition for what it can do for our bodies. In fact, food manufacturers are already looking at ways to use algae products as substitutes for meat proteins, so the coming year may see an introduction of algae burgers and similar non-meat alternatives. TerraVia is one such company, which has set out to show the world that algae is as versatile as it is beneficial. Their company markets whole algae, which they claim is rich in protein, but they also say their whole algae products are rich in lipids and fatty acids. This gives vegans a product that provides a gluten-free source of protein, as well as a healthier option that can be substituted for cooking oils, butter, and egg yolks. The Health Benefits of Algae It's not difficult to see why algae is expected to be a big hit in 2018. Already, it's been discovered that various types of algae can promote healthy weight loss and fight cancer. In addition to being a good source of carrageenan, brown algae also contains fucoxanthin, which supports fat burning through higher thermogenin production. In a double-blind study conducted by Russian researchers, supplements containing the fucoxathin found in brown algae were administered to 151 women. The subjects were pre-menopausal women who were obese, but not diabetic. Divided into a control group and a test group, the test group received the supplements, while the control group received placebos. The subjects taking the fucoxanthin supplements lost an average of 14.5 pounds by the end of the 16 week study. In examining the effects algae has on cancer, several studies found that algae slows the growth of cancer cells in laboratory tests and in animal studies. One of the most promising studies looked at the ability of algae to fight oral cancer in both animals and human subjects. Instances of oral leukoplakia, brought on by chewing tobacco, were reduced after 12 months of daily treatments. Algae May Also Be an Alternative Source of Fuel Cargill is just one of several companies looking to algae as a possible biofuel. In the past, Cargill has used their algae ponds to produce salt, but that may be changing as science looks for a new way to end our dependence on crude oil. Previously, there had been initiatives to derive ethanol from corn kernels and plant parts, but algae is now showing more promise than either of those earlier options. The concept of developing engine oil from algae comes from the way microalgae has been found to store minimal amounts of lipids. These lipids are akin to those found in cooking oils, so scientists are theorizing that this process can be magnified on a much larger scale. The amount of oil needed to be produced in the algae strains may mean growing greater quantities and genetically manipulating the algae to promote a higher concentration of stored oil. Once that has been accomplished, a system will have to be developed for extracting the oil. From engine lubricating oils to aiding the body in fighting weight gain and cancer, algae is already showing promise. As this natural product shows greater promise, the uses of algae may grow exponentially. Looking to the coming year, algae is poised to become a greater cash crop and a much sought after product.
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