Diet Secrets in the Seaweed

Seaweed can be an important element in weight loss efforts, said experts.

Scientists at Newcastle University, said alginate component found in seaweed can suppress the process of fat digestion in the gut.


The results of research published in the journal Food Chemistry, shows that one type of alginates can reduce fat absorption by up to 75 percent.

Although not regarded as sufficient food is delicious, the expert suggests that the natural fiber found in seaweed could be the key to successful weight loss.

Lead researcher, Professor Jeff Pearson, of the Institute of Cell and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Newcastle, said: "We tried adding alginate to bread and initial tests show some very encouraging."

Overcome Obesity

Now the next step is to conduct clinical trials to determine how effective alginate when eaten as part of a normal diet.

Researchers in this trial to investigate the ability of alginates to reduce the fat that is broken down by the digestive enzymes, pancreatic lipase.

The less of this enzyme works, the absorption of fat will be less.


In the meantime, they say it can help fight obesity, dieticians others say the best way to avoid the absorption of fat is too much to keep reducing the amount of fat intake per day.


Obesity is becoming an increasing threat, especially in developing countries, says a report of a research institute in the UK.