Researchers from Tel Aviv University and the Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research Institute in Haifa have developed a technology that enables the growth of "enriched seaweed" infused with nutrients, proteins, dietary fiber, and minerals for human and animal needs.
According to the researchers, the technology significantly increases the growth rate, protein levels, healthy carbohydrates, and minerals in the seaweed's tissues -- making the "enriched seaweed" a natural superfood with extremely high nutritional value, which can be used in the future for the health food industry and to secure an unlimited food source.
The research was led by Ph.D. student Doron Ashkenazi, under the guidance of Prof. Avigdor Abelson from the School of Zoology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences at Tel Aviv University, and Prof. Alvaro Israel of the Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research Institute (IOLR) in Tel Shikmona, Haifa. The article was published in the scientific journal Innovative Food Science & Emerging Technologies.
Doron Ashkenazi explains that in the study, local species of the algae Ulva, Gracilaria, and Hypnea were grown in close proximity to fish farming systems under different environmental conditions. The special conditions allowed the seaweed to flourish and enabled a significant improvement in their nutritional value to the point of their becoming "enriched seaweed," which is a superfood. (The use of seaweed as a rich food source that meets all human nutritional needs is even reminiscent of the biblical manna that fed the Israelites in the desert). It will also be possible to use the enriched seaweed in an applied manner for other health industries, for example, as nutritional supplements or as medicine, as well as in the cosmetics industry.
Read the complete research at www.sciencedaily.com.
Tel-Aviv University. "New aquaculture technology can help ease the global food crisis: 'Enriched seaweed' with extremely high nutritional value." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 31 August 2022. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/08/220831094703.htm>.