Dive Brief:
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Animal studies from the McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston found that two compounds extracted from a specific seaweed contain significant cancer-inhibiting properties, according to Nutrition Insight.
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The studies showed that the seaweed compounds, known as fucoidans, reduced tumor growth in select cancers and significantly improved the effectiveness of the common chemotherapy drug tamoxifen, researchers reported in the journal Integrative Cancer Therapies.
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"Seaweed has been used in Asian markets for centuries for its healing properties, where it is being used in supplements, cosmetics and functional foods. But it is growing quite a lot in America and Europe, especially in supplements and in immune, joint health and anti-cancer applications,” Claire Smoorenburg, head of communications and marketing at fucoidan ingredients supplier Marinova, told Nutrition Insight.
Dive Insight:
While fans know all about its healthy nutritional profile, mainstream consumers might have a tough time getting past the ick factor when it comes to eating products containing seaweed. Still, there are plenty of items out there nowadays to tempt them. Various forms of seaweed are showing up in snacks, jerky, pasta, vegetarian caviar and even edible food wrappers.
According to a 2016 report from Grand View Research, the global commercial seaweed market is expected to reach $22.13 billion by 2024. That's up from an estimated $10.31 billion in 2015. The growing demand for food products derived from seaweeds is expected to power market growth, researchers noted.
Fucoidans are only found in brown types of seaweed, so they aren't typically served up in commonly enjoyed sushi — except as kelp used to season rice. In fact, they aren't usually eaten in the U.S. at all and are more often taken in supplement form. Brown seaweeds have other healthy properties as well, containing beta-carotene and other compounds.
Red seaweeds are tops in terms of preference due to their functional qualities, easy accessibility and applications in industrial sectors, Grand View Research reported. However, brown seaweeds are expected to have the second-highest compound annual growth rate from 2016 to 2024. This isn't for health reasons, but instead from demand for alginate, a common thickening and gelling agent in food and cosmetic products.
While seaweed isn't always consumed by Americans, it has a distinctive umami taste. Manufacturers such as Campbell’s and Frito-Lay have used umami-flavored ingredients in low-sodium and reduced-fat products to add depth to typically bland foods.
Seaweed could be considered part of the "ocean gardens" trend because of its nutritional profile, colors and unique flavors. And if some varieties can help reduce certain types of cancerous tumors, that's just one more asset to market to U.S. consumers looking for exotic, interesting and healthy food products.