Enriched Seaweed Can Help Ease the Global Food Crisis

Researchers at Tel Aviv University and the Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research Institute in Haifa have made a cutting-edge technology that makes it possible to grow “enriched seaweed.” This is seaweed that has been infused with nutrients, proteins, dietary fiber, and minerals to meet the needs of both people and animals.

The “enriched seaweed” is a natural superfood with extremely high nutritional value that can be used in the future for the health food industry and to secure an unlimited food source, the researchers claim. They say that the cutting-edge technology makes a big difference in the seaweed’s growth rate, protein levels, healthy carbohydrates, and minerals.

Under the direction 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 research was led by Ph.D. candidate Doron Ashkenazi. A scientific publication called Innovative Food Science & Emerging Technologies published the article.

In the study, Ulva, Gracilaria, and Hypnea local species of algae were grown in close proximity to fish farming systems under various climatic conditions, according to Doron Ashkenazi. The unique circumstances made it possible for the seaweed to grow abundantly and significantly boost their nutritional value, resulting in “enriched seaweed,” a superfood. Even the biblical manna that provided nourishment for the Israelites in the desert can be compared to the utilization of seaweed as a nutrient-dense food source that satisfies all human nutritional demands. It will be possible to use the improved seaweed in industries that have to do with health, like medicine or dietary supplements, in addition to the cosmetics business.

In comparison to other food sources, seaweed is more abundant in the nutrients essential to a healthy diet, according to Ashkenazi. “A farm owner or businessperson can use the technological method we developed to plan ahead a production line of seaweed rich in the ingredients they are interested in, which can be used as health foods or nutritional supplements. For instance, seaweed with a particularly high level of protein, seaweed rich in minerals like iron, iodine, calcium, magnesium, and zinc, or seaweed with unique pigments or antioxidants, are just a few examples. The enriched seaweed can be used as a complement to a vegetarian or vegan diet or to aid people that are malnourished or nutritionally deficient, such as underprivileged groups worldwide. ”

Additionally, unlike terrestrial agriculture, aquaculture, and specifically our suggested seaweed farming method, doesn’t need a lot of land, fresh water, or fertilizer. By lowering environmental dangers, it is environmentally friendly and protects nature and the ecological balance. In actuality, the new methodology provides clean, sustainable agriculture, which is the perfect condition. Governments all around the world are now starting to encourage integrated aquaculture because of its advantages for the environment, which include lowering nutrient loads in coastal waterways and reducing gas emissions and carbon footprints. It helps fight the climate issue and global warming in this way.

“Technologies of this type are clearly a paradigm for a better future for humanity, a future where humans live in idyll and in health in their surroundings,” writes Doron Ashkenazi in his conclusion. Dr. Guy Paz and Dr. Yael Segal of the Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research Institute (IOLR) in Haifa, Dr. Shoshana Ben-Valid, a specialist in organic chemistry, Dr. Merav Nadav Tsubery of the Department of Chemistry in the Faculty of Exact Sciences at Bar-Ilan University, and Dr. Eitan Salomon from the National Center for Mariculture in Eilat collaborated on the study.