British scientists are reportedly studying an extract of a highly fibrous type of seaweed, which could be added to junk food to make it healthier. The extract, called alginate, would be used to increase the fibre content of cakes, burgers and other foods that contain large amounts of fat and low amounts of healthier nutrients. The researchers suggest the addition of this seaweed extract to various foods could be a valuable weapon in battling obesity, diabetes, heart disease and colon cancer.
Consuming one's recommended amount of dietary fibre daily is known to help maintain good health by promoting healthy bowels. A wealth of research shows that a diet high in fibre not only helps to relieve constipation, it can also help guard against heart disease, cancer, Type 2 diabetes and obesity. But there are plenty of foods that naturally contain fibre, and they are not typically the highly-processed foods for which this extract would be promoted.
Rather than waiting for food manufacturers to add seaweed-derived fibre to cookies, ice cream and soda pop, you'd be wiser to make whole-grain choices more often, and get your daily quota of fruit and vegetables.
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