Time To Inventory Up On Seaweed: New Research Finds Algae Can Assist Leaky Intestine 

The notion that algae is helpful for our well being shouldn’t be so stunning—numerous species of algae have been studied for many years on account of their vitamin, fiber, and antioxidant content material. We’re already aware of algae as a superfood, not solely in our diets however topically for our pores and skin as effectively. 

What’s new, nonetheless, is that scientists have found a selected species of algae (referred to as C. reinhardtii) to focus on a fairly large well being concern: leaky intestine. 

A crew of researchers on the College of California–San Diego discovered that one of these algae may enhance a few of the signs related to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), together with diarrhea, fuel, and bloating. Additionally they obtained the inexperienced gentle to make use of human contributors on this examine, which makes the outcomes much more promising. 

As a result of C. reinhardtii has already gone by way of rigorous testing, it obtained the “Usually Acknowledged As Protected” designation by the FDA. That mentioned, scientists have been excited to check human volunteers and see whether or not consuming one of these algae may positively have an effect on their microbiomes. 

This is the way it went: The researchers gave 51 volunteers (a few of whom skilled signs of IBS) every day spoonfuls of the powdered algae for one month. After reporting their intestine signs on the finish of the month, scientists discovered that volunteers who suffered from IBS-like signs reported much less bowel discomfort, much less bloating, and extra common bowel actions. 

Much more intriguing, the volunteers additionally despatched over stool samples so as to assess any adjustments to their microbiome, and the outcomes got here again with no important adjustments in wholesome people. That means, the algae helps these with intestine points with out hurting these with already optimum intestine well being. In actual fact, the antioxidants in algae can profit any particular person’s food plan, irrespective of the standing of their intestine.

Whereas folks have been learning algae lengthy earlier than this examine, it solely confirms what we all know to be true: Algae has some severe well being advantages. “That is thrilling as a result of it demonstrates a transparent profit: When you’ve got IBS-like signs, that is good for you,” lead researcher Stephen Mayfield, Ph.D., says. 

Extra analysis is required so as to uncover what explicit molecule in algae enhances our intestine micro organism, however scientists are hopeful that their examine will pave the best way for incorporating extra algae and algae-based merchandise in our meals system. 

“[Algae] is a unbelievable supply of vitamin, and we’ve got now proven that this species of algae has extra advantages to animal and human well being,” lead creator of the examine Frank Fields, Ph.D., states in a information launch. 

In different phrases, it is time to top off on the seaweed—leaky intestine or not.

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