Seaweeds - "Untapped Resource" of Heart-Healthy Bioactive Peptides
A review of over 100 scientific studies, that was recently published in the American Chemical Society's Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, has shown that bioactive peptides contained in seaweeds could match milk proteins and ACE inhibitor drugs in their potential to prevent and treat heart conditions.
'Seaweed' loosely refers to any type of marine macroalgae, including red, brown and green algae. As a food source, they are widely consumed by coastal populations, especially in East Asia. The Inuit people also frequently include seaweeds in their diets. Though algae are not biologically classified as plants, they are one of the few green vegetable food sources available in Arctic regions.
The analysis, conducted by Maria Hayes and her colleagues Ciarán Fitzgerald and Eimear Gallagher, pointed out that macroalgae can benefit human health by doing more than just supplying some protein. The research team believes that "seaweeds are a rich but neglected alternative source", and that they contain powerful bioactive peptides that can replace hypertension medication and help control blood pressure. Fermented milk and whey are also known to contain similar substances, however the effectiveness of milk in actually lowering blood pressure is still disputed.
Exactly how can substances in seaweed actively contribute to health? Bioactive peptides are in fact the main structural components of proteins. They are formed of amino-acid sequences and remain inactive while they are still part of the parent protein. However, they can unlocked if the protein is subjected to the action of specific enzymes. Once bioactive peptides become available, the body can use them for various therapeutic functions, such as the treatment of heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases.
Afflictions of the heart are currently treated with synthetic drugs that contain substances similar to those found in organic sources. However, this type of medication carries multiple health risks and, in numerous cases, it may not even achieve the desired results. ACE inhibitors are never prescribed during pregnancy, due to their potential toxicity to the fetus.
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