Bioactive peptide are compounds that promote heart health. Today, most bioactive peptides are derived from milk products, negating their consumption by vegetarians who do not consume dairy products and vegans, who do not consume animal-based foods. Maria Hayes, from the University of London (United Kingdom), and colleagues reviewed nearly 100 published scientific studies on seaweeds, and conclude that that some seaweed proteins work just like the bioactive peptides in milk products to reduce blood pressure almost like ACE inhibitor drugs. Submitting that: “The purpose of this review is to highlight the potential of heart health peptides from macroalgae,” the researchers aim to: “discuss the feasibility of expanding the variety of foods these peptides may be used in.”
Seaweed as Heart-Healthy Food
Seaweed and other "macroalgae" are a rich source of "bioactive peptides" -- compounds that promote heart health.
Ciarn Fitzgerald, Eimear Gallagher, Deniz Tasdemir, Maria Hayes. “Heart Health Peptides from Macroalgae and Their Potential Use in Functional Foods.” J. Agric. Food Chem., 2011, 59 (13), pp 6829–6836, May 16, 2011.
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