The current epidemic of obesity may have recently shown signs of leveling off, but rates still remain high, and the impact of this chronic problem continues to have a profound impact on the public health of this country. Now, however, new research, funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, has revealed that seaweed might help to reduce the problem.

A recent study has found that the dietary fiber found in certain seaweeds may be able to reduce the fat uptake in our bodies by as much as 75%, thus helping people to actually lose weight while eating. The natural fiber contained in sea kelp, which happens to be the most commercially available seaweed, inhibits the body from absorbing fat. According to the study, it even works better than most over the counter obesity fighting products.

The initial results were obtained by using a laboratory model to simulate conditions in our intestines. The researchers then screened over 60 different kinds of ingestible fiber and measured the quantity of fat that was digested and absorbed by the system. While the results were promising, the next obvious step would be test the fiber in animal models and eventually human subjects to see if the fat metabolism was affected in the body.

If they prove to be effective, the long term goal would be to incorporate the fiber into commonly eaten foods, including breads and dairy products, thereby reducing the fat absorbed in a regular diet while not affecting their nutritional value. Researchers indicated that they had already added the fiber to bread and the results were “extremely encouraging” in enhancing the flavor and texture of the food.

Seaweed products, also known as alginates, are already used extensively in many of the foods we eat, mainly as emulsifiers and stabilizers. Carrageenan, which is derived from seaweed, is a common ingredient in ice cream. Seaweed is also a staple of many Asian diets, and has been consumed in countries like China, Japan, and Korea for centuries. In regards to obesity, the key to alginate lies in their fiber content.

Dietary fiber, also known as roughage, is the carbohydrate component in plants that we are unable to digest. Because of this, it gives us the feeling of being full while also have a cleansing effect as it passes through our digestive system. Regular consumption of fiber is encouraged by health professionals because it helps to keep us regular, potentially reducing the risk for certain cancers.

For more information about dietary fiber, speak with your physician and visit the website for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). For more information about seaweed, visit the homepage for Ocean Vegetables.