How seaweed could slow the obesity tidal wave

“Seaweed could be key to weight loss, study suggests,” BBC News reports.UK researchers have looked at alginates that occur naturally in “kelp” seaweed (the variety that resembles large blades). They found that these alginates may help reduce the amount of fat the body digests.Their study showed that, in the lab, certain types of alginates can slow down the enzyme activity of a fat digesting enzyme called pancreatic lipase. The researchers believe that if the alginates can block this enzyme, less fat would be absorbed by the body, which would stop people becoming obese.However, the research did not draw any definitive conclusions, the most pertinent being that weight loss would not necessarily occur in humans (or even in mice). It's also unclear whether any potential effect from seaweed extract would lead to an improvement in weight-related health issues, such as reduced risk of diabetes.Even if the alginates studied were successful in achieving weight loss, this does not mean they are safe to consume. Ultimately, ingesting a substance that slows down fat absorption is unlikely to have the same health benefits as a well-balanced diet and exercise – this is a tried and tested lifestyle choice for maintaining a healthy weight.Nonetheless, the market for quick-fix weight loss treatments is large and extremely profitable, so research into seaweed extract will almost certainly continue. Where did the story come from?The study was carried out by researchers from Newca...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Lifestyle/exercise Food/diet Obesity Source Type: news