Seaweeds as a source of functional food ingredients with enhanced health benefits beyond human nutrition

Preview of the presentation of Maria Hayes, Teagasc Food Research Centre

HayesIt has long been established that nutrients can affect health. For example, nutrients can act on receptors in the peripheral nervous system or through direct inhibition of enzymes important in the regulation of heart and mental health and other age related diseases including diabetes and multiple sclerosis. These enzymes include but are not limited to Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-I, renin, PAF-AH, Acetyl cholinesterase (AChE), β-site APP cleaving enzyme (BACE1), Prolylendopeptidase (PEP) and Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-IV). Bioactive peptides or cryptides are generated from food proteins by hydrolysis with proteolytic enzymes, fermentation with generally recognised as safe (GRAS) bacteria and through food processing.  The presentation collates information concerning bioactive peptides and other seaweed derived ingredients and their potential health effects in relation to their ability to inhibit enzymes important in the prevention of diseases associated with heart health, circulation and mental health disorders such as AD. Read the Newsletter

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