Algae can cure obesity

Scientists have developed a compound from seaweed that regulates intestinal microflora and prevents weight gain.

They modified fucoidan, which is found in algae, and in its modified form, it increased the growth of beneficial bacteria and reduced blood sugar and fat levels in mice.

Scientists at Zhejiang University of Technology in China have found a way to turn a natural compound from brown seaweed into a potential tool for fighting excess weight — without diets or drugs. The results are published in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules..

The subject of the study was fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide found in edible kelp (Saccharina japonica). It is known in nature for its antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties, but its large molecules are poorly absorbed by the body. To unlock its potential, scientists chemically “broke down” fucoidan into smaller fragments and obtained four variants of a low-molecular-weight compound.

The most active compound was LMWF4, a variant with a minimum molecular weight (2.6 kDa) and a high level of sulfation (37.7%). This structure allowed the substance to interact directly with the gut microbiota and trigger processes that prevent fat accumulation.

In the experiment, mice were fed a high-fat diet and given either regular fucoidan or one of its modified variants. After eight weeks, the animals receiving LMWF4 showed significantly less weight gain, lower cholesterol and blood glucose levels, and restored intestinal flora balance. There was a particularly large increase in the number of Akkermansia bacteria, which are associated with protection against metabolic disorders, as well as microorganisms of the Blautia and Eubacterium genera, which enhance the production of short-chain fatty acids.

The effect was achieved not through direct action on adipose tissue, appetite suppression, or fat burning, but through the restructuring of the gut microbial community—the LMWF4 molecule “reprogrammed” the flora, enhanced the growth of beneficial bacteria, and suppressed those associated with inflammation and obesity.

Although the work has only been done on mice so far, researchers say the method is promising. In the future, such compounds could form the basis of safe functional supplements for maintaining gut health and natural protection against weight gain.

 

Benefits of algae

1. Algae help replenish the body’s deficiency of protein, various vitamins, and trace elements.
2. Algae not only support but also restore immunity.
3. Algae are essential for people who, for whatever reason, have given up meat and fish. Many types contain omega-3 fatty acids, which replace fish oil. Algae are an excellent natural immunomodulator.
4. If you live in an area with poor ecology, near a factory or a busy highway, be sure to add algae to your diet. They remove toxic substances from the body.
5. Our body gets iodine only from food or active supplements, and algae contain record amounts of iodine.
6. According to research, seaweed can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
7. Seaweed contains a large amount of fiber, which keeps you feeling full for a long time after eating.
8. Regular consumption of kelp can slow down the aging process. Seaweed contains many antioxidants that help cells recover faster.