A Invasive species They are becoming an increasingly serious problem. Thousands of species of animals and plants cause damage to the whole world to spread in habitat that is not yours, Thus, the displacement of endemic species. Typically, reproduction control strategies are looking for or, directly to eliminate these types. But if there was a way to end them, which was also useful for us? New research of scientists from University of Seville and University College Dublin He showed that this is more than believable with one of the invasive species that gave the largest number of headaches in Spain in the last decade: Asian seaweed (Rugolptoryx okamurae)
These algae are endemic for China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines. However, since it was discovered in 2015 on the coast of Seuta, it became very common in Spanish waters, especially In the Gibraltar and Mediterranean StraitThis is also considered an invasive look in other countries, such as France, Portugal and Morocco. And this is that Asian algae have a great ability to proliferation. So much so that it forms a large amount of biomass, which not only threaten marine biodiversity. They are also a serious problem for Spanish economy.
They suggest that the economic problem is especially for two reasons. On the one hand, because they capture The fishermen of the networkLeaving less space for their true goal. And, on the other hand, because when a biomass pulls from the current, it can reach the beaches where they form Arrival This should be removed by local municipalities, with the costs that mean.
Now, what if, instead of removing Asian algae from fishing nets or beaches, and then discard them, can we eat it? Moreover, that if not only it was cleared, but also actively searched for consumption? To do this, we should know if this is really a culinary option. This was responsible for scientists mentioned above in a study with very interesting results.
Remarkable nutritional properties of Asian algae
According to the study of these scientists, Asian algae have some Nutritional properties Very interesting. It has 14.8 % protein and 21.29 % lipidsof which a good share shouldOmega fatty acids 3The field is also very rich fiberwith 31.32 % and has a significant number of minerals, such as calcium, sodium, potassium, sulfur or ironIn addition, it does not seem toxic, which is important for its consumption.
Therefore, the authors of the study believe that the populations of this invasive species can be reduced using it for consumption. In the salad? Tortilla? Maybe in stew? The options are endless.
Other applications of this invasive type
In addition to the analysis of their nutritional properties, the authors of the study were looking for Active ingredients Interesting in the composition of Asian algae. Thus, they saw that he had a large number phenolic compoundsThe field is substances that usually have great antioxidant power, so they are usually very useful ingredients in the development of drugs.
Tests for the elimination of free radicals showed that, indeed, some compounds of Asian algae are very antioxidants. But that’s not all. This invasive appearance was shown Very rich in retinoids. Thus, this may have interesting applications in the field of cosmetics.
Of course, if you see the Asian masses of algae left on the beach, do not take them and do not take them home. This is a preliminary study, but it would be necessary to see how to treat them and cook them to be safe. In addition, we do not know that they were exposed to sea or whether they can be contaminated with a toxic product. We know that they can be eaten, now it remains to learn how to process them. But this is a good beginning.
In short, it seems that the populations of this invasive species can be controlled by its use, both in the kitchen and in biotechnology, especially for the development Drugs and cosmeticsThe field and when you cannot fight the enemy, it is better to join him. Although, if we are strict, invasive species should not be considered enemies. They just fight to survive. Usually we are people who, consciously or unconsciously, move them to the habitat that is not yours.
Source: Hiper Textual
