Opportunities and Challenges for Developing Caulerpa Racemosa as Functional Foods

Abstract

The higher public awareness of the health in community would made the view of some people for food has shifted, not only as relieving hunger, but also can provide a real impact for health. This phenomenon has resulted a term what is called functional food'. Functional food is defined as food which contain active compounds that play a role in increasing endurance, minimize the risk of attack of certain diseases and to provide maximum health benefits. One of marine resource that have a potency to develop as functional foods is Caulerpa racemosa. Caulerpa racemosa is one of green seaweed that grows naturally in the waters of Indonesia. Caulerpa racemosa found growing on coral substrate or a substrate of sand-rubble. Caulerpa racemosa is edible or can be consumed by humans. Caulerpa racemosa from Indonesia contains high insoluble dietary fiber. Insoluble dietary fiber contains cellulose and hemicellulose, who plays an important role in preventing constipation, colitis and hemmoroid. In other hand Caulerpa racemosa can also produce secondary metabolites, including antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that are capable of slowing or preventing the oxidation processes that are beneficial to health.

The Analysis of Antioxidant Capacities and Sensory in Sea Grapes (Caulerpa racemosa) Powdered Drink as a Therapeutic Obesity

“…is similar to caviar fish eggs, resembling grapes. Therefore, in the Indonesian language known as Sea grapes 16,17 . Sea grapes can be consumed directly (edible seaweed) and have a specific characteristic of fresh seaweed scent 18 .…”

“…Sea grapes can produce a source of antioxidants 17 . The natural antioxidant protects cells and body organs and detoxifies the human body from ROS by counteracting free radicals, donating hydrogen and electrons, breaking down peroxides, reducing singlet oxygen, and inhibiting enzymes and metal chelating agents 19 .…”

“…Sea grapes characteristics that are safe for consumption and have been utilized by the coastal communities as fresh vegetables become the basis assumption for this seaweed can be explored more as a source of natural antioxidant 21 . Sea grapes are perishable because of the high water content, so they will not last longer, and their quality is easy to decrease 17 . The creation of an instant powder drink is a way to prevent any damage to the seaweed through several methods.…”