Most Interesting Findings
There have been a number of research projects conducted by Texas Tech in conjunction with Mississippi State University and Virginia Tech. One project shows cattle that grazed forage which had been treated with seaweed extract, or the animals fed directly with seaweed meal and extract, had marked positive outcomes on the animals immune systems, weight gains, carcass quality and the shelf-life of finished meats. The lead researchers included Viven G. Allen, Ph.D., Thorton distinguished professor of forages in the department of plant and soil science, and Kevin Pond, Ph.D., chairman of department of animal science and food technology.
The Fisheries and Aquaculture Department wrote that an experiment for 7 years with dairy cows (seven pairs of identical twins) showed an average increase in milk production of 6.8 percent that lead to 13 percent more income. A trial involving two groups each of 900 ewes showed that those fed seaweed meal over a two-year period maintained their weight much better during winter feeding and also gave a greater wool production.
This along with other articles on seaweed only goes to show what benefits there are in feeding seaweed to animals, spraying forage areas and crops with seaweed extract and eating seaweed by us humans. It is only now that we in the Western world are realizing the nutritional value of seaweeds, with its flavour, variety, and the health giving benefits these can make available. The sea contains all 92 minerals for nutrition and seaweed growing in the sea would have access to all these minerals.
Seaweed is the richest source of minerals in the vegetable kingdom, is an excellent source of magnesium, iron, sodium and calcium as well as a source of vitamins A, B1, C, E and K. Seaweed is classed as a wild food and fully organic. Seaweed contains a wide range of concentrated protein and healthy carbohydrates, is a superb source of iodine, could balance the body’s pH with its alkaline forming effect, is low in fat and very low in calories as well as being high in glyconutrients.
It seems that seaweed isn’t just good for our bodies. Brown seaweed, commonly known as kelp, made the news when it was reported that it could be farmed and used to produce biofuel. The chief advantage to using seaweed is that it does not require arable land or water resources for farming it.
Seaweed is increasing in popularity and most health shops now stock many different seaweed varieties. As with all foods, the greatest importance is being confident that the quality is of a high standard. Many of our seas are polluted and the sea vegetables will soak up those toxins and contaminants. Be sure to source high-quality and organic seaweed products for the best health benefits.
Tags: cattle, edible, feeding, seaweeds, sheep
Posted in Organic · September 1st, 2010 · Comments (0)
Seaweed is a fantastic plant – packed full of natural goodness, and all at natural levels, giving plants, animals and humans with natural vitamins, minerals, and trace elements.
Many seaweed harvesting companies use long-established methods. Clean seas are essential in order that the products are not polluted by pollutants. Supporting these industries helps indirectly in the quest for a cleaner, less polluted planet.
Harvesting seaweed sustainably is the secret to continuous supplies. Doing this by hand, and using no machines whatsoever ensures that the surrounding environment is not being damaged. The seaweed will regrow if cut properly, ensuring sustainability.
Respecting our environments is extremely important to ensure that our future generations can enjoy the ecosystems we are getting pleasure from at the present time. Overuse of chemicals on the land, fed to animals and to ourselves has been constant for too long. The chemicals not only are detrimental to the surrounding environments on land, but leach into rivers and to the sea.
Seaweed applied to the land gives back natural nutrients that are lacking. Plants are healthier, stronger, colours of flowers more vibrant, vegetables have a longer shelf life once harvested, and taste better too! By adding natural feeds to the land and plants, enhances and safeguards the wildlife that chemicals would destroy. You will see a rise in butterflies, birds, bees, ladybirds.
People should purchase greener food, wasting a reduced amount and growing more of their own natural foodstuffs, whilst applying seaweed as a natural nourisher.
This also applies to animals fed with a seaweed supplement. They are a good deal healthier, with not as much disease resulting in reduced veterinary costs.
Humans too benefit from eating seaweed. By eating seaweed on a regular basis, you will find you have less colds and flu, and now it is being said that it also helps fight obesity. The taste is brilliant and it adds another component to your cooking. Seaweeds are full of valuable nutrients. (I immediately felt a lot healthier once I started eating them!)
The world will have to produce additional food, while using less water and reducing emission of greenhouse gases, to respond to the challenge of climate change and growing world populations. Food security is as important to the world’s future wellbeing as energy security. More food needs to be produced, and must be done sustainably, whilst safeguarding our health. We know that the penalty of the way we presently produce and consume our food are unsustainable to our planet and to ourselves.
There is no doubt that the many seaweed health benefits make it an excellent item to include in your diet – and it may well be a green thing to do, too. This is a cheap and natural health food which is available to almost everyone. It is certainly worth getting some seaweed health benefits into your life. Purchase your seaweed from highly regarded sources and help sustain good environmental practices.
Natural is best, and shared with sustainability, are important statements, and is something we all should be doing to safeguard our world from further detriment.
Tags: animalfeedsupplements, environment, fertilizers, natural, seaweed
Posted in Organic · July 31st, 2010 · Comments (0)