Wild Dulse seaweed (Palmaria palmata) contributes to overall gut health and results in many health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activities.
Wild Dulse Prebiotics—Atlantic Wild Dulse
Most people are aware that regularly adding dietary fiber is essential for good health. The food industry usually sources dietary fiber from terrestrial sources. However, a red seaweed known as Wild Dulse (Palmaria palmata) is also rich source of complex dietary fiber and this complexity sets Dulse apart as a potent prebiotic.
Dulse contains the polysaccharide xylan as its main cell wall constituent, with proteins and minerals integrated within a complex matrix. This complex structure allows xylan to pass through the upper digestive tract, arriving in the lower gut intact, where it acts as nutrition and substrate for our gut microbiota. Xylan functions as a prebiotic, supporting a diverse and healthy probiotic microbial community within the gut. Xylan contributes to overall gut health by increasing short-chain fatty acid production by probiotic bacteria within the GI tract. The production of short-chain fatty acids from probiotic microbes is enhanced by the presence of dulse in the diet, and this results in many health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activities.
A recent study with mice indicated that the diversity of probiotic bacteria was increased within the GI tract as beneficial probiotic Lactobacillus, Proteobacteria, and Bactriodia communities were enhanced when fed with a water extract of Dulse. Enhancing the diversity and health of probiotic gut microbiota led to increased production of short-chain fatty acids, and these in turn influenced the gut-brain axis. The gut-brain axis refers to the bidirectional communication between the central nervous system and the gut, linking emotional and cognitive centers of the brain with intestinal functions. This interesting study suggests that with the consumption of prebiotic xylan found in Dulse, both gut and brain health may be enhanced.
Dulse Proteins
Proteins are key to the health and diet of humans – they are essential for creating enzymes, regulating hormones, moving oxygen throughout the body, building and repairing muscle, and fortifying bones and cartilage. North American consumers have developed a tremendous appetite for protein – and not just from poultry, red meat, fish, and eggs. The high protein content in Wild Dulse (Palmaria palmata) is one of the main reasons for the commercial interest in this seaweed for food applications.
**Check out our Dark Harbour Dulse product testing from our Canadian Company (RPC- Fredericton, New Brunswick) ! Higher protein content than any cultivated dulse or any other Dulse products in the world!
