Scientists have discovered that seaweed enriched bread burns 178kcal per serving – more than a 30 minute workout at the gym.
According to researchers from the Centre for Food Innovation at Sheffield Hallam University, participants who ate seaweed bread become fuller longer, consumed fewer calories and burnt more calories than ‘controlled’ ordinary bread.
The study, supported by the Seaweed Health Foundation, tested the effect seaweed bread had on the energy intake on 12 overweight, but otherwise healthy, men.
After the seaweed bread was eaten in the morning, blood glucose levels and blood cholesterol were measured, along with hunger pangs and how full they were. By lunchtime, participants were provided with a meal of pasta and how much they ate was monitored by researchers.
Researchers discovered that those who ate the seaweed bread for breakfast, ate a significantly less at lunchtime (the equivalent of 178kcal less) than those who had eaten the controlled bread in the morning.
According to experts, a daily energy deficit of 100kcal is enough to prevent weight gain, therefore those who ate the seaweed bread were burning off more calories.
Blood glucose levels were also measured as well as blood cholestero,l and researchers recorded no differences in participants over 24 hours, which suggest that seaweed bread acts as a bulking agent that increases “gastric stretch”, keeping the participant fuller longer.
Lecturer in nutrition, Anns Hall, said in a statement: "This study shows that in the short term, consumption of this bread reduces energy intake, which in the long term may contribute to weight loss or weight management. We hope to undertake long-term trials, which are needed in order to potentially produce such results."
Dr Craig Rose from the Seaweed Health Foundation, added: "Seaweed for food and health is a rapidly emerging trend, with multiple benefits from a sustainable and under utilised resource."