Preparation and functional properties of beverages made from sea algae

Beverages were successfully prepared from four sea algae. The antioxidant properties of these beverages were investigated using four different methods: autoxidation test, superoxide anion radical, DPPH radical, and hydroxyl radical scavenging tests. Among them, sea trumpet showed strong effects against autoxidation and the scavenging of superoxide anion radical. The antioxidant activities of these beverages correlated with their contents of polyphenols. This shows that these beverages have a potential as health drinks with functional properties and for patients suffering cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.