Heart Health Peptides from Macroalgae and Their Potential Use in Functional Foods

Macroalgae have for centuries been consumed whole among the East Asian populations of China, Korea, and Japan. Due to the environment in which they grow, rnacroalgae produce unique and interesting biologically active compounds. Protein can account for up to 47% of the dry weight of macroalgae depending on species and time-of cultivation and harvest Peptides derived from marcoalgae are proven to have hypotensive effects in the human circulatory system. Hypertension is one of the major, yet, controllable, risk factors in cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD is the main cause of death in Europe, accounting for over 4.3 million, deaths each year In the United States it affects one in three individuals. Hypotensive peptides derived from marine and other sources have already been incorporated into functional foods' such as beverages and soups The purpose of this review is to highlight the potential of heart health peptides from rnacroalgae and to discuss the feasibility of expanding the variety of foods these peptides may be used in.