Biochemical Benefits of Dulse

Dulse is a rich source of potassium, an essential cellular ion and low in sodium salts, a recent study suggested that the majority of Westerners exhibit potassium deficiency, due to the methods commonly employed to cook vegetables, such as boiling which leaches this essential ion out of the vegetable and is thrown away with the cooking medium. So eating and chewing dulse is an excellent way of obtaining potassium in the diet.

Zinc is an important ion required for the proper function of an enzyme called DNA polymerase for example, DNA is the blueprint of human life, doubles before a cell divides, this enzyme is an integral enzyme in that process. Zinc is also essential for maintaining normal levels of vitamin A in the blood.

Manganese is required for a surprising number of essential enzymes, such as pyruvate carboxylase, a key enzyme involved in energy production from sugars and therefore, this ion has cardinal importance.

Iron is recognised for its important role as a central component of hemoglobin, in the red blood cells, these cells transport oxygen around the body through blood stream. Taking an iron supplement can prevent or alleviate anemia.

Calcium, dulse is rich in this ion required by the body for the formation of healthy bones, calcium especially required by women at risk of osteoporosis and young, children for the development of strong healthy bones and teeth.

Magnesium is found bound to Adenosine triphosphate, the energy currency of the cell, this important energy molecule is involved in the majority of the biochemical process the cell undergoes.

Iodine prevents gout and must be ingested by people who obtain nutrition from food stuffs grown in iodine poor soils. This ion plays a role in controlling thyroxine concentration, a body hormone that regulates energy levels within the body. People who are run down or are effected by lethargy often find that an reduced thyroxine levels are at fault.

Vitamin A or retinol, aids vision especially at night, this vitamin can prevent and alleviate night blindness, it helps to prevent dry skin and hair.

Vitamin B1 or thiamin, plays an important role in keeping nerve cells functioning properly, it also has a metabolic coenzyme role (as do the other B vitamins), e.g. associated with pyruvate decarboxylase, important for energy production in the cell.

Vitamin B2 or riboflavin, a flavin, another coenzyme found in the mitochondria, the power house of the cell, it is here that the majority of the energy of the cell is produced from sugar, therefore, involved in that capacity, demonstrates this vitamins vital metabolic role.

Vitamin B6 or pyridoxine, another important metabolic molecule, it functions as a coenzyme that assists the reactions of many enzymes involving amino acids and it is essential for the metabolism and conversion of these amino acids.

Blood levels of this vitamin are halved in vegetarians, strict vegans can in some cases exhibit symptoms of pernicious anemia, these symptoms abate after a course of injections of this vitamin. Therefore, intake of this vitamin by vegetarians is particularly important for maintaining a full healthy diet.

Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is a powerful anti oxidant, which performs a detoxification role in the body. Ascorbic acid also keeps bones healthy and strong, protecting the body against scurvy, it keeps the gums, skin and joints healthy, intake of this vitamin is especially important for the very young and old.

Vitamin E or a-tocopherol protects cellular membranes against attack from free radicals, thus, this vitamin protects the cell against damage and potential cancer causing agents, keeping the cell functioning properly.