quotA STUDY ON THE NUTRITIONAL PARAMETERS OF SEAWEEDS IN COASTAL TAMILNADUquot

Abstract

quotTamil Nadu has a geographical extent of 1,30,058 sqm. It can be newlinedivided into two broad divisions namely, the eastern coastal plains and hills of newlinenorth and east, which is endowed with the varied coastal habitat like newlinemangroves, mud flats, seaweeds, seagrass beds, salt marshes, mud flats, sand newlinedunes etc. The coast of Tamil Nadu bears luxuriant growth of seaweeds. More newlinethan 200 species of seaweeds have been found in this area. Indian seaweed newlineindustries depend on this coastline for raw materials for the production of agar newlineand sodium alginate. The species of red algae namely, Gellidiella sp, newlineOracilaria sp, Gracilaria sp, etc., and the species of brown algae namely, newlineSargassum, Turbinaria are harvested for agar production. Seaweeds are rich newlinein minerals, vitamins, trace elements and bioactive compounds. Seaweeds are newlineconsumed in the form of soups as well as salads. The intake of seaweeds in newlinethe diet is said to prevent hair loss in men and women. It is also consumed by newlinepregnant and lactating mothers because of their rich iron content. They are newlinecalled the medical food of the 21st century.quot newline newline