BABY GRAPE

 

Introduction
This dish is called BABY GRAPE FROM THE SEA. It is a type of seaweed that has a shape like a cluster of grape seeds. The scientific name of this seaweed is Caulerpa lentillifera.

In Malaysia, this seaweed is a traditional food for the Bajau Laut tribe in Sabah and is known as latok. It is commonly eaten raw together with limes, onions, chillies, rice and grilled fish.

This seaweed is not only famous in Malaysia but it is also loved by people in Japan, Vietnam, the Philippines, Korea and Indonesia. People in Japan call this seaweed as umibudo – which means sea grapes. Other names are green caviar, arosep and many more. Usually this seaweed is eaten just like that and it is used as an ingredient in sushi and salad.

Here we share the benefits of this dish:

1. Good For Diabetics
Diabetes is a disease that causes high blood sugar. For people with diabetes or type 2 diabetes, their body cells is no longer responding to insulin as they should. If it is at a worse level, their body does not produce enough insulin. The study found that this seaweed can increase the secretion of insulin and increase the uptake of glucose (sugar) in cells.

2. Beautifying Skin And Hair
The fats in this seaweed help protect cell membranes, increase elasticity and lower the permeability of vessel walls and to reduce dry skin symptoms. Rich in vitamins A, C, this seaweed is said to be able to produce collagen and antioxidants that are considered natural cosmetics that help improve skin, hair and slow down the aging process.

3. Can Prevent Bacterial Infections
This seaweed is also antibacterial. A study conducted by researchers from Sunway University, Malaysia showed that this seaweed also has antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli (E.coli) bacteria.

4. Antioxidants
This seaweed also contains carotenoids such as zeaxanthin, canthaxanthin, astaxanthin and beta-carotene. This carotenoid also acts as an antioxidant compound in this seaweed. Antioxidants can help the body control or neutralize excess free radicals in the body.

5. Helps Prevent Mumps
Each 100 g of this seaweed contains about 1.8 mg of iodine. Consuming 30 grams of Sea Grapes a day is said to provide the iodine needed by the thyroid, as well as helping to prevent the enlargement of the thyroid gland which causes swelling at the neck.

6. Helps Strengthen Vision And Heart
This seaweed contains unsaturated fatty acids such as AA, LA, EPA and ALA which are said to help strengthen vision and memory as well as reduce cholesterol, prevent cardiovascular disease and prevent heart attacks.

7. Strengthens Bones And Joints
This seaweed is said to be rich in protein, calcium and polyunsaturated fatty acids found in the omega3 group (DHA, EPA, ALA), which are said to be effective in relieving inflammation and reducing the symptoms of arthritis.

8. Helps Prevent Constipation
This seaweed is said to be very low in calories and sugar, allowing good bacteria to digest food and excrete waste quickly and effectively in preventing constipation.

9. Helps Prevent Obesity
This seaweed has a low sugar content but is rich in calcium, zinc, iron, vegetable protein, vitamin C and polyunsaturated fatty acids which are considered a safe and nutritious food for dieters and overweight people.

Reference: https://www.mingguanwanita.my/ada-apa-dalam-latok-anggur-laut/