Proximate composition, amino Acid, mineral, and heavy metal content of dried laver.
Laver, a red algae belonging to the genus Porphyra, is one of the most widely consumed edible seaweeds. The most popular commercial dried laver species, P. tenera and P. haitanensis, were collected from Korea and China, respectively, and evaluated for proximate composition, amino acids, minerals, trace heavy metals, and color. The moisture and ash contents of P. tenera and P. haitanensis ranged from 3.66~6.74% and 8.78~9.07%, respectively; crude lipid and protein contents were 1.96~2.25% and 32.16~36.88%, respectively. Dried lavers were found to be a good source of amino acids, such as asparagine, isoleucine, leucine, and taurine, and γ-aminobutyric acid. K, Ca, Mg, Na, P, I, Fe, and Se minerals were selected for analysis. A clear regional variation existed in the amino acid, mineral, and trace metal contents of lavers. Regular consumption of lavers may have heath benefits because they are relatively low in fat and high in protein, and contain functional amino acids and minerals.
Department of Nutrition and Culinary Science, Hankyong National University, Gyeonggi 456-749, Korea ; Korean Foods Global Center, Hankyong National University, Gyeonggi 456-749, Korea.
Eun-Sun
ES
Hwang
Korean Foods Global Center, Hankyong National University, Gyeonggi 456-749, Korea ; Department of Food and Biotechnology, Hankyong National University, Gyeonggi 456-749, Korea.
Kyung-Nam
KN
Ki
Korean Foods Global Center, Hankyong National University, Gyeonggi 456-749, Korea ; Department of Food and Biotechnology, Hankyong National University, Gyeonggi 456-749, Korea.
Ha-Yull
HY
Chung
amino acids; dried laver; heavy metals; minerals; proximate composition