Edible seaweed
Algae that can be eaten and used for culinary purposes / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Edible seaweed, or sea vegetables, are seaweeds that can be eaten and used for culinary purposes.[1] They typically contain high amounts of fiber.[2][3] They may belong to one of several groups of multicellular algae: the red algae, green algae, and brown algae.[2] Seaweeds are also harvested or cultivated for the extraction of polysaccharides[4] such as alginate, agar and carrageenan, gelatinous substances collectively known as hydrocolloids or phycocolloids. Hydrocolloids have attained commercial significance, especially in food production as food additives.[5] The food industry exploits the gelling, water-retention, emulsifying and other physical properties of these hydrocolloids.[6]
Most edible seaweeds are marine algae whereas most freshwater algae are toxic. Some marine algae contain acids that irritate the digestion canal, while others can have a laxative and electrolyte-balancing effect.[7] Most marine macroalgae are nontoxic in normal quantities, but members of the genus Lyngbya are potentially lethal.[8] Typically, poisoning is caused by eating fish which have fed on Lyngbya or on other fish which have done so;[8] this is called ciguatera poisoning.[8] Handling Lyngbya majuscula can also cause seaweed dermatitis.[9] Some species of Desmarestia are highly acidic, with vacuoles of sulfuric acid that can cause severe gastrointestinal disorders.[8]