EVALUATION THE MINERAL CONTENT OF NORI SEAWEED, AVAILABLE ON THE ROMANIAN MARKET

Algae are some of the oldest forms of life on earth, being consumed for centuries. There are numerous studies that highlight the health benefits of consuming seaweed, due to the high content of proteins, dietary fibers, vitamins, antioxidants, and the low-fat content. Nori seaweeds, which is used in the preparation of sushi rolls, stands out for its low caloric intake and high content of minerals, vitamins (vitamin B12 and vitamin C), as well as iodine. Only certain types of species of seaweed are used to make Nori: Porphyra tenera, Porphyra yezoensis, Porphyra umbilicalis and Pyropia tenera (a newer name for Porphyra tenera, due to a taxonomic reclassification). In this work, we analyzed the mineral profile of some varieties of Nori algae available on the Romanian market, obtained in China and Japan. To determine the mineral content, we used X-Ray Fluorescence Analyzer (XRF). The results are expressed in mg/kg dry weight. The Nori dried seaweed recorded the highest values of potassium and calcium and the Nori roasted seaweed the highest iron and zinc contents. Our experimental results recommend the consumption of Nori algae, in order to cover the daily requirement of minerals.