Halophyte Plants: The Future of Health and Food

Halophyte plants are increasingly gaining attention in the world of sustainable food and nutrition. These plants, such as salicornia, have such peculiar characteristics that many mistake them for algae. Could their resilience be the future of food?

Suaeda vera flowering

What are halophyte plants?

Halophytes are plants capable of growing in soils with a high salt concentration, which allows them to survive in ecosystems close to the sea, such as marshes and coastlines. They have developed mechanisms to tolerate extreme conditions, such as the accumulation of salt in their tissues and strong sun exposure. This resistance is what makes them ideal candidates for cultivation in areas of high salinity and extreme heat, places where other plants cannot survive.

The best-known halophyte plant is Salicornia, commonly called Sea Asparagus. Other species that are very present in our environment are the Sea Fennel, the Glacial Ficoid and the Sea Purslane.

Nutritional Benefits

Not only is their ability to thrive in adverse conditions admirable, but also their exceptional nutritional profile. They have a large amount of fiber, vitamins, minerals (such as magnesium and potassium) and antioxidants. These components make them highly beneficial for health, helping to reduce blood pressure or improve digestion.

Salicornia, for example, stands out for its salty taste, with low sodium content and high levels of potassium, magnesium and iodine, being an excellent substitute for traditional salt. In addition, it contains a large amount of polyphenols, very powerful antioxidants that combat oxidative stress, strengthening the immune system and preventing cellular aging.

Sustainability

The cultivation of halophytes can be key to addressing the scarcity of fresh water, since they are plants capable of living only with rainwater and seawater. In addition, they can grow in soils unsuitable for other crops, helping to conserve agricultural land. In a context of climate change and scarcity of natural resources, it is undoubtedly the food of the future.

Current and Future Applications

Halophyte plants are gaining more and more prominence in different areas. What began as an innovation in haute cuisine, where renowned chefs have turned them into star ingredients, has evolved to gradually reach different supermarkets. But its use is not limited to gastronomy, but is expanding to dietary and pharmaceutical products.

At Marisma Biomed, we have opted for the great potential of these plants, focusing on their ability to improve people's health through food. As part of this vision, we have developed a plant-based substitute for common salt: Salicornia powder. This product is suitable for people with hypertension, and for all those who seek to reduce their sodium consumption and thus prevent cardiovascular diseases, without sacrificing the flavor of their meals.

In addition, we have taken the potential of Salicornia one step further, concentrating all its polyphenols in a daily capsule. This supplement is designed to prevent some of the most common diseases in our population: stroke, myocardial infarction and vascular dementia. Backed by medical studies and guided by our commitment to preserving ecosystems, we believe that halophytic plants are the future. Let's improve our lives and take care of the planet at the same time.

Sarcocornia meadow

Written by Sara Montaner. We rely on AI technology.

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