Utilization of Marine Seaweeds as a Promising Defense Against COVID-19: a Mini-review.

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) which mainly affects the respiratory system. It has been declared as a "pandemic" in March 2020 by the World Health Organization due to the high spreading rate. SARS-CoV-2 binds with the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors on the cell surface which leads to the downregulation of ACE2 and upregulation of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) receptors. The elevated level of cytokines and ACE receptors leads to the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Due to the limited availability of vaccines and recurrent attacks of COVID-19 mainly in low-income countries, it is important to search for natural remedies to prevent or treat COVID-19 infection. Marine seaweeds are a rich source of bioactive compounds such as phlorotannins; fucoidan; carotenoids; omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids; vitamins B12, D, and C; and minerals including zinc and selenium that exhibit antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory activities. Furthermore, bioactive compounds present in marine seaweeds have the ability to inhibit ACEs by inducing ACE2 which exhibits anti-inflammatory effects in COVID-19. Correspondingly, soluble dietary fibers present in seaweeds are served as prebiotics by generating short-chain fatty acids through fermentation. Hence, seaweeds can be utilized to reduce the gastrointestinal infections associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Effect of different cooking methods on glycaemic index of Indian and Pakistani basmati rice varieties.

INTRODUCTION: Glycaemic index (GI) reflects the blood glucose response after ingestion of a 50 g digestible carbohydrate portion. Many factors affect the GI, including degree of starch gelatinization. METHODS: The objective was to determine the GI and the effect of different cooking methods on GI of a Pakistani basmati rice (PBR) and an Indian basmati rice (IBR) frequently purchased by Sri Lankans. This was a crossover study. Participants were ten healthy individuals aged 20-30 years whose BMI range was 18.5-23.5 kgm(-2). Proximate composition, [carbohydrate, protein, fat, soluble dietary fibre (SDF), insoluble dietary fibre (IDF) and ash], amylose content and GI of the two rice varieties were determined by using standard methods. Rice was cooked separately in a rice cooker and a microwave by adding 1 cup of rice (110 g) and 1 cup of water (150 ml)). Glucose was used as the standard. GI values were expressed as the average value of 10 participants. RESULTS: Fat, total dietary fibre (TDF), SDF and IDF contents were significantly (p<0.05) higher in IBR when compared to PBR. The GI values of IBR and PBR cooked in a rice cooker (GI=54 SD=8; GI=64 SD=12) or microwave (GI=43 SD=28; GI=56 SD=12) belonged to low and medium GI categories respectively. A percentage reduction in GI values was seen in PBR (12.5%) and IBR (20.4%) when cooked in a microwave oven compared to a rice cooker. CONCLUSIONS: Irrespective of the method of cooking PBR had medium GI and IBR had low GI.