If you visit Sabah, surely many tourists will not miss the opportunity to eat seafood and try some traditional foods there especially ‘latok’. Latok or its scientific name is Caulerpa Lentillfera which comes from the family chain of green algae or seaweed.
It is famous for its similar shape to green grapes. Sabah’s popular food is different in terms of color, which is dark green, sometimes olive green or bluish-green.
If you notice, this grape is widely used in foods such as sushi, soups, and salads. As in Sabah, this sea grape or latok is used as a side dish because of its salinity. Some people eat it with fish and some match it with mussels, tomatoes or green vegetables.
Containing a variety of nutrients and vitamins, latok actually provide many benefits in terms of a person’s body health. So, let see what are the benefits of it that many people do not know?
1. Produces Natural Collagen
Often touted as the main source of collagen, according to a study conducted by Dr. Mariani, this seaweed or sea grapes does not actually contain collagen. However, sea grapes actually contain high protein levels. Where this protein will produce as much as 25% collagen naturally when activated in the skin.
2. Helps Eye Vision And Heart
Latok contains unsaturated fatty acids such as AA, LA, DHA, EPA, and ALA where it helps strengthen vision and memory. In addition, it can also reduce cholesterol in the body. For those who have symptoms of heart attack, these sea grapes are beneficial in increasing the elasticity of blood vessels and preventing cardiovascular diseases such as stroke, atherosclerosis, and heart attack.
3. Prevent Hypertension And Diabetes
Rich in calcium, potassium, and Vitamin C, sea grapes is very popular among patients with high blood pressure who want to lower blood pressure because it can stabilize blood pressure back to normal.
Apart from containing Vitamin C, sea grapes also work to control sugar levels in the body, prevent free radicals, and reduce complications for patients with diabetes.
4. Beautify Skin And Hair
Latok which contains fat, can produce cell membrane and increase elasticity to prevent a person from experiencing dry skin. Rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C, the sea grapes are capable of producing collagen and antioxidants where it becomes a natural cosmetic ingredient. These ingredients can help improve skin, hair, and slow down the aging process.
5. Prevent Obesity
Low in sugar content, these sea grapes are rich in calcium, zinc, iron, protein, Vitamin C, and unsaturated poly fatty acids are said to be safe and nutritious foods. Suitable to be taken in the diet for those who want to lose weight or are overweight because the sea grapes can help you control your eating patterns.
Although these sea grapes provide various benefits to the health of the body but do not take it lightly because the salt content in the sea grapes is very high. Take it regularly to prevent you from any health risks.
Sources: Drhealthbenefits.com