OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR DEVELOPING CAULERPA RACEMOSA AS FUNCTIONAL FOODS

The higher public awareness of the health in community would made the view of some people for food has shifted, not only as relieving hunger, but also can provide a real impact for health. This phenomenon has resulted a term what is called functional food’. Functional food is defined as food which contain active compounds that play a role in increasing endurance, minimize the risk of attack of certain diseases and to provide maximum health benefits. One of marine resource that have a potency to develop as  functional foods is Caulerpa racemosa. Caulerpa racemosa is one of green seaweed that grows naturally in the waters of Indonesia. Caulerpa racemosa found growing on coral substrate or a substrate of sand-rubble. Caulerpa racemosa is edible or can be consumed by humans. Caulerpa racemosa from Indonesia contains high insoluble dietary fiber. Insoluble dietary fiber contains cellulose and hemicellulose, who plays an important role in preventing constipation, colitis and hemmoroid. In other hand Caulerpa racemosa can also produce secondary metabolites, including antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that are capable of slowing or preventing the oxidation processes that are beneficial to health.Keywords: antioxidant, Caulerpa racemosa, fiber, functional food, health