In Asia, seaweeds have been consumed as a vegetable since the beginning of time. On average,
the Japanese eat 1.4 kg per person per year. This ancient tradition and everyday habit has made possible a
large number of epidemiological researches showing the health benefits linked to seaweed consumption
(Teas 1981, Hiqashi et al. 1999, Funahashi et al. 1999). France was the first european country to establish
a specific regulation concerning the use of seaweeds for human consumption as non–traditional food
substances. Currently, 12 macroalgae (6 brown algae, 5 red algae, 2 green algae) and two microalgae are
authorized as vegetables and condiments