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In this study, the chemical composition and antioxidant profile of five edible macroalgae, Fucus vesiculosus, Palmaria palmata, Porphyra dioica, Ulva rigida, and Gracilaria gracilis, cultivated in fully controlled closed systems, were determined. Protein, carbohydrates, and fat contents ranged between 12.4% and 41.8%, 27.6% and 42.0%, and 0.1% and 3.4%, respectively. The tested seaweeds presented considerable amounts of Ca, Mg, K, Mn, and Fe, which reinforce their favorable nutritional profile. Regarding their polysaccharide composition, Gracilaria gracilis and Porphyra dioica were rich in sugars common to agar-producing red algae, and Fucus vesiculosus was composed mainly of uronic acids, mannose, and fucose, characteristic of alginate and fucoidans, whereas rhamnose and uronic acid, characteristic of ulvans, predominated in Ulva rigida. Comparatively, the brown F. vesiculosus clearly stood out, presenting a high polysaccharide content rich in fucoidans, and higher total phenolic content and antioxidant scavenging activity, determined by DPPH and ABTS. The remarkable potential of these marine macroalgae makes them excellent ingredients for a wide range of health, food, and industrial applications.

Worldwide population growth expectations increase the pressure to find ways to increase agro-food production in a sustainable manner, be it by increasing production capacity, cultivating currently natural areas or changing crop consumption patterns. Cereals are staple foods and the most frequently consumed are maize, wheat and rice. However, the production of these cereals may become insufficient for the growing needs. Millet and sorghum are traditional cereal crops, able to growth in adverse drought conditions, and do not need many resources to be harvested. Furthermore, they reveal very interesting nutritional profiles, including macro and micronutrients and bioactive compounds. We would like to highlight their fiber content, since fiber inadequacy is a worldwide condition and its adverse effects on health are well described. Over time, these indigenous cultures have become less popular than other cereals, due to their organoleptic and technological proprieties. However, techniques like bio-fortification, fortification, genetic improvement, fermentation, malting, and germination among others can be used to improve their technological properties and enhance their nutritional profile.

Worldwide population growth expectations increase the pressure to find ways to increase agro-food production in a sustainable manner, be it by increasing production capacity, cultivating currently natural areas or changing crop consumption patterns. Cereals are staple foods and the most frequently consumed are maize, wheat and rice. However, the production of these cereals may become insufficient for the growing needs. Millet and sorghum are traditional cereal crops, able to growth in adverse drought conditions, and do not need many resources to be harvested Furthermore, they reveal very interesting nutritional profiles, including macro and micronutrients and bioactive compounds. We would like to highlight their fiber content, since fiber inadequacy is a worldwide condition and its adverse effects on health are well described. Over time, these indigenous cultures have become less popular than other cereals, due to their organoleptic and technological proprieties. However, techniques like bio-fortification, fortification, genetic improvement, fermentation, malting, and germination among others can be used to improve their technological properties and enhance their nutritional profile.