The nutrient content, phytonutrient composition and functional properties were evaluated in the five selected edible seaweeds like Acanthophora spicifera, Gracilaria corticata, Gracilaria edulis, Ulva lactuca and Ulva reticulata collected from Gulf of Mannar, Tamil Nadu, South Coast area of India in the month of October to January (Monsoon season). The results of the nutrient content indicated a maximum amount of carbohydrate (44.7±0.7gm), fat (6.6±0.2gm) and crude fiber (15.76±0.25%) present in the red seaweed Gracilaria edulis. On phytonutrient screening tannin, flavonoid, steroids, cardiac glycosides, terpenoids and saponin were detected in ethanol and aqueous extracts of all the five seaweeds. Phytonutrients namely tannin, flavonoid, steroids were found to be maximum in Gracilaria edulis with 19.1±0.15mg, 11.5±0.32mg and 45.3±1.5mg, respectively. The total phenolic content was found to be high in ethanol extract of Acanthophora spicifera with 71.0±0.5mg/g of GAE equivalent. The functional properties of the red seaweed Acanthophora spicifera had maximum water absorption and swelling capacity. Hence, from the study it is concluded that all the selected edible seaweeds have essential nutrients and secondary metabolites and may be used as a part of our diet or used as ingredient in development of value added products.

seaweeds, monsoon season, Gracilaria edulis, nutrients, phytonutrients, functional properties.