Seaweed’s surprising health benefits: Why this ocean superfood is a must for your diet

Seaweed is a form of algae that grows in the ocean. A nutrient-filled ocean superfood, seaweed contains beneficial antioxidants and nutrients like iodine, tyrosine, vitamins and minerals, which are generally not seen in any other plant forms. Seaweed helps in supporting a good heart and gut health and it improves the blood sugar level balance as well. According to a study published in

Marine Drugs

, a peer-reviewed Journal, seaweed bioactive compounds are also employed in biomedical and pharmaceutical industries as they possess antitumoral activity against some type of cancer cell lines, but they do not affect negatively healthy cells, as it happens with current antitumoral treatments.
Seaweeds are mostly seen alongside rocky shorelines around the world but are mostly consumed in Asian countries like Japan, China and Korea where they are even part of the daily diet. Seaweed as an ingredient is mostly used in sushi rolls, soups, stews, salad and smoothies.

Here are some benefits of seaweed:

Supports thyroid function

As seaweed has high iodine and tyrosine, it helps in the thyroid grand’s release of hormones to help control growth, energy production, reproduction and repair damaged cells in the body. Thyroid gland requires a lot of iodine, without which symptoms like fatigue, swelling around the neck start affecting the human body and seaweed has to absorb concentrated amounts of iodine in it, which helps support thyroid function.

Good source of vitamins and minerals

Seaweed has a unique set of nutrients and it boosts your intake of vitamins and minerals when consumed. It is rich in Vitamin A, C, E, K and also is good in minerals like folate, zinc, sodium, calcium and magnesium. It is also a good source of Vitamin B-12 and Omega 3 fats.

Protective antioxidants

Seaweed is rich in antioxidants and the human body needs antioxidants to repair unstable cells. It also treats the multiple underlying causes of heart diseases and diabetes. As seaweed has the antioxidant compounds flavonoids and carotenoids, it protects the body’s cells from radical damage.

Helps with weight loss

Seaweed is high in fiber and it helps people lose weight. Because of low calorie fiber, once consumed, it helps a person feel full for a longer time and stomach delays send signals of hunger to the brain which prevents overeating.

Risks of seaweed

Seaweed is increasingly becoming a popular ingredient in the world and with multiple proteins, vitamins and minerals, seaweed is the best choice of nutrient rich food. However, it has the risk of high iodine source which instead of helping with your thyroid gland issues, can harm it because of high iodine consumption. It might also cause trouble with gut health.