Some varieties of seaweed may contain high levels of arsenic, cadmium, mercury, or lead, depending upon how they’re grown. Some varieties may have high levels of heavy metals. Seaweed also contains vitamin K, which could interfere with blood-thinning medications such as Warfarin. Seaweed contains a high amount of potassium, which can be harmful to individuals with kidney disease. While iodine is a vital trace mineral for thyroid health, too much can have the opposite effect. While the plant offers many health benefits, there are a few things to watch out for: Some seaweeds, such as purple laver, contain a good amount of B12 as well.Ī 2-tablespoon serving of wakame seaweed has:Įating fresh seaweed is generally considered safe for most people. It has a decent amount of iodine, a trace mineral vital for the health and function of the thyroid. Seaweed contains many antioxidants in the form of certain vitamins (A, C, and E) and protective pigments. While the nutrition content of seaweed varies based on where it grows and what type it is, they all contain a healthy vitamin and mineral profile. Again, there are very few human studies available, so more research is necessary. It may decrease estrogen levels, which may reduce the risk of breast cancer. Adding seaweed to your diet may help to reduce your risk of developing certain types of cancer. Some studies show that seaweed may help to boost your immune system by fighting viruses and preventing them from getting into your system. The antioxidant may play a role in helping to improve blood sugar control and reducing your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Results of human studies are promising, but more research is needed.īrown seaweed contains fucoxanthin, an antioxidant that gives the vegetable its color. It may also help to reduce LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol levels. Some studies show that seaweed intake may help to reduce blood pressure. Sulfated polysaccharides (sugars found in seaweed) help to increase the growth of the good bacteria and increase the short-term fatty acids that keep the lining of your gut healthy. Seaweed has carrageenans, agars, fucoidans, which act as prebiotics, non-digestible fibers that feed the healthy bacteria in your digestive tract. Iodine deficiency can also impact children during development, both in the womb and during early childhood. If you don’t get enough iodine, you may develop a goiter, a visible enlargement of your thyroid. Insufficient iodine means that your thyroid can’t make enough thyroid hormone (a condition known as hypothyroidism), which regulates many bodily functions, including metabolism. Your thyroid plays a crucial role in your overall health, and iodine plays a vital role in its ability to function properly. The body doesn’t make iodine on its own, so you need to get it from food sources or supplements. Seaweed is an excellent source of iodine, a vital trace mineral that plays a critical role in thyroid health. While it doesn’t have the same popularity in the United States as it does in Asian countries, people are beginning to recognize that seaweed is a nutritious addition to the diet and provides several health benefits. Today, more than 145 varieties are used around the world. In prehistoric times, seaweed was an important part of coastal peoples’ diets. While seaweeds grow in all different areas of the world, they’re most prevalent in Asian cuisines, where they’re featured in sushi, salads, soups, and stews. Some of the most common types of edible seaweeds include: There are many different types, including red ( Rhodophyta), green ( Chlorophyta), blue-green, and brown ( Phaeophyceae). Seaweed is a general term that refers to a number of algae and marine plants that grow along rocky shorelines around the world.
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