There are many articles about the many uses and benefits of seaweed. Seaweed is one of Mother Nature’s wonder foods! Seaweed is one of the most nutritionally dense plants on the planet and the most abundant source of minerals in the plant kingdom as it has access to all the nutrients in the ocean. Learn more about seaweed and why you should choose seaweed as part of a healthy diet.

Seaweed facts

A member of the algae family, edible seaweed typically comes in three varieties: brown, red, and green. The most commonly eaten (and researched) are the brown varieties such as kelp and wakame, followed by red seaweed, which includes nori (yep — that’s what most sushi chefs use).. It has the ability to accumulate minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chlorine, iron, sulfur, copper, manganese, cobalt, bromine, and iodine, as well as many naturally occurring vitamins including A and C. It utilizes nitrogen from the air to synthesize proteins-the building blocks of the substance of life (protoplasm). The property of the extracts from seaweed to soothe the irritations of various kinds is a well established fact. The plant contains all the necessary elements for cell regeneration and repair, including Vitamin K for blood clotting, and the antioxidants for the wonderful healing and soothing properties for all forms of irritations and inflammations including ailments such as arthritis, celiac disease, asthma, depression and obesity. Homeopathic treatment plans for osteoarthritis and osteoporosis often include seaweed supplementation.

The history of seaweed use

The use of the ocean plants as medicinals and foods dates back into history for many hundreds of years up to the end of the 18th century vermifuges (remedies for worms) were made from seaweeds. In 1918 in France, it was found that horses used in heavy work thrived when their feed contain dried sea plants. In 1939 the Auckland Zoo in New Zealand reported that the mortality rate had been lowered and the birth rate of animals increased by adding kelp to the animals rations. There were beneficial effects obtained by seaweed extracts during World War I, and the relief of respiratory irritations caused by poisonous gases. Then in World War II it was used in place of gelatin is a food.

The benefit of seaweed

There are many possible benefits of seaweed, including:

High in calcium: It can contain up to 10 times more calcium than milk and 8 times as much as beef.

Alkalizing: It may help to alkalize our blood, neutralizing acidic effects of our modern diet, and leaving us less prone to illness and disease.

Powerful chelating properties: Seaweed offers protection from a wide array of environmental toxins including heavy metals, pollutants, and radiation by-products, by converting them to harmless salts that the body can eliminate easily.

May have antibiotic properties: Bacteriostatic effect reduces bacterial activity in virulence without giving rise to side effects or allergies.

Blood purifying: The chemical composition of seaweeds is so close to human blood plasma, that they are excellent at regulation and purifying our blood.

Contains antioxidants: Seaweed contains lignans, the naturally occurring chemical compounds that become phytoestrogens in the body, which have possible anticancer properties.

Detoxifying: Seaweed is rich in chlorophyll which is a powerful, natural detoxifier that helps to draw out waste products.

Boost weight loss: Seaweed plays a role in boosting weight loss and deterring cellulite buildup. Its high concentration of iodine, helps to stimulate the thyroid gland, which is responsible for maintaining a healthy metabolism. At the same time it’s minerals act like electrolytes to break the chemical bond that seal the fat cells, allowing trapped wastes to escape.

Ready to choose seaweed as part of your healthy diet? Incorporate seaweed into healthy meals, or find a well-known and trusted seaweed supplement to start enjoying the healthy benefits of seaweed.