For most of my life, seaweed has been something that was either wrapping around my ankles at the beach or around my sushi at a Japanese restaurant. However, recently, it’s become more accepted for its wide range of benefits, both in diet and as a beauty product. Seaweed is a humble plant with hidden advantages that many people might not be aware of.
In countries like Japan, where seaweed is a major component of a balanced diet, there are lower rates of thyroid conditions, as well as reduced likelihood of developing breast or prostate cancer. Cultures with similar diets seem to show the same numbers. The most important aspect of this cultural ingredient is its high iodine content. When seaweed is well balanced in the diet, it can hold numerous beneficial health properties. When intakes are too high however, it’s a fine line between seaweed being beneficial, or detrimental.
Considering seaweed is not a common part of the western diet. It’s no surprise that it’s usually excluded from the grocery list. However, in comparison to other vegetables, seaweed exceeds in medicinal use. For example, our much-loved broccoli classifies as one of the best sources of calcium, but seaweed actually contains over triple the amount. Additionally, seaweed also contains B12, which some consider to be the most neglected nutrient. As mentioned, seaweed also contains iodine, which many people also lack. By incorporating only a gram of seaweed per day, you will reach your recommended dietary intake of such nutrients, without causing detrimental effect.
As a dietary source, seaweed is known to maintain a healthy thyroid and metabolic function, producing and regulating hormones. While iodine deficiency can lead to hypothyroidism and cause goiters, too much iodine can worsen certain thyroid conditions, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Always seek advice from your health care professional before adding more seaweed to your diet.
Seaweed absorbs an incomparable amount of minerals and trace elements from the sea, one of them being the all-important iodine. The list of other foods that contain iodine, even in small amounts, is short. Usually, saltwater seafood is its richest source. The importance of iodine cannot be overstated, with recent research demonstrating an iodine deficiency being linked to numerous illnesses, ranging from autoimmune disease, to chronic fatigue, muscle weakness, high cholesterol, and even cancer.
Iodine aside, seaweed is also rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and is one of the most important sources of calcium. As a result, seaweed may help in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Research suggests it’s beneficial effect for expecting mothers and the elderly who may have a calcium deficiency. There is a lot of research that supports the advantage of using seaweed to regulate the hormones estradiol and estrogen. According to Jane Teas from the University of South Carolina Cancer Centre, seaweed has a stimulating effect on estrogen in the metabolism, which makes it anti-cancerous, especially in cases of breast cancer.
Weight loss
Seaweed is full of alginate—a dietary fiber that has been found to be beneficial in weight loss. It does this by giving you the illusion that you’re full, so that you don’t over eat. Like all fiber, it helps to eliminate fat in the body and aids in reducing cholesterol.
Heart health
Seaweed contains healthy fats, which more and more doctors and scientists are realizing as being beneficial for the heart. Moreover, everybody requires fats and they are a mandatory part of a well-balanced diet. Seaweed contains even more healthy fats than an avocado! Omega 3 essential fatty acids are vital to nutritional wellbeing and known as a preventive nutrient when it comes to body inflammation.
Removes toxins and purifies skin
While seaweed holds innumerable internal health benefits, it is becoming increasingly popular for external usage. It has been widely recognized to be extremely beneficial when it comes to purifying and detoxifying the skin. The main reason it works so well; it draws out toxins and impurities from the pores, while leaving natural oil intact. The result is clear and moist skin. It’s as simple as applying seaweed directly to the skin and watching it work wonders.
Additionally, many have found seaweed to be an excellent promoter of circulation and rejuvenation. Brown seaweed, in particular, has strong antibacterial components. Due to its antibacterial properties, seaweed has also shown improvements in the treatment of acne.
A brand to check out would be Mungo Murphy’s Seaweed Co. It’s a beauty product line comprised of only sustainably collected and hand-harvested seaweed from the wild Atlantic shores of Connemara. Their products can be used as a scrub, mask, or simply as seaweed, and help treating skin imperfections, stimulate blood circulation, detoxify the body, soften stiff muscles, and may also serve to alleviate the symptoms of psoriasis, eczema, acne and dry skin.
Anti-aging
As already mentioned before, seaweed contains an abundance of antioxidants, which are not only integral to one’s health, but also to the skin’s rejuvenation and healing processes. It’s well known that various nutrients of seaweed are crucial for the skin’s collagen elasticity, one of them being vitamin C.
Nourish and hydrating the skin
The lipid and amino acid profile of seaweed promises the yield of glowing and healthier looking skin through regular use. One of the main reasons why experts will suggest the use of simple seaweed over some creams and lotions, is because it has the ability to penetrate through the skin and become absorbed to the deeper levels of the epidermis. Thus, all layers of the skin are hydrated, which naturally shows through the skin’s surface.
Seaweed is an affordable and 100% natural without any additional ingredients. However, it’s important to keep in mind where you source your seaweed. Since the accident at Fukushima, much of the world’s seaweed has been tainted. Alternative sources come from Korea, or farms such as Mungo Murphy’s Seaweed off the Atlantic shores. Personally, I try to source seaweed from organic farms, which will have little toxic residue. Furthermore, always consult with you health care professional before consuming if you have (suspected) thyroid problems.
The use of seaweed as a vegetable and as a cosmetic ingredient should never be underestimated. Although the knowledge of its beneficial properties may not be widespread, the cultures that have incorporated it into daily life have flourished as a result. One thing is certain: seaweed is a food that would do no harm if incorporated more into the western diet.
Resources
Alana is a qualified naturopath & nutritionist from Australia. After years of studying and first clinical experiences, she moved to Europe where she spent many years as a health editor and writer for Amazingy Magazine. In 2020 Alana started her online Health Practice based out of Berlin. She believes the body has the innate ability to heal itself. The core of her work is teaching individuals the foundations of nutrition for an abundance of energy, smooth digestion and vital health. The stuff she teaches we just weren't taught at school, but it is fundamental for excellent health for everyone. Get in touch with Alana via her website: https://alanabonnemann.com/
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