8 Health Benefits of Seaweed: Why Seaweed Is the Next Big Thing in Wellness

You might have eaten seaweed in your favourite sushi meal or even as a snack from a box of dried seaweed on the shelves of your local health food store.

However, you’re not the only person who has heard famous health gurus touting the health benefits of eating seaweed.

Seaweed has been gaining popularity in several fields related to nutrition and health. It still has yet to become as popular.

Some people have begun supplementing their meals with seaweed through tablets or powder. Some even put seaweed gel in their beverages! Why?

Because this superfood is packed with minerals like calcium, iodine, and folate, it may also improve your general, gastrointestinal, and immune systems.

This article will discuss about what sea moss is and the benefits you can derive from consuming it.

What is Seaweed?

Seaweed is the term for the many types of marine plants and algae that thrive in rivers, seas, and oceans. They come in various hues, including red, green, brown, and black, and their sizes range from tiny to massive underwater forests. 

While seaweed may be found on beaches worldwide, Asian nations are more likely to use it as a staple.

Seaweeds are packed with minerals, including iron, zinc, magnesium, riboflavin, thiamin, and vitamins A, B, C, and K, regardless of whether they are cooked or eaten raw.

Since ancient times, seaweed has played a significant role in the diets of those living around the shore. Over 145 types are consumed globally now.

The following are a few of the most popular edible seaweeds:

• Wakame 
• Dulse
• Sea lettuce
• Nori 
• Arame
• Kombu 
• Kelp 
• Chlorella
• Sea Moss

Speciality health stores sell seaweed in raw form or as a supplement. Be sure to roast any raw seaweed you purchase to eliminate potentially dangerous microbes.

 Nutrient Profile of Seaweed

Seaweed contains vitamins and minerals, such as iodine, potassium, zinc, magnesium, vitamin C, iron, and vitamin A.

It works exceptionally well for people with higher calcium needs because it is remarkably high in calcium. Folate, which guards against anaemia, is another method that gives you a nutritious boost.

The nutritional profile of sea moss is as follows ^[1]

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#8 Health Benefits Of Seaweed

#1 Benefits Heart Health

Seaweed, including sea moss, is one of the best plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids, essential for general health and especially for the heart and circulatory system.

Additionally, it benefits heart health due to its high content of flavonoids, which are powerful antioxidants. These compounds may help manage and improve circulation.

Due to its flavonoids and fibre content, this superfood marvel may help reduce bad cholesterol, one of the risk factors for heart disease.^[2]

Also, the high antioxidant content of seaweed may protect cardiovascular health.

#2 Supports Stable Blood Sugar Levels

Type 2 diabetes is a hyperglycaemic metabolic illness that either insulin resistance or inadequate insulin production can cause.^[3]

Therefore, it is crucial to eat foods that promote general metabolic health, enhance insulin sensitivity, and assist in controlling blood sugar levels.

Seaweed may help with this.

The seaweed fibre would help control blood glucose levels via dilution and slowing down the activity of gut carbohydrates.

Thus, managing the diet’s starch digestion may aid in regulating blood sugar levels in people with type II diabetes.^[4]

So, incorporating seaweed fibre into your diet may be beneficial to support better blood sugar regulation.

#3 Aids in Weight Management

Unlike foods low in fibre, seaweed has a significant amount of fibre, which can help you feel fuller for longer. This sense of fullness may prevent you from overindulging.

The carrageenan in seaweed is undigestible, as is familiar with fibrous foods. As a result, once it reaches your digestive system, it functions as soluble fibre. It becomes a jelly-like substance after absorbing water, slowing your digestive process.^[5]

Notably, most of the dietary fibre included in seaweed has a low-calorie content and is not absorbed by the body.

Furthermore, this soluble fibre slows food digestion and nutritional absorption in the intestine by forming a sticky mass in the gut and trapping digestive enzymes and other nutrients.^[6]

This way, it may help with weight management.

#4 Good Source Of Iodine

Iodine deficiency can cause several symptoms, including hypothyroidism, goitre, low heart rate, and cold sensitivity.

For our bodies to produce thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism and play a role in healthy brain and bone development during pregnancy and infancy, iodine is necessary. ^[7]

However, iodine can only be obtained through diet because the body cannot produce it independently. Seaweed like sea moss or Irish moss may help you fulfil your iodine needs.

#5 Supports Gut Health

There are both beneficial and harmful bacteria in your digestive tract. Balancing may help reduce stomach inflammation, which may reduce the occurrence of gastric ulcers.

It may aid in restoring the beneficial bacteria in our digestive tract. Seaweed may support gut health because of its high nutrient profile, high fibre content, potential antibacterial qualities, and prebiotic effects.^[8]

#6 Boosts Immunity Health

The gut does more than just regulate digestion and communicate with the brain. It is also closely linked to the immune system.

A healthy gut hosts immune cells, which play a crucial role in supporting overall immunity. The gut can fight against viruses and fungi and eliminate harmful bacteria by using beneficial bacteria.

Sea moss’s dietary fibre may also help remove harmful substances from your digestive system, enhancing general health. Additionally, it is rich in antioxidants and iron, which may support a healthy immune system.

Further, soluble dietary fibres (such as fucoidan and porphyran), ACE inhibitory peptides, omega-3 fatty acids, fucoxanthin, fucosterol, vitamins D3 and B12, and phlorotannins are among the many substances found in dietary seaweeds. 

These elements have direct antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant benefits in addition to indirect ones through prebiotic actions. ^[9]

#7 Aids In Workout Recovery

Taurine is an amino acid abundant in sea moss and aids muscle growth. Our muscles sustain tiny microtears during exercise, but amino acids can help in their healing. ^[10]

Additionally, seaweed contains protein, which is essential for activity. However, don’t depend on seaweed alone to recover from exercise!

You still need to ensure that you are getting adequate rest, hydration, and nutritious meals.

#8 Natural Skin Rejuvenation

Seaweed may be a potent natural remedy for skin care and enhancing its health. Its abundant polysaccharides, including carrageenans and alginates, may improve skin vitality, manage inflammation, and promote skin hydration. 

Additionally, seaweed is rich in proteins, peptides, and amino acids—all essential for healthy skin—due to its antioxidant properties and ability to support cellular repair.

Phenolic chemicals like phlorotannins in it may also have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and UV-protective properties that may help shield the skin from environmental harm and ageing. ^[11]

Also, seaweed has high levels of vitamins A, B, C, and E, which may help fight photoaging and preserve skin integrity.

These bioactive substances work together to make seaweed a powerful ally for protecting and rejuvenating skin.^[12]    

Ways to Consume Seaweed

You can consume sea moss in several ways.

• Raw Seaweed

You may consume seaweed in raw, dried form or make it into a gel at home.

Seaweed gel is made by soaking raw seaweed in water for a whole night, then rinsing and mixing it with fresh water until it’s smooth.

Transfer it to a jar with an airtight lid and leave it in the fridge overnight to gel. This is possibly one of the most widely used methods of consumption.

• Seaweed Gel

You can also buy seaweed that has already been gelled. Add it to meals and beverages, or you can consume it straight.

• Seaweed Powder

Additional methods of consuming sea moss include adding sea moss powder to various dishes, sprinkling it over yoghurt or muesli, and incorporating it into drinks.

Side Effects of Seaweed

Eating sea moss may have certain drawbacks or adverse effects.

If seaweed is a person’s sole source of iodine, its fluctuating levels could also put them at risk of a shortage.

Consuming high amounts of seaweed or other iodine-rich seaweeds might cause excessive iodine intake in specific individuals. Iodine poisoning and thyroid issues can result from consuming too much iodine.^[13]

Another possible danger from seaweed is contamination. Seaweed and algae can accumulate metals and minerals from the environment.

If heavy metals are present in the surrounding environment, the algae might also include them. These metals can be dangerous in large amounts.^[14]

Symptoms of lead or mercury toxicity include headaches and changes in thinking.

For detailed assistance and queries related to health and nutrition, you can ask our happy tummy expert on our website.

The Last Say

Like many other supplements, seaweed has yet to be well-studied. It is crucial to realise that there are few human clinical trials to consult while evaluating the safety or dosage of seaweed.

The results may only sometimes apply to people since much seaweed research was conducted on rats and worms.

Even though it might not be a regular part of your diet, eating seaweed might offer several fantastic health advantages. It has high levels of omega-3 and fibre and is an excellent source of healthy vitamins and minerals. This fibre may support digestive health and blood sugar regulation.

Consuming a nutritious, well-balanced diet may make you feel better and is essential for overall health.

However, remember to speak with a registered dietician or nutritionist before making any significant dietary or exercise changes, particularly if you have any dietary restrictions or underlying medical conditions.

You can ask a happy tummy certified nutritionist on our website for detailed assistance and queries related to health and nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions