Best Health Benefits of Seaweeds You Didn't Know

Best Health Benefits of Seaweeds You Didn't Know

Keeps thyroid gland healthy
Seaweeds are known for their high iodine content, a very important mineral which produces thyroxine (T3) and triiodothyronine (T4), two thyroid hormones which regulate the metabolism of every cell in the body and plays a role in almost all its physiological functions.

Helps protect bones from fractures
Seaweeds are excellent sources of vitamin K. Research on women who have started to experience bone loss has shown that adequate supply of vitamin K in the body can help prevent fractures.

Keeps heart healthy
Folate, a mineral which seaweeds contain a very good supply of, has the potential to reduce heart disease by preventing homocysteine build-up. Too much of this amino acid in the blood is linked to a higher risk of coronary heart disease and stroke.

Superior Nutritional Value
The most potent seaweed health benefits are due to an array of vital vitamins, minerals and elements that all kinds of marine algae contain. Moreover, these vital nutrients are readily absorbable by human bodies. Among such elements, it’s important to pinpoint high contents of iodine, iron, calcium, magnesium, B and K group vitamins and many more. Some scientists though believe that consuming brown seaweed supplement is much more efficient in delivering nutrients than by consuming seaweed salad or other types of delicacies.

Potential Cancer Cure
Unique compounds called fucoidans have been proven in clinical studies to kill off cancer cells while leaving healthy tissues unaffected. This finding made scientists believe that various forms of seaweed can be beneficial as a part of lymphoma treatments. Fucoidans are polysaccharids that have incredible potential in addressing cancer cells while helping patients’ immune systems build up response to future cancer cell growth.

Detoxification 
Certain elements that seaweed contains facilitate the removal of heavy metal traces from bodies of individuals who have been exposed to toxic substances or high levels of radiation.

Source of Iodine 
Iodine is needed for the production of the thyroid hormone. The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone helps the body use energy, regulate your temperature and is important to brain, heart, and muscle health. Due to iodine-blocking chemicals in our environment, and the use of iodine-free salt in processed foods, iodine deficiencies have become more prevalent. One way to protect yourself from the complications of a low-iodine diet is to eat seaweed. Just one gram of brown seaweed contains between five to 50 times the recommended daily intake of iodine.

Balance Your Blood Sugar 
Preliminary research has revealed that vanadium, a mineral found in seaweed, might increase insulin sensitivity, decrease glucose production and increase our bodies' ability to store carbohydrates.

Boost Your Brain 
Seaweed is a good source of vitamins B1, B12 and Omega-3 fatty acids. These three compounds are great for warding off fatigue and depression while enhancing cognitive functioning.

Cancer prevention
The presence of lignans in seaweed can help to reduce the risk of breast cancer. Lignans inhibit blood cell growth and prevent fast growing tumors from entering the bloodstream.
In addition to lignans, seaweed is a very good source of the B-vitamin folic acid. Studies have shown that diets high in folate-rich foods are associated with a significantly reduced risk for colon cancer.

Prevent Cardiovascular Disease
Seaweeds are a good source of magnesium and folic acid which have been shown to reduce high blood pressure and the risk of heart disease.

Aids in weight loss
Seaweeds have no fat content and are low in calories (less than 20 calories per serving). The fiber content in seaweed can also help you feel full faster and thus prevent you from overeating.