This amazing algae blesses all of our lives by holding our sushi together. But its benefits extend beyond structural integrity of California rolls! It’s packed with so many valuable nutrients that it deserves to be the star of its own show. For starters, only 8 grams of seaweed provides much more calcium than a glass of milk. Intrigued? Keep reading below to discover all of the health benefits of seaweed!
- Defends Your Liver
The Sargassum species of seaweed possesses so many therapeutic properties they are now being considered for pharmaceutical use. This remarkable sea plant has been proven to prevent damage from being done on the liver. But you can gain these benefits by eating this marvelous marine plant by incorporating them into soups, salads, sandwiches, and of course sushi!
- Brain Booster
The edible red seaweed Gracilariopsis chorda, also known as GCE, contains high levels of arachidonic acid. This acid promotes the repair and growth of skeletal muscle tissue. Arachidonic acid may also be used in preventing and treating neurological disorders.
- Heart Health
The regular consumption of seaweed also improves cardiovascular conditions such as high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, vascular inflammation, and hypercoagulability, among others. How? Well, the high amounts of nutrients found in seaweed such as soluble fibers, peptides, phlorotannins, lipids and minerals accomplish this.
- Vigorous Anti-Viral
Marine macroalgae such as seaweed contain high amounts of components promised to fight tumors, viruses, and cancers. These compounds, such as phlorotannins, have many health benefits. They even reduce the risk of certain diseases.
- Anti-Diabetic
Seaweed has high amounts of polyphenols. Polyphonols, as well as other components, are responsible for taking in sugars by stabilizing blood sugar. This reduces glycogen levels present in the liver.
- Could be Used in Treatment Against Obesity
The alginate that is present in seaweed helps to construct a healthier environment within the gastrointestinal tract, and specifically improves the pancreas. Seaweed especially helps by increasing the enzymes that process and break down fats.
- Cancer-Fighting Properties
Did you know that eating seaweed can help fight cancer causing agents on the cellular level? The powerful antioxidant enzymes in this plant are proven to increase the amount of radicals within the body, which specifically target breast cancer cells.
- Nutrient rich
Containing loads of vitamins A, C, E, and B 12. Calcium and iron are also present in this superfood, along with tons of soluble fibers such as alginates and agar. Just 8 grams of seaweed actually has enough fiber for an eighth of your daily recommended dose, comparable to that of a banana. It also has 34 times the amount of potassium that a banana does, so use caution if you suffer from kidney problems.
- Fights Infection
Antioxidants and enzymes present in seaweeds help flush out toxins that cause urinary infections and different types of inflammation. Components in seaweed also help battle goiter which could potentially lead to thyroid issues. There are several kinds of seaweed that are powerful enough to ameliorate health issues such as a sore throat to severe issues like tumors.
- Opposes Osteoporosis
Several studies have depicted that if you regularly incorporate seaweed and other calcium-rich foods into your diet, your risk of developing osteoporosis could be much lower.
