9 Benefits of Seaweed for Body Health

Seaweed is a term to refer to sea weeds or sea algae. This one biological resource is often used in many dishes, from sushi rolls to soups. What are the benefits that you can get if you consume it regularly? Check out the full explanation below.

Seaweed Content

Before you know the properties of seaweed, it’s better to know the nutritional content in it.

The following are various nutritional content in seaweed, including:

• Vitamins A, C, E, and K.
• Carbohydrate.
• Proteins.
• Fiber.
• Magnesium.
• Manganese.
• Calcium.
• Folate.
• Choline.
• Phosphor.
• Iron.
• Iodine.
• Potassium.
• Sodium.
• Copper.

In addition, seaweed also contains antioxidants, although in small amounts.

Various Benefits of Seaweed Consumption for Health

Seaweed contains unique plant compounds related to health and disease prevention. The following are some of the benefits of eating seaweed that you can get, including:

1. Launching the Digestive System

If you eat seaweed every day, then you can improve the function of the digestive system. Seaweed contains high amounts of fiber, so it is believed to be able to support the health of the digestive tract.

In addition, the content of polysaccharides in seaweed also helps increase the growth of good bacteria found in the digestive system. Maintained digestive organs will make it easier for you to control your weight.

2. Prevent Asthma

A study revealed that lower intake of seaweed and seafood is associated with a higher risk of asthma.

Unsaturated fats and vitamins in plants with chlorophyll are believed to protect the body from these conditions. Even so, this claim requires further research to confirm its benefits.

3. Reducing the Risk of Osteoporosis

Oxidation from free radicals is associated with a number of health problems, including osteoporosis. Seaweed contains antioxidant compounds called fucoidana compound that has been shown to prevent bone damage caused by free radicals.

Specifically, these compounds protect osteoblasts (cells that build bone) against cell death that may be caused by oxidative stress. Seaweed also provides vitamin K and calcium, two important nutrients for strong bones.

Also Read: 7 Types of Edible Seaweed and Their Health Benefits

4. Helps Weight Loss

The form of soluble fiber found in seaweed is alginate. Research shows that these bioactive compounds increase satiety by delaying gastric emptying, which can help reduce food intake.

In addition, seaweed also contains protein which can cause a feeling of fullness. Therefore, this plant can be the right choice to help suppress hunger, especially when carrying out a weight loss program.

5. Increase Energy

The iron content found in seaweed is believed to help meet the body’s energy needs to carry out daily activities. Lack of iron can cause anemia, so you become easily lethargic and weak.

Please note, in a bowl of seaweed contains 1.1 or 0.8 mg of iron. Including seaweed in your daily diet can help meet your daily iron needs.

6. Maintain Heart Health

The content of soluble fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants, makes seaweed believed to be beneficial for maintaining heart health.

Several studies have shown that the nutritional content in seaweed can reduce bad cholesterol (LDL), lower blood pressure, and prevent blood clots. However, these benefits still require further studies to strengthen the evidence

Keep in mind, although the body needs cholesterol to function, high levels of cholesterol can build up in the arteries and trigger heart disease.

Several studies have shown that adding seaweed to your diet can help reduce cholesterol levels.

Also Read: 10 Types of Sea Fish and Their Benefits for Health

7. Stabilize Blood Sugar

Several studies have found that specific compounds in seaweed such as fucoxanthin can help control blood sugar better.

Taking two milligrams of this compound daily for eight weeks led to a significant increase in hemoglobin A1c levels, a test that measures the average number of red blood cells bound to blood sugar over the past 3 months

Other studies have also found that alginate in seaweed can affect blood sugar and insulin levels after consuming high-carbohydrate foods; conditions that can also improve blood sugar control.

8. Improves Thyroid Function

Seaweed is a source of several important nutrients, one of which is iodine, a mineral that can help support the health of the thyroid gland. The thyroid plays an important role in overall body health.

If the body lacks iodine, it means that the thyroid cannot make enough thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) which regulates many body functions, including metabolism.

If you don’t get enough iodine, you may have a goiter. Iodine deficiency also has an impact on the growth and development of children, both in the womb and after childbirth.

9. Prevent Cancer

Content fucoidan in seaweed is also believed to be used for cancer prevention. However, studies conducted on humans still limited.

Even so, seaweed can be a source antioxidants such as vitamin C and beta carotene. These compounds are known for their quality in cancer prevention, especially when consumed as part of a nutrient-dense diet.

Now, that’s the various benefits of seaweed that you can get. Hopefully this information is useful, Healthy Friends!

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