Seaweeds Health Benefits – Top Health Benefits of Eating Sea Kelps, Advantages of Eating Seaweeds

Seaweeds, also known as sea kelps are macroscopic, benthic marine algae that belong to any one of the three algae groups – red, green and brown and are packed with several healthy essential nutrients and weight loss properties.

Seaweeds have been considered a strong remedy for many diseases from ancient times and its large health benefits were mainly discovered by the people living in the coastal areas long time ago.  Even though people know that having seaweeds is good for health, most of them are still unaware about how exactly the sea kelps can benefit them. If you are one among them, read on to know the top health benefits of having seaweed and make the best out of this article.

Advantages of Eating Seaweeds

• Fucoxanthin, an accessory pigment found in the chloroplasts of brown algae, has a heat producing effect on metabolism that prevents the accumulation of fat in the body. Apart from this, many studies indicate that algae have got an inhibitory effect on the enzyme lipase which is a digestive enzyme reducing the pace of fat absorption by about 75 percent.
• Algae like arame are a rich source of potassium and mineral that helps to prevent muscle cramps. Apart from this, they have several antiviral properties as well.
• Most seaweeds are valuable sources of vegetable proteins as they are rich in amino acid. Hence they form an important source of protein among vegetarians.
• Algae like kombu is a rich source of iodine that is needed for healthy thyroid function. Fucoidan, on the other hand, has phytochemical properties and thereby acts as an anticoagulant.
• Seaweed products like agar agar can be used as a laxative to improve the bowel movements of people.
• Algae like nori are a rich source of vitamin-C which has antioxidant properties. Besides this, they are also rich in B-12 which is very important for cognitive function and a compound called taurine which helps in controlling cholesterol level in the body.
• Algae like wakame are believed to improve insulin resistance of individuals. They are also rich in magnesium and calcium that helps to prevent osteoporosis and strengthen the bones.
• Eating seaweed can even help in regulating the blood sugar levels as the soluble fiber content in the seaweeds helps in decreasing the pace at which food taken are digested and absorbed.
• Using seaweed granules as a flavor enhancer could replace sodium in many food products like replacing the use of common salt. This way, by cutting down the use of common salt, a person can reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure.
• Carrageen or Irish moss is a form of algae which have been traditionally used in Ireland as a potent remedy for common cold and cough.
• Seaweeds are also used as fertilizers and are helpful for organic garden. They are easily available free of cost for people living near the coast regions.