
What are the Health Benefits of Seaweed?
What are the health benefits of seaweed?
Seaweed, a nutrient-dense marine algae, can offer numerous health benefits due to its rich composition of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is a potent source of iodine, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and a wide range of vitamins. The fibre in seaweed supports gut health by promoting healthy digestion and serves as a prebiotic to feed beneficial gut bacteria. Seaweed also contains antioxidants, (like polyphenols) which help to combat oxidative stress, reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases.
Edible Seaweeds
There are many types of edible seaweeds, commonly divided into three categories: red, green, and brown algae.
Popular varieties include:
- Laver (used as nori in sushi)
- Alaria (used in soups and salads)
- Kelp (used in broths and stews)
- Dulse (a chewy snack or seasoning)
- Sea moss (a gelatinous red algae a widely used thickening agent)
Each type offers unique flavours and nutritional profiles, making them versatile additions to various cuisines. All British seaweeds attached to rocky shores are edible and make a safe introduction to foraging for nutrients, health and wellbeing. If you’re interested in learning how to identify and use different varieties of seaweeds, typically found on our UK shores, why not sign up to one of our Seashore Foraging Courses!
Seaweed and iodine
Among edible seaweeds, kelp contains the richest source of iodine. A single gram of dried kelp can provide several times the daily recommended intake of iodine. However, consuming seaweed with excessively high iodine levels, especially in large amounts, may affect thyroid function – so moderation is the key!
Why is seaweed good for you?
Seaweed holds an impressive nutrient profile, many of which we struggle to get in a typical UK diet. We’ve listed below some of the ways in which seaweed can give you a bit of a health boost:
- Promotes thyroid function due to its iodine content
- Aids in weight management with its low calorie and high fibre content
- Supports heart health by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Protects against chronic illnesses like diabetes, cancer, arthritis, and cardiovascular complaints
- Detoxifies the body through unique compounds like alginates that bind to heavy metals and toxins
Where does seaweed grow?
Seaweed thrives in a wide range of marine environments, growing particularly well along coastlines (especially in shallow, nutrient-rich waters). It can be found globally, from tropical to cold-water regions, and is especially abundant in Asia, Europe, and North America’s coastal areas. Seaweed grows naturally on rocks, reefs, and sandy sea floors and is also being cultivated in seaweed farms across the UK (including in Cornwall, Pembrokeshire and Scotland). Read more about our neighbours, Câr y Môr, and their regenerative seaweed farm here.
Why seaweed is a renewable resource
Seaweed is considered a renewable resource because it grows rapidly and requires no fresh water, fertiliser, or land-based resources to do so – this makes it highly sustainable. It absorbs carbon dioxide and nitrogen, which helps to mitigate climate change and marine pollution, whilst also producing large amounts of oxygen. Seaweed farming also supports marine biodiversity by providing habitats for various marine organisms, fish, crustaceans, and mollusks.
Sea moss and seaweed shampoo
Sea moss, a type of red algae, is celebrated for its rich mineral content and is often used in dietary supplements and skincare products. It contains collagen-boosting properties, promoting healthy skin, hair, and joints. Similarly, seaweed shampoos harness the plant’s nutrients to nourish the scalp, strengthen hair, and improve hair texture, making it a popular choice for natural hair care enthusiasts. Our Murky Mermaid Shampoo Bars contain our secret seaweed formulation – made from Pembrokeshire seaweed, sustainably hand-picked from our shores.
Seaweed is a nutrient-packed, eco-friendly superfood with benefits extending from dietary health to skincare and environmental sustainability. Whether consumed as food or used in products like seaweed shampoo, it continues to be a valuable resource worldwide. We hope that by educating people through our foraging courses and skincare products, we can help to promote this highly sustainable, natural, superfood, along with all of it’s wonderful benefits (for us, and the planet!).
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Written by John Mansfield
Really Wild Founder and Seaweed King!
