It’s the season of romance, so here’s a reminder of why seaweed is worth your love
Regular readers of our blog will know how much seaweed has to offer. This humble marine plant is packed full of benefits that can give your health and wellbeing a welcome boost.
And with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, now feels like the perfect time to reflect on some of the spectacular goodness seaweed provides.
Here are five reasons to fall in love with seaweed.
1. It addresses iodine deficiency
Recent research shows the UK is one of just two high-income countries with iodine deficiency issues, and has a worse rate than some developing countries. This deficiency is particularly common in teenage girls and young women, and a number of studies have also found iodine deficiency to be prevalent in pregnant women.[1]
Iodine is an essential nutrient for our health, supporting normal cognitive function, nervous system function, metabolism, thyroid health and skin maintenance. It’s also essential for the healthy growth and development of children.
Seaweed is naturally rich is iodine, something very few plants can claim. The most common sources of iodine are dairy, fish and milk.[2]
2. It fills common vegan diet gaps
Because seaweed is the only viable vegan source of iodine, it should be considered an essential addition to any vegan diet in order to address gaps in the diet.
Established institutions like the British Dietetic Association and the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics have recognised the suitability of vegan diets for every age and stage of life. Some research has even linked vegan diets with lower blood pressure and cholesterol
In a study by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, followers of a vegan diet were found to be at greater risk of iodine deficiency symptoms. A third of vegan participants were classed as dangerously deficient in iodine based on World Health Organisation guidelines.[4]
Seaweed can help vegans tackle this deficiency without having to compromise on their healthy eating habits.
3. It’s been consumed for millions of years
Seaweed is often portrayed as a modern phenomenon, and it has indeed seen a rise in popularity thanks to its reputation as a superfood. However, the benefits of seaweed consumption can be traced back not just hundreds or thousands, but millions of years.
In a review published in the Journal of Applied Phycology in 2017, researchers highlighted the potential impact that seaweed consumption had for our ancient ancestors, asking “did seaweed make us who we are today?”[5]
The study suggests that early Homo sapiens underwent a crucial turn in their evolution and cognitive development, moving away from their primitive humanoid family tree. The particular blend of essential nutrients offered by seaweed, including iodine, is thought to have contributed to this in coastal areas.[6]
4. It contains key nutrients like iron, calcium and potassium
We talk a lot about the importance of iodine, and rightly so, but seaweed is also packed with a wide range of other essential nutrients, including potassium, calcium and iron.
Just one 500mg capsule of Doctor Seaweed’s Weed & Wonderful™ organic seaweed contains as much potassium as 8 grams of banana, as much calcium as 15ml of milk, and as much iron as 30 grams of spinach.
Each of these nutrients contributes significantly to our overall health. Potassium improves your heart health and blood pressure[7]; calcium is key for strong bones and teeth[8], and iron is vital for red blood cell production.[9]
5. It’s easy to make seaweed part of your routine
You don’t need complex recipes to enjoy the benefits of seaweed. Doctor Seaweed’s Weed & Wonderful™ organic seaweed capsules make it easier than ever to boost your wellbeing with seaweed on a daily basis. Simply take 1-2 capsules every day to get your daily dose of iodine and other essential nutrients for your health.