Is TikTok right? Are there health advantages to eating seaweed?

Seaweed is the most recent “superfood” wellness influencers are swearing by. They claim that seaweed products – normally in gel form – have various health advantages. These include supporting brain and immune function, or protecting against viruses and other microbes.

But do these health claims stack up? Let's have a look.

What is seaweed?

Seaweed is made using a style of seaweed – specifically red algae – that grows elsewhere around the globe. There are three primary kinds of seaweed products used:

• (often called Irish moss or carrageenan moss)

• (seaweed or seabird's nest)

• (Irish moss or Ogunori).

Some products also contain brown algae (commonly often called bladderwrack, black tang, rockweed, sea grapes, bladderwrack, sea oak, cutweed, dier's wrack, red wrack or rock rack).

Most seaweed products are sold as a gel that may be added to recipes, utilized in smoothies, frozen in ice cubes or eaten by itself. The products also are available capsule form or may be purchased “raw” and used to make your personal gels at home.

What is the evidence?

Seaweed products claim many potential health advantages, from supporting the immune system to promoting skin health and enhancing mood and focus, amongst many others.

But is there any evidence to support these claims?

Recent studies have examined the biological properties of the primary seaweed species ( , and ).

They suggest that these species could have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic and probiotic properties.

However, nearly all of research, and — and the entire research done on this comes from studies done in test tubes or using cell and animal models. We mustn't assume that the health effects will likely be the identical in humans.

In cell and animal studies, researchers typically manipulate the algae in a laboratory and use specific extracts wealthy in bioactive compounds quite than commercially available seaweed products.

They devour very different – often relatively large – than what someone would normally devour when consuming seaweed products.

This implies that current studies cannot tell in regards to the processes of the human body when eating and digesting seaweed.

Seaweed could have similar effects in humans. But there continues to be little evidence that individuals who devour seaweed will experience any of the claimed health advantages.

Nutritional value

Eating seaweed doesn't require a balanced weight loss plan, which incorporates quite a lot of vegatables and fruits.

and, like many seaweeds, are wealthy sources of nutrients resembling fatty acids, amino acids, vitamin C and minerals. These nutrients are also prone to be present in seaweed, although some could also be lost during product manufacturing (e.g. soaking may reduce vitamin C content), and people remaining are relatively small. Can be present in quantity.

There are claims that seaweed may be harmful to individuals with thyroid problems. It has to do with the connection between thyroid function and iodine. Algae used to provide seaweed are notable sources of iodine, and high iodine intake can contribute to thyroid problems, especially People with pre-existing conditions. This is why these products Often carry a disclaimer Iodine sensitivity or related to thyroid health.

Is it price it?

So you is likely to be wondering if it's price trying seaweed? Here are some things to think about before deciding whether or not to start out adding seaweed to your smoothies.

A 375mL jar costs about $A25–$30 and lasts about seven to 10 days, in case you follow the really helpful serving of two tablespoons per day. This makes it a comparatively expensive source of nutrients.

There is sea moss. Often hyped Contains 92 different minerals. While 92 minerals could also be present, algae will contain trace amounts of minerals. different Depends on growing location and conditions.

The efficiency with which minerals may be absorbed and utilized by algae also varies for various minerals. For example, there's sodium Absorbs wellwhile only about 50% Iodine is absorbed.

But seaweed has it. shown to contain Lead, mercury and other heavy metals – in addition to radioactive elements (resembling radon) that may be harmful to humans. Seaweeds are famous for them. Ability to accumulate minerals from their environment, no matter whether or not they are helpful or harmful to human nutrition. Remember, more will not be at all times higher.

What else am I eating?

While you won't discover a full dietary breakdown on a jar, it's at all times sensible to examine what other ingredients you're eating. Seaweed products may contain many other ingredients resembling lime, monk fruit powder, spirulina and ginger.

These ingredients vary between brands and products, so concentrate on your needs and at all times check.

Despite their health claims, most seaweed products also carry a disclaimer indicating that the products are usually not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

If you could have concerns about your health, at all times seek the advice of a health skilled for accurate and personalized medical advice.