These soluble fibers bind to bile acids or salts in the body. It may protect the heartĪs the same study notes, high-fiber foods such as algae may also reduce cholesterol levels. As a result, the stomach may delay sending signals of hunger to the brain, which may help prevent overeating.
This is because fiber is low in calories and helps a person feel full.Īccording to the study in Marine Drugs, a high amount of dietary fiber delays stomach emptying. The fiber in seaweed may benefit individuals who are trying to lose weight. Intestinal bacteria break fiber into compounds that improve gut health and the health of the immune system.Īdding algae to the diet may be a simple way to provide plenty of gut-healthy prebiotic fiber, which can help people experiencing issues such as constipation or diarrhea. This fiber can help feed the gut’s bacteria. Authors of a study in the Journal of Applied Phycology report that algae tend to contain high amounts of fiber, which may make up 23–64% of the algae’s dry weight. It may support gut healthīacteria in the intestines play an important role in breaking down food and supporting digestion and overall health.Īlgae may be an ideal food for the gut. Further research in humans may help provide stronger evidence for using these compounds. Adding seaweed to the diet may help boost a person’s fiber intake without a large increase in calories.Ī 2018 study in rats found that compounds in one type of seaweed may directly reduce markers of type 2 diabetes, such as high blood sugar.Ĭompounds in seaweed may also reduce diabetes risk factors, such as inflammation, high fat levels, and insulin sensitivity. This is because high amounts of fiber help regulate blood sugar levels and insulin levels. It may help with diabetesįiber-rich foods may help with diabetes. This occurs when an overactive thyroid gland produces excessive amounts of hormones. However, excessive iodine intake may worsen a person’s symptoms of hyperthyroidism. It can also cause a goiter, which is a visible enlargement of the thyroid gland. Iodine deficiency is one cause of hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid that can cause symptoms such as fatigue, cold intolerance, and sore muscles and joints. Some seaweed dietary supplements may not provide adequate iodine, while others offer more than the Daily Value. The type of seaweed and the location in which it was grown can alter the iodine contents, which can make it an unreliable source of iodine.Īccording to research from 2021, the consumption of several whole food seaweed or food products containing seaweed can cause excess iodine intake. The thyroid needs iodine to function correctly, but the amount that a person requires depends on the health of the thyroid. The thyroid gland controls and releases hormones for energy production, growth, and cellular repair. Seaweed also contains antioxidants, which may protect the body from oxidative stress and reduce inflammation at the cellular level. It is highly nutritiousĮach type of seaweed may contain slightly different nutrients and minerals.Įating marine alga may be a simple way to boost a person’s intake of vitamins and minerals without adding many calories.Īs a study in Marine Drugs notes, seaweed is generally a good supply of:Ī study in the Journal of Applied Phycology notes that various types of seaweed contain helpful nutrients, including: The following are the best health benefits of seaweed: 1.
Share on Pinterest Paul Taylor/Getty Images
0 kommentar(er)
