Bladderwrack, commonly known as sea kelp, is more than just a seaweed flourishing in the ocean. It's a treasure trove of vital nutrients. Today, we'll uncover the health benefits offered by this oceanic powerhouse.
Enhancing Thyroid Function and Balancing Hormones
Bladderwrack is a veritable boon for thyroid health[1]. Your thyroid relies on iodine for the production of hormones. Given that bladderwrack thrives in pristine marine environments, it is loaded with iodine - a fact that significantly contributes to its efficacy in enhancing thyroid function.
Moreover, the scope of iodine benefits extends beyond thyroid health. Iodine is also instrumental in maintaining hormone balance, specifically estrogen. Overabundance of estrogen in women could lead to health complications such as ovarian cysts and fibrocystic breast conditions. Including iodine-rich foods like bladderwrack in your diet can aid in mitigating such risks by balancing estrogen levels.
Boosting Brain Power
The iodine in bladderwrack isn't just beneficial for physical health but also plays a vital role in cognitive function enhancement[2]*. This is especially crucial for children in their developmental stages. It's also necessary for pregnant women to ensure optimal intake of iodine. An insufficiency could result in reduced IQ and smaller brain size in infants, and it may hamper overall growth. As such, incorporating iodine sources like bladderwrack in your diet is of utmost importance.
A Dense Nutritional Profile
Bladderwrack offers more than just iodine. It showcases a dense nutritional profile, boasting ten times the calcium found in milk, and serves as an excellent alternative for those who cannot consume dairy. Bladderwrack also houses a wide spectrum of nutrients, including magnesium, manganese, potassium, iron, and zinc. Additionally, it provides vitamin C and certain B vitamins, thereby enriching your diet with essential nutrients[3].*
Fighting Cancer and Inflammation
Bladderwrack contains a phytochemical called fucoidan, which has been researched for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties[4]*. As a result, many position it as a nutritional powerhouse that not only provides nutrients but also combats detrimental health conditions.*
Regulating Blood Sugar
Beneath its surface, bladderwrack hides more benefits. Bladderwrack is a source of various trace minerals, including vanadium, which has been studied for its potential role in blood sugar regulation[5]*.
Conclusion
Thanks to its nutrient-dense composition, bladderwrack emerges as a marine vegetable with benefits that go far beyond merely supporting thyroid health. Its energy-boosting properties make it an ideal part of your morning routine. The range of health benefits it offers solidifies its position as a vital component of your diet. So, when planning your meals, remember to include this amazing bladderwrack - the sea kelp that holds numerous wellness benefits!
References
1- Clark CD, Bassett B, Burge MR. Effects of kelp supplementation on thyroid function in euthyroid subjects. Endocrine Practice. 2003;9(5):363-369
2- Bath SC, Steer CD, Golding J, Emmett P, Rayman MP. Effect of inadequate iodine status in UK pregnant women on cognitive outcomes in their children: results from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). Lancet. 2013;382(9889):331-337
3- Teas J, Baldeón ME, Chiriboga DE, Davis JR, Sarriés AJ, Braverman LE. Could dietary seaweed reverse the metabolic syndrome?. Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2009;18(2):145
4- Fitton JH. Therapies from Fucoidan; Multifunctional Marine Polymers. Marine Drugs. 2011;9(10):1731-1760
5- Himaya SWA, Ryu B, Qian ZJ, Kim SK. Pepsin-assisted extraction, characterization, and ACE inhibitory activity of polysaccharides from two species of sea cucumber. Carbohydrate Research. 2011;346(9):1139-1146