Is Seaweed Healthy?

Seaweed is a natural superfood that’s packed with the essential vitamins and minerals humans need to thrive. Seaweed is a great addition to a healthy diet and has been making a comeback in the Western diet as an everyday ingredient. But have you ever stopped to think about seaweed’s health benefits?

At Mara, we are all about nourishing body and soul. So, if you are looking for an easy way to improve your diet, look no further. 

How to use seaweed to reduce your salt intake 

We have all heard that too much salt is bad for us – high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke – the list goes on. But could there be a way to reduce our sodium intake without impacting the flavour of our food? The answer is yes – seaweed!  

Sceptics may question how eating seaweed can reduce salt intake when it tastes so salty. Crucially, seaweed is low in sodium (the bad part of salt) and high in the salts that many of us are lacking in our diet – potassium, calcium, iron and magnesium.  

By replacing salt with seaweed, you won’t be missing out on the salty flavour that we all love so much. In fact, the complex vitamin and mineral content of seaweed creates an amazing umami flavour, introducing you to a whole new world of deliciousness.  

Not only can it heighten the flavour of food, but these salts have their own health benefits. A win-win situation! From potassium’s ability to lower blood pressure, to calcium’s role in bone health, seaweed’s medicinal power seems unbeaten. 

Can seaweed boost immunity? 

When it comes to our immune systems, variety is key. Seaweed is packed full of the different nutrients needed to keep colds at bay. Vitamins A through K, and many in between, as well as minerals like iron, iodine, zinc, and selenium, all important for the immune system. And all found in seaweed. How much more could you ask?  

There’s even evidence to suggest seaweed can stave off covid. With all of these antiviral properties, even athletes are adding seaweed to their diet to harness its immune-boosting power.  

Can seaweed regulate blood sugar? 

Seaweed’s health benefits don’t cease there. Fucoidan – a molecule found in seaweed – regulates blood sugar levels, helping those with diabetes to avoid dangerous blood sugar spikes.  

What’s more, seaweed’s ability to fill you up means that you won’t have the same urge to reach for the unhealthy snack.  

Is seaweed good for your gut? 

As well as being a healthy addition to your own diet, eating seaweed can work wonders for the bacteria living in your gut. Red seaweeds, like dulse, have strong prebiotic abilities, supporting good bacteria to thrive and grow. And a healthy gut microbiome equals a healthy body.  

More still, seaweed’s combination of soluble and insoluble fibre works to aid digestion as well as reduce any inflammation of the gut.  

Can seaweed help you lose weight? 

If you’re still not convinced that seaweed is healthy, listen to this. Four compounds, all found in seaweed have been proven to aid in weight loss. Alginate, fucoxanthin, fucoidan and phlorotannin all reduce the amount of fat absorbed by the body.  

Just ask Jamie Oliver – he claims that seaweed was responsible for his weight loss- “It’s like dynamite – fibre, nutrients, all the minerals, aids digestion – unbelievable." 

How to eat healthily  

Rich in nutrients, rich in flavour, seaweed is a one-stop shop for all your nutrition needs. Adding a little (or more!) seaweed to your diet is an easy way to make change. Visit our online store to start your seaweed journey today.