Seaweed is Full of Easily Absorbed Antioxidants

The bioavailability of seaweed is proven

There's been a lot of chat about whether, even if a food is high in antioxidants, our bodies are able to digest them easily (this is known as bioavailability.) In particular, the case for the bioavailability of seaweed was unproven - until now.

A new study, carried out by the Universities of Reading and Ulster alongside hydrocolloid research group Cybercolloids Ltd, is the first of its kind, and the results reinforce something highly significant. Phlorotannin, a type of potent antioxidant known as a polyphenol and found in brown seaweeds like kelp (kombu), has been shown to be bioavailable in humans. 

Seaweed is now even more healthy

The study's findings, published in the British Journal of Nutrition, show that the human gut can absorb and metabolise the phlorotannin compounds and as a result, seaweeds contribute to making us healthier.

Although the study was carried out on a kelp, all Mara Seawed products are high in fibre and polyphenols. Kombu kelp is pure brown seaweed; Shony is a blend of kelp and red seaweed; Dulse is a pure red seaweed.

You'll find all our products in our online store, and you can enjoy them whilst reading the full interview with Sarah Hotchkiss, Project Manager of CyberColloids Ltd, on how the seaweed phlorotannins are absorbed by the gut.