For all round health benefits supplement with seaweed

Is seaweed the new kale? With a global population increasing and climate change threatening food security, seaweed is now entering the stage as the latest sustainable superfood. Here we look at the top five benefits of adding seaweed to your diet

Seaweed can help with energy levels

Low iodine levels may leave you feeling tired, sluggish and weak. This is because your body needs the mineral to make energy. Unlike in other parts of the world, iodine is not added to salt in the UK to help prevent certain thyroid problems. In fact, studies have found that nearly 70% of school aged girls in the UK are lacking iodine, and experts say that one reason for this may be that people are drinking less milk. Foods that contain iodine include white fish, dairy and shellfish, but with the rise in plant diets, some people are turning to seaweed to get their iodine intake. But it’s unlikely that many people will choose to eat seaweed on a daily basis, plus not all seaweed is created equal. To make life easier, you may wish to consider supplementing with seaweed capsules that tell you how much iodine naturally occurs in each capsule. I love Doctor Seaweed’s ‘Weed and Wonderful’ Hebridean Ascophyllum seaweed capsules because they contain only natural ingredients from food sources. Each capsule costs less than 45p a day and contains a similar amount of natural iodine as you would expect to find in a portion of white fish. If you are thinking about adding any type of seaweed to your diet and you have a thyroid condition, discuss your iodine intake with your GP before making any changes.

Seaweed can promote heart health

Certain compounds in seaweed, in particular fucoidan, fucoxanthin, astaxanthin and phlorotannin, may have a protective effect on the heart, according to a 2021 review in Phytomedicine Plus. Seaweed also contains EPA, a type of omega-3 fatty acid. EPA is important for our cardiovascular health and triglycerides. It can improve our good cholesterol. EPA is found in fatty fish, like tuna and salmon, so seaweed is a great alternative for vegans.

Seaweed can help with weight loss

The main superfood component of seaweed is iodine, which has proven to be lacking in most British diets and is found in abundance in seaweed. It is estimated that 84 percent of women are below the lower reference nutrient intake of iodine, and deficiencies have been shown to greatly impact thyroid function, which controls the body’s metabolism and weight management. Low levels of iodine can cause weight gain, tiredness and low energy. The primary sources of iodine are white fish and dairy and seaweed is the only natural and plant-based source that provides adequate amounts of iodine for optimal function. For example, a Doctor Seaweed Weed and Wonderful® Pure Seaweed 500mg capsule contains similar levels of iodine as one portion of haddock. The RDI of iodine is 150 micrograms for adults, 220 micrograms for pregnant women and 290 micrograms for breastfeeding women.

Seaweed is great for your libido

Half of men in their 30s admit to occasionally struggling in the bedroom, so it’s not surprising to hear that sales of drugs, such as Viagra are on the increase.. Stress, tiredness, anxiety and alcohol are often the culprits for low libido in men, whilst one-third of women also admit to losing interest in sex due to similar issues. For women, hormone related issues such as menopause can also often be to blame. However, seaweed can actually improve your energy and boost your sex drive! Dr Naomi Newman-Beinart says: “Having adequate iodine levels could make all the difference when it comes to getting in the mood. This is because iodine is crucial for the production of thyroid hormones, and iodine deficiency is a leading cause of low thyroid hormone levels, which often lead to problems such as low energy and low libido. Additionally, women with thyroid problems have also reported difficulties with vaginal dryness and having orgasms, which can make it really challenging to feel ready for sex1. Thyroid issues are most commonly associated with women, but men can have them too. Thyroid problems can lead to hormonal imbalance, which can result in erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. The study also found that these sexual difficulties became far less of a problem once thyroid function was treated.”

Seaweed can boost your brain health and focus

Seaweed contains iodine, which is a fast-acting nootropic that can also help prevent brain degeneration later in life. It is essential for brain development and deficiency results in hypothyroidism. Symptoms of iodine deficiency can include fatigue, depression, anxiety, brain fog, and headaches. Doctor Seaweed Focus+ also contains other nootropics including, B-vitamin complex to support brain function, zinc to support the hippocampus (the area responsible for memory and learning), and Omega-3 DHA which is scientifically proven to support your brain function and vision. Omega-3 DHA is also a major building block of the brain, making up around 30% of brain matter. Brain cells with higher levels of Omega-3 are thought to be better at communicating with other cells, which can help to improve learning and memory. Omega-3 is also important for the development of vision and for optimal function of the retina

Doctor Seaweed Weed and Wonderful® range contains 100 percent pure, sustainably sourced Scottish seaweed. For more information, please visit Doctor Seaweed