six reasons to...

EAT SEAWEED

1 SUPPORT WEIGHT LOSS

“SEAWEED can support weight loss as it is high in fibre leaving one feeling fuller for longer and increasing satiety,” explains nutritionist Alix Woods in collaboration with itsu, the healthy Asian inspired eatery (itsu.com).

“The fibre is calorie free and encourages bowel regularity, ridding the body of toxins and waste. Not forgetting, the iodine content, which manages metabolic function and encourages weight loss.”

2 ANTIOXIDANTS

“SEAWEED contains antioxidants that help protect cells from free radical damage,” says Alix. “Free radical damage is often the cause of diseases like heart disease. The antioxidants help to dampen down and even stop the cell’s inflammatory response within the body.”

3 HELP YOUR HORMONES

IT is a good source of zinc, according to Dr. Marilyn Glenville, author of Natural Alternatives to Sugar (marilynglenville.com).

“This mineral is vital for the health and maintenance of reproductive hormones in both men and women.”

4 ENERGY SAVIOUR

“MANY varieties of seaweed, contain B12 which is often lacking in vegan and vegetarian diets, making it a valuable source,” says Alix.

“Simply add dried seaweed, chlorella and or spirulina to meals like soups and smoothies to optimise nutrition and nutrients daily.”

5 TAKE CARE OF YOUR THYROID

ALIX says: “Seaweed helps to regulate thyroid function, as it is rich in iodine and the amino acid, tyrosine. “The thyroid gland manages energy, growth, reproduction and cell repair. Iodine makes hormones to control metabolism and maintain energy.”

6 HELP YOUR HEART

THIS superfood contains protective ‘pro heart’ nutrients that may reduce the risk of Heart Disease, Alex reveals.

“Seaweed has been found to reduce cholesterol, with newer studies showing seaweed contains carbohydrates or fucans and peptides that help reduce blood clotting and lower high blood pressure.”