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Seaweed has traditionally been harvested and consumed by coastal populations around the world. Japan has the highest intake of seaweed of all countries, with individual daily intake of more than 5 grams per day. Seaweed’s popularity has risen exponentially across markets in the past few years, and crispy dried seaweed has become a widely eaten snack. It’s even become a popular ingredient in body care products.
Seaweed generates its energy by the process of photosynthesis, whereby sunlight is used to generate glucose. Seaweed and phytoplankton’s contribution to the atmosphere cannot be understated. It is estimated that 90 percent of all the oxygen in the atmosphere comes from the sea.1 It may have benefits for the human body as well.
In general, seaweed, or macroalgae, can be classified into one of three groups:
Seaweed is a good source of vitamins B1, B2, B12, and C. Most are also a great source of β-carotene, vitamin A, and vitamin E while containing up to 10 times more minerals when compared to terrestrial plants of the same size. The main minerals found in seaweed include iodine, calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, and sodium.
A low-calorie food packed with nutrient density, seaweed also contains lectins, peptides, amino acids, polyphenols (antioxidants), and polysaccharides. The sugar alcohol sorbitol is found in red algae while mannitol is found in brown algae.
Studies have reported that proteins in seaweed have antioxidants and properties associated with lowering blood pressure, diabetes prevention, and gut health.2 We will discuss some of the evidence below.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common condition that requires the heart to pump harder due to increased pressure and stiffness in the arteries. Affecting hundreds of millions of people worldwide — one in every four adults — this condition often causes no symptoms, leaving many with high blood pressure undiagnosed. For this reason, hypertension has been called “the silent killer.” The condition is known to increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease, especially if left untreated.
Medications play an important role in treating blood pressure. However, some prefer to consider other options and alternative approaches.
A 2002 study3 evaluated chlorella’s (green algae) effect on blood pressure. The researchers noted that for some subjects with mild to moderate hypertension, chlorella reduced or at least kept their blood pressure stable, compared to placebos.
A 2009 study4 also evaluated seaweed’s overall effect on metabolic syndrome, specifically blood pressure. The researchers concluded, “Consumption of 4 to 6 grams per day of seaweed, typical for most people in Japan, may be associated with lower metabolic syndrome prevalence.”
Lastly, a 2011 study5 demonstrated that children in Japan who consumed the most seaweed had lower diastolic blood pressure. In addition, a 2020 study6 of nori seaweed in Japan concluded, “Nori intake lowered diastolic blood pressure level in boys. Seaweed intake might have preventive effects on elevated blood pressure in childhood”.
Worldwide, more than 422 million people have diabetes. The vast majority—90 to 95 percent— have type 2 diabetes, a condition primarily caused by lifestyle factors, including consumption of excess sugar and limited physical activity. Type 1 diabetes is not preventable and occurs when the immune system attacks the pancreas, preventing its ability to secrete insulin. Diet and lifestyle play a big role in determining whether an individual will develop type 2 diabetes. Seaweed may be useful, according to the studies.
A 2014 study7 of wakame (brown algae) showed that it could lower the blood sugar levels of a person who has consumed a meal containing white rice.
A 2015 study showed chlorella may also have benefits in those with diabetes. The researchers found that consuming green algae may be useful in preventing the development of diabetes.
A 2019 animal study8 testing mice with diabetes also showed benefit. The researchers found all seaweed groups improved diabetes and cholesterol compared to the control in test subjects.
A 2019 study9 showed that wakame could lower blood glucose levels while another study10 from the same year evaluated chlorella in rats with diabetes and demonstrated that chlorella and exercise had a synergistic effect in the improvement of blood sugar levels.
Arthritis is a condition that has affected humans since the beginning of time. Before the advent of modern pharmaceuticals, those who were afflicted did not simply suffer endlessly, but utilized nature’s herbs and organic foods to help minimize the associated pain.
"Arthritis" comes from the Greek word arthron, which means joint, and the Latin word itis, which means inflammation. In general, there are two main types of arthritis. The first is osteoarthritis (~95%) which occurs from age-related deterioration of the joints, usually knees and hips. The second is rheumatoid arthritis (~5%) which results from an auto-immune condition and can occur at any age.
A 2008 study11 evaluated the effect of red mineral algae (Aquamin) on patients with knee arthritis. The results showed a reduction in pain and stiffness over a 12-week period. A 2009 study12 showed similar findings. Researchers evaluated the seaweed-derived substance and its effect on knee arthritis and concluded that Aquamin had a positive effect on range of motion and walking distances in those with osteoarthritis of the knee. They went on to say that over 12 months of treatment, it could possibly allow partial withdrawal of NSAIDs, a class of anti-inflammatory drugs.
Probiotics and prebiotics are helpful in optimizing gut health. Marine algae is a great source of fiber, which can help in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome. A 2019 study13 showed that seaweed has prebiotic properties. This is primarily due to the polysaccharides from the algae, according to a 2016 study14.
A cataract is formed over time due to the lens of the eye becoming cloudy. If left untreated, it can lead to blindness. Scientists believe oxidation of the lens is the main reason this occurs. Excessive ultraviolet light exposure, tobacco use, diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain medications, like oral corticosteroids, are risk factors for developing cataracts.
A 2003 study15 of chlorella concluded, “ …Chlorella has antioxidant activity and may be beneficial for the prevention of diabetic complications such as cataracts.” Studies from 201316 and 2014 show that phycocyanin, the active ingredient in spirulina, can help prevent cataracts from forming.
A properly functioning immune system is important in preventing infectious diseases. Seaweed may play a role. IgA is an antibody that helps protect the mucous membranes, such as the mouth and digestive tract, from infections.
A 2011 study17 concluded that 4-week ingestion of a chlorella-derived supplement improves immune function in humans.” A 2018 study18 also showed the immune-promoting effects of chlorella, which could help the digestive tract may be better prepared to fight microbes.
Fibromyalgia, sometimes referred to as fibromyalgia syndrome or FMS, is a chronic pain syndrome characterized by muscle aches, general pain, and fatigue. The muscle aches, called myalgias, are usually diffuse and felt throughout the body. The condition affects approximately 10 million people in the United States and more than 100 million worldwide. Of those affected, 90 percent are women. Studies show 68 percent of those with fibromyalgia have tried nutritional supplements to help with their symptoms. 19
A 2000 study20 showed that chlorella may be helpful for those with fibromyalgia symptoms. The scientist went on to say, however, that more studies were needed. A 2001 study suggested similar findings regarding chlorella.
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