Do You Know the Benefits of Walking? Seaweed is a general types of seaweed that refers to a number of algae and marine plants that grow along rocky shorelines around the world. While seaweeds grow in all different areas of the world, they’re most prevalent in Asian cuisines, where they’re featured in sushi, salads, soups, and stews. In prehistoric times, seaweed was an important part of coastal peoples’ diets.
Today, more than 145 varieties are used around the world. While it doesn’t have the same popularity in the United States as it does in Asian countries, people are beginning to recognize that seaweed is a nutritious addition to the diet and provides several health benefits. Health Benefits Seaweed is an excellent source of iodine, a vital trace mineral that plays a critical role in thyroid health. The body doesn’t make iodine on its own, so you need to get it from food sources or supplements. Your thyroid plays a crucial role in your overall health, and iodine plays a vital role in its ability to function properly. If you don’t get enough iodine, you may develop a goiter, a visible enlargement of your thyroid. Seaweed has carrageenans, agars, fucoidans, which act as prebiotics, non-digestible fibers that feed the healthy bacteria in your digestive tract.