Seaweed: Anti-aging Nutrient Rich Superfood

When it comes to anti-aging foods, seaweed likely doesn’t come to mind. What would a grass that grows underwater have to do with your diet, or even more so why would you consume it?

Well, researchers have that exact job, which is to find out things that we might not expect, and in the case of seaweed, their findings were absolutely astounding.

After reading this, chances are that you will head to your nearest health food store to pick up some of this superfood for its benefits on health and anti-aging properties.

Seaweed Promotes Healthy Thyroid Function

The thyroid gland has many important functions in the body, extending to ensuring that metabolism continues at an optimum rate. The most critical mineral for maintaining the health of the thyroid gland is iodine.

Many people struggle to get sufficient intake via diet alone, and may sometimes resort to supplementation or using iodine fortified cooking salt, but none of these methods compares to the amount of iodine found naturally in seaweed.

Low iodine levels inadvertently lead to suppressed thyroid hormone production, known as hypothyroidism, which is characterized by general sluggishness, weight gain, listlessness, and dry skin.

For best results, consume seaweed extract a few times weekly at a minimum.

Seaweed Boosts The Immune System

The immune system is not thought of as having any role in the health of our skin, when in fact the immune system is what ultimately repels the many external maladies the skin may encounter on a daily basis.

The compounds found in seaweed possess anti-microbial, anti-allergic, and even disease preventing properties. Though studies to date just included HIV positive women, it was found that these women developed secondary infections 27% less than subjects not consuming seaweed did, it is a fair bet that the effect would translate to healthy individuals as well.

Fungi can negatively impair the functioning of the GI system, as well as lead to poor skin conditions, both likely to be averted with seaweed.

Seaweed Can Prevent Premature Skin Aging And Wrinkles

The most sought after effect of seaweed is its ability to block UV rays from damaging skin, as well as preventing premature development of fine wrinkles. This could explain why many skin based cosmetics now include seaweed extract as part of their formulation. Therefore, it is a sound convulsion that consuming seaweed in your diet will help your skin to maintain its youthful glow.

Decent Source Of Vitamins A And C

Vitamins A and C are well documented to be potent anti-inflammatory compounds on their own, but are much stronger when acting together. When it comes to their anti-aging effects, these vitamins work in tandem to reduce wrinkles, puffiness, and premature signs of skin aging.

In fact, vitamin C plays a key role in collagen production, which naturally depletes with age and collagen promotes younger looking skin.

The only limit may be the actual amount of seaweed consumed, as you are unlikely to get a large dose from the recommended two tablespoons daily.

High Protein Content

Vegetarians absolutely love seaweed, as its protein content can range from 20-70% depending on the specific variety consumed. Protein is key to controlling the aging process, as structural components of the body will be broken down at a faster rate as we age, which must be compensated for by increasing dietary protein consumption.

Protein helps to keep such structural units of the body (skin, cartilage) strong, and able to regenerate and repair itself.

Conclusion

Seaweed itself will not cure the many ills that befall our body as we age, but by including it as part of a well-rounded diet and lifestyle plan, you can slow down aging, or even improve health as the years roll by.