Have you ever thought about algae?
To most people, seaweed evokes the image of a stinky, green or brown, unpleasant-to-the-mouth weed washed up on shore somewhere. Alternatively, it could be the dry stuff you get at sushi bars or Japanese and Chinese restaurants. Very few people realize the health benefits of seaweed and how versatile it really is.
Described as “perfectly balanced natural foods”, certain marine algae, like certain terrestrial plants, have been used for centuries by different cultures for medicinal, nutritional, fertilizing and even sexual desire purposes.
Seaweed has been confirmed as one of nature’s “complete pharmaceutical miracles” with claims that it can do everything from preventing and treating various types of cancer, lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, thinning the blood, preventing ulcers, kill bacteria and even cure constipation.
It’s not just the Japanese who have appreciated the health benefits of consuming seaweed daily, as there are reports of people living high in the Andes consuming it on a regular basis. Both cultures are famous for their stamina, but why is this natural vitamin supplement so good for us? The answer is the ocean.
For millions of years minerals and nutrients have been draining from the land into the sea and it is more or less a constant chemical medium.
The ocean contains the same minerals and trace elements as human blood, and these are integrated into the living tissue of the algae. Because seaweed is organic (breaks down easily) and the natural vitamins, basic minerals and vital nutrients are in such an assimilable form, this wonderful sea vegetable has great nutritional benefit and truly is a natural whole food vitamin supplement. .
For example, it has been estimated that certain seaweeds have up to 30 times more minerals than terrestrial foods, which is affected by depleting nutrient levels in our soils.
It’s understandable that many people are concerned about consuming products from the oceans these days due to media reports of pollution, but this issue is widely misconstrued. In general, the ocean is a much less polluted growing medium than land soil, especially agricultural soil, due to the widespread use of pesticides, insecticides, and fertilizers, as well as airborne industrial pollutants.
Some algae, particularly certain varieties of bladderwrack, have been the subject of scientific study for many years in connection with specific medical conditions where they have been found not only to have therapeutic value, but to be a powerful nutritional component in a wide range of treatments.
Seaweed has been used as part of the detoxification protocol in mercury amalgam removal for several years and may prove useful where there is evidence of mineral imbalance and thyroid disorders.
The thyroid gland directly affects metabolism and regulates many other bodily functions. It requires iodine to function smoothly, and seaweed is a rich source.
In ancient Egypt, seaweed was used as a treatment for breast cancer patients, but the modern use of chemotherapy and radiation therapy makes the health benefits of seaweed much more apparent because it provides natural detoxification.
Seaweed has no significant fat and contains a high level of the rare antioxidant selenium, making it an exceptional value in treating candida.
Cholesterol, blood pressure, heart disease are familiar medical conditions in our modern society and have often been linked to high salt intake. Very small amounts of whole salt, ideally in the form of seaweed, have been shown to be an antidote to excessive sodium intake.
Additionally, kelp may prove beneficial for bronchitis and other respiratory infections as it is a natural multivitamin containing soothing mucilaginous gels that specifically rejuvenate the lungs and gastrointestinal tract.
Another problem that seaweed can help with is helping the body maintain acid/alkaline balance in the blood, lymph, and cells. The modern diet tends to favor carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, which can become stores of excess acid if our bodies do not have the means to fully metabolize them. This often leads to food allergies and intolerances, with acid buildup in the system causing heartburn, indigestion and ulcers. Seaweed can neutralize these acids so they can be safely disposed of and help restore balance.
Seaweed has been described as “the most nutritious form of vegetation on this planet,” so the next time you see some on the seashore, remember that they’re much more than just a stinky weed!
