Al Amn Magazine # 160

35 FEBRUARY 2023 beneficial for heart health. In addition, several animal studies report that the sPS found in seaweed may have the ability to reduce blood pressure and prevent blood clotting They may also help reduce LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and total cholesterol levels. Blood sugar control Adding seaweed to your diet may reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Researchers believe that certain compounds found in seaweed may play a beneficial role in stabilizing blood sugar levels and preventing type 2 diabetes. One of these is fucoxanthin, an antioxidant that gives brown algae its characteristic color. This compound is thought to help reduce insulin resistance and stabilize blood sugar levels In addition, the type of fiber found in seaweed may slow down the speed at which carbs are absorbed from a meal. Weight management Eating seaweed regularly may help you lose weight, if that’s your goal. Researchers believe this may be due, in part, to seaweed’s ability to affect your levels of the weight-regulating hormone leptin. Combined with seaweed’s high fiber content, this may help decrease hunger and enhance feelings of fullness. Immune function Seaweed may also help protect you from certain types of infections. That’s because it contains marine plant compounds believed to have antioxidant, anti-allergenic, and disease-fighting properties. Research shows that these compounds may have the ability to fight viruses by blocking their entry into cells. Digestive health Seaweed may help improve the health of your gut in various ways. For one, it’s rich in fiber, which can help prevent constipation and ensure smooth digestion. It also contains agars, carrageenans, and fucoidans, which are thought to act as prebiotics Prebiotics are a type of nondigestible fiber that feeds the beneficial bacteria in your gut. The more good bacteria you have in your gut, the less space there is for harmful bacteria to thrive. Cancer risk The presence of seaweed in your diet may help reduce your risk of developing certain types of cancer. For instance, researchers believe that seaweed may help decrease estrogen levels, potentially reducing a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer. What’s more, some studies suggest that a class of compounds found in brown varieties, such as kelp, wakame and kombu, may help prevent the spread of cancerous cells. That said, very few human studies have investigated the direct effects of seaweed in people with cancer. Other potential benefits Seaweed may also offer some protection against skin damage and bone and inflammatory diseases. Compounds in seaweed may help protect the skin from damage caused by UVB rays from the sun when applied directly to the skin. They may also help prevent wrinkles, sun spots and premature skin aging. Is eating seaweed safe? Eating fresh seaweed is considered to be safe for most people. That said, consuming it regularly or in high amounts may cause some side effects. Depending on where they’re grown, some varieties of seaweed can contain high levels of mercury, cadmium, lead, and arsenic. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the levels of these chemicals and heavy metals in fresh seaweed. However, supplements are not as tightly regulated and may contain levels that are detrimental to health. To ensure safety, look for seaweed or algae supplements that have been third-party tested by an independent lab. Summary Seaweed is considered safe for most people. Limit your intake if you tend to prefer high iodine varieties, or if you take blood thinners or have kidney issues. Seaweed can be purchased fresh or dried from most Asian supermarkets. Nori, the type commonly used to roll sushi, may also be available at regular grocery stores. In addition to their use for sushi, nori sheets can also easily be used to replace tortilla bread when making wraps.