Seaweed Complex™

Historically, seaweed has been consumed by coastal inhabitants around the world. Presently, seaweed is still part of the daily diet in many Asian countries. Seaweed consumption appears to be gaining popularity in Western cultures.

Food science research has confirmed that seaweed is full of nutrients. It is a rich source of protein, vitamins (vitamin K and folic acid), and minerals, including calcium, copper, iodine, and iron. Due to seaweed’s impressive nutritional content, it is considered beneficial for well-being and is believed to help the organism fight disease. In Asia, the Japanese have one of the highest life expectancies in the world, and seaweed is part of their daily diet. Seaweed contains a molecule known as fullerene, which is believed to contribute to immune, cardiovascular, and endocrine function.

An article published on the academic platform MDPI, based in Basel, Switzerland, states that “marine bioactives have the potential to reduce the incidence of chronic diseases. Seaweed contains an incomparable wealth of minerals and trace elements, which are attributed to its capacity to retain inorganic marine substances due to the characteristics of its cell surface polysaccharides.”

Seaweed Complex™ is a blend of five seaweeds formulated to support the immune and endocrine system.

Ingredients

Kelp is a common seaweed used by the nutraceutical industry. It is a good source of many vitamins, including folic acid and the minerals iodine, potassium, calcium, and iron. It is used for several conditions, especially for thyroid support. Since kelp is considered a major source of iodine, it is believed to aid in thyroid hormone production, reducing the risk of goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland caused by iodine deficiency). It also reduces metabolism disruptions that lead to unwanted symptoms such as weight gain.

Spirulina has been consumed by many for centuries due to its impressive nutritional value and health benefits. Today, many important figures endorse spirulina as a “superfood” and a “miracle from the sea”. Spirulina, a type of blue-green algae, grows naturally in oceans and salty lakes with subtropical climates. The Aztecs harvested spirulina from Lake Texcoco in central Mexico, while in west-central Africa, it is still harvested from Lake Chad. Research shows that spirulina contains significant amounts of nutrients, including calcium, niacin, potassium, magnesium, B vitamins, and iron. It is also rich in many essential amino acids (protein makes up about 60 to 70% of spirulina’s dry weight).

Chlorella is a green single-celled microalgae with biological and pharmacological properties important for human health. Chlorella has a long history of use due to its functional macro- and micronutrients, including proteins, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, polysaccharides, vitamins, and minerals. Clinical research suggests that chlorella supplementation can improve the condition of individuals with hyperlipidemia (abnormally high concentration of fats or lipids in the blood) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), and protect against oxidative stress.

Dulse is another important seaweed. It grows primarily on the Northern Pacific and Atlantic coastlines, including Iceland, Canada, and some regions of Ireland. Dulse was historically used for scurvy, malnutrition, goiter, and thyroid function. This seaweed contains ascorbic acid (vitamin C), alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Dulse is rich in complex polysaccharides, which help promote immune health and detoxify the organism.

Nori is the seaweed used in the making of sushi. It is rich in calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, iodine, and many other micronutrients. Nori, like many other seaweeds, is a great source of phytochemicals, compounds important for general well-being.