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•Seaweed - ancient and rootless plants
which live primarily in the sea, whose
cells contain chlorophyll. •Sargassum seaweeds are eaten by people, and used fish bait in basket traps, animal feed, fertiliser, insect repellent. •Seaweeds have 8 times more calcium than beef and milk. •Seaweed helps to maintain healthy blood pressure levels through its high potassium content Seaweed is a general nomenclature used for a number of species of algae and marine plants that breed in varied water bodies like rivers and oceans. They grow in a wide range of sizes from minuscule to gigantic. Most seaweed is medium-sized and they are available in multiple colors like red, brown, and green. They can be spotted ubiquitously on the seashores or coastlines. Seaweeds contains a massive variety of health- promoting components as compared to the majority of other plant and animal-based foods available on land. Seaweed is a rich source of essential minerals such as magnesium, calcium, copper, potassium, selenium, zinc, iodine, and iron, while also containing a very low amount of fats. Seaweed is also a treasure trove of antioxidants, phytonutrients and rich fiber content that is required by the body. Vitamins present in seaweed are vitamin A, B, C, E and K. Seaweeds also contains omega-3 fatty acids and all the vital amino acids necessary for the body as per the WHO & FAO guidelines. Source of Iodine: Seaweed is a rich source of iodine, which it absorbs in ample amounts from the sea water. Iodine is a vital nutrient required for proper growth for all age groups. It is essential for the normal regulation of thyroid function, which also involves the brain and pituitary gland.
Cancer: Seaweeds contains cancer-fighting agents that may
prove useful in curing tumors and other cancer conditions like colon cancer and leukemia. Obesity: Scientific research has shown that edible seaweed possesses anti-obesity effects. The compound fucoxanthin present in seaweed helps in reducing the accumulation of fats and aids weight loss. Digestive Health: Seaweed has a mild laxative effect and is quite useful in maintaining healthy digestion. It aids in stimulating the release of digestive enzymes, supporting the absorption of nutrients, and facilitating the metabolism of fats. Diabetes: The Fucoxanthin compound present in brown algae has been proven effective in exertinganti -diabetic effects. Along with this, the triglyceride absorption of seaweed Laminaria japonica, also known as kombu, has been praised for its effect on diabetes.
Dental Health: Seaweed extracts have long been
appreciated for their preventative effect in the growth of dental cavities. •Anti-Coagulant: seaweed possesses antioxidant and anti-coagulant properties. •Anti-coagulants, also known as blood thinners, prevent the formation of blood clots and decrease the threat of stroke, cardiac failure, and obstruction in the veins and arteries. •The polysaccharides called fucoidans, which are present in brown algae, such as Turbinaria ornate, kelp, and bladderwrack exert this beneficial effect. •Detoxification: Seaweed possesses the ability to detoxify and cleanse the body and facilitates the excretion of toxic waste. •The binding property of the natural absorbent, alginate, which is present in seaweed, makes toxic materials, including heavy metals like lead, mercury, and other pollutants indigestible and eliminated them from the body through bowel movements.
•Influenza: Seaweed possesses anti-viral properties that
have been proven promising in providing a protective effect against Influenza B virus. •Seaweed extracts obstruct the absorption of harmful viral particles in the cells and prevents the body from getting infected. Cardiovascular Health: Seaweed has been useful in sustaining lower levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in the body. This helps in maintaining a healthy heart, smooth circulation in the blood vessels, and prevents fatal conditions like heart failure, atherosclerosis, and peripheral artery ailments. Radiation Poisoning: Seaweed has the ability to protect the skin from damage caused by exposure to ultraviolet B radiation from sunlight. This defensive effect can be attributed to the presence of fucoxanthin in the seaweed. Healthier Skin: The wealth of essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants in seaweed helps in keeping the skin revitalized, moisturized, and youthful. Hair Care: The high mineral content of seaweed also helps in maintaining healthy hair. They help in strengthening the roots and shafts of hair follicles and make them thick and lustrous. Due to this beneficial effect, seaweed has been proven valuable in the manufacturing of shampoos and hair creams.
The largest of the green algae, Ulva (sea lettuce), grows to
a ribbon or sheet 3 ft (91 cm) long. It provides food for many sea creatures, and its broad surface releases a large amount of oxygen. •While most seaweeds are soft and fleshy, a large number of particularly red seaweeds are hard as rock. •These hard red seaweeds, commonly known as coralline algae, deposit lime into their cell walls. •Seaweed is considered algae, not a plant. However, like plants, seaweed depends on sunlight to create energy through photosynthesis. •Seaweed is an organic fertilizer: Due to its high mineral content, seaweed was traditionally used as a fertilizer Coralline algae Red seaweed Green seaweed Sweets made with Agar Porphyra Kelp Codium fragile Seaweed on rocks Sargassum bloom over a reef Reproduction in Seaweeds
Seaweeds reproduce in a variety of ways. Lower
types reproduce asexually. More advanced kinds produce motile zoospores that swim off, anchor themselves, and grow into new individuals.