(NaturalHealth365) You know that berries are great for you and that eating your spinach comes with many health benefits, but sometimes the best superfoods go under the radar. For example, although it’s used in different types of cuisine, you may not think about adding more seaweed to your diet. However, it’s actually a powerful superfood that offers many health benefits.

Seaweed is a vegetable of the sea that’s used in many Asian dishes and other types of cuisine. You can eat it raw, cooked, or even pickled, and its texture varies based upon the way it was prepared. Sometimes it’s even added to salads or soups.  But, brown seaweed (in particular) has long been claimed to offer medicinal benefits, and studies now back up that thought as scientists continue to dig deeper into the advantages of consuming brown seaweed.

Discover why eating seaweed will help you age gracefully

One review published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences took a closer look at fucoxanthin, which is an algae-specific xanthophyll and carotenoid found in brown seaweeds. Researchers have discovered that fucoxanthin offers powerful antioxidant properties, which can help fight aging and prevent age-related and chronic diseases.

Consuming brown seaweed may offer skin benefits, improving the appearance of skin and fighting the signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. While the nutrients and antioxidants found in brown algae offer positive effects when eaten, brown algae extracts may also be used topically to help treat some of the visible signs of aging skin.

Science uncovers even more seaweed benefits that prove its importance as a superfood

Beyond working as a powerful antioxidant, science has uncovered a variety of other great benefits to consuming this superfood, as well. One study looked specifically at fucoxanthin in edible seaweed and found that it may aid weight loss, specifically helping to reduce abdominal white adipose tissue, which is the most dangerous type of fat.

Other studies show it also has anti-diabetic effects, reducing blood sugar levels and improvement insulin sensitivity. And by helping with weight loss, this may offer additional benefits to people with diabetes.

Scientists have also tested brown seaweed for its effect on cancer, and it’s shown promise in slowing the spread of and even eradicating the spread of breast and colorectal cancers. The iodine found in brown seaweed also helps promote thyroid health and keeps hormones and metabolism balanced.

Other potential health benefits of seaweed include improved heart health, lower cholesterol, improvements in digestion, and arthritis relief.  Some of the most popular seaweed dishes include: nori rolls, miso soup with wakame and sautéed arame dishes with onions and carrots.

Keep in mind, sea vegetables do contain iodine, which is critical for healthy thyroid function.  But, eating too much seaweed is not recommended and can easily be avoided by thinking of this food as a “side dish” – best prepared with lots of other organic vegetables.

Sources for this article include:

NIH.gov
Healthline.com
NIH.gov
HealthyFocus.org