Nov 4, 2010 Brenna Coleman
Can Seaweed Support Weight Loss? - Steven DePolo
Time to add a new food to a balanced diet to promote healthy weight loss — seaweed. Sea greens such as kelp, dulse, and nori are incredibly rich sources of nutrition, nourishing the entire body, promoting beautiful hair and skin, energizing, cleansing, and balancing. They are one of the best natural sources of iodine, a mineral that is necessary for proper thyroid gland function. A healthy thyroid is essential for weight loss. Learn about the connection between seaweed, iodine, the thyroid gland, and weight loss.
Seaweed Is Rich in Iodine and Other Nutrients
Why are sea greens so good for you? They are a concentrated source of enzymes, amino acids, essential fatty acids, minerals, trace elements, chlorophyll, vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K, and fiber. As the earth is often depleted of trace elements and minerals, sea greens supply as much as ten to twenty times as many minerals as land plants. Some of these nutrients, including algin which absorbs toxins and stimulates lymphatic drainage, help to encourage the release of stored fat, reducing cellulite.
The mineral found in seaweed that can help promote weight loss is iodine. Sufficient iodine in the diet supports the thyroid gland and prevents gland disorders such as prostate inflammation, adrenal exhaustion, and uterine fibroids. A deficiency of this mineral is linked to weight gain, fatigue, and in children, mental retardation. In the American diet iodine is found in table salt, seafood, garlic, mushrooms, asparagus, and of course seaweed. Deficiencies are rare as most people get their iodine from table salt.
Iodine Supports Thyroid Gland Function
How does the iodine found in seaweed support the thyroid gland? This mineral is used by the thyroid to make thyrozin. This enzyme helps to regulate metabolism. Iodine also combines with the amino acid tyrosine to form thyroglobulin. This compound is stored in the thyroid gland and transformed into thyroid hormone as needed. This hormone regulates metabolism, cholesterol, and the use of protein, carbohydrates, and carotenes.
A properly functioning gland is able to release enough thyroid hormone into the blood stream to support healthy energy levels. Eating seaweed can even support a healthy libido as the thyroid, along with the adrenal glands, determine the production of sex hormones.
A Healthy Thyroid for Weight Loss
Adding different sea greens to your diet will help the body shed excess fat and maintain a healthy weight. With healthy thyroid gland function the body is able to metabolize food efficiently, turning calories into energy rather than stored fat. Natural thyroid support also translates into increased energy levels, especially if fatigue was present due to an under-active thyroid. More energy and you may be more inclined to get a little more physical activity in each day to support healthy weight loss.
Using Seaweed for Weight Loss
To use seaweed for weight loss consider adding a variety of sea greens to your diet. Add dried wakame flakes to soups and stews, sprinkle granules on food in place of table salt, a powder made from sea greens can be added to smoothies. You can also try soaking in a seaweed bath, a practice known as thalassotherapy that spas may use to increase the metabolism and circulation of their clients.
While consuming sea greens from trusted sources is healthy, try to get your greens from non-polluted waters. Only a small amount of seaweed is necessary for your daily supply of iodine — there is no reason to consume sea greens in excess, and in fact too much iodine can inhibit the secretion of thyroid hormone. Especially if you have any health conditions, talk to your doctor before supplementing with seaweed tablets or capsules.
References and Resources:
Page, Linda. "Healthy Healing: A Guide to Self-Healing for Everyone, 11th Edition" (Traditional Wisdom, 2003).
Balch, Phyllis A. " Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Fourth Edition (Penguin Books, 2006).
Weed, Susan S. "Healing Wise." (Ash Tree Publishing, 1989).
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