Therapeutically, cosmetically, and nutritionally, seaweed has a lot to offer us. Discover in this article all the benefits that are hidden behind this brown seaweed!
Brown seaweed, what is it?
Brown seaweed, belonging to the class of Phaeophyceae, are present in a vast group containing about ten lineages of microscopic seaweed: the Phaeophyceae. One of its characteristics is the brown dyes that hide the green chlorophyll (pigment of the seaweed) by covering it. Moreover, they are exceptionally rich in minerals, trace elements (copper, chromium, zinc, selenium, manganese, iron) and vitamins (C, B1, B2, B6, B12).
The benefits of brown seaweed are multiple. Brown seaweed, such as Laminaria Hyperborea, Laminaria or Fucus, contains anti-inflammatory properties and helps to counteract the natural aging of cells. With age, these cells do not have the same facility to self-regenerate and this process therefore takes longer. It has been proven that brown seaweed prevents this slowing down by stimulating collagen production and promoting the proper functioning of cells. Our Shea Anti-Aging Day Cream, rich in Shea Butter and brown seaweed extract, is the ideal treatment to help fight skin aging.
An excellent ingredient for health
Iodine is an essential element for our body but it does not synthesize it. Food helps to supply it, especially with brown seaweed. Indeed, rich in minerals, they act as an antiseptic and help in the synthesis of thyroid hormones as well as in the good regulation of lipid metabolism. Its dark pigments, called carotenoids, also help to decrease the viability of colon cancer cells and reduce blood glucose levels.
Brown seaweed in our plate
Among the family of brown seaweeds, several are consumable and have many benefits.
- The wakame has the amazing characteristic of having more provitamin A (beta-carotene) than carrots and more calcium than the comté cheese. In addition to beta-carotene, it has vitamins B and K, potassium, and protein. Its benefits for the immune system is that it helps digestion and the elimination of waste thanks to its richness in soluble fibers (alginate, fucoidane) that facilitate the intestinal transit. As for the taste of wakame, it is like oyster or seafood.
- The sea bean or the “tagliatelle of the sea” are full of fiber, potassium and magnesium. When eaten fresh, they provide vitamins C, E and A. They are as easy to eat as green beans and have an iodized taste. The sea bean is an excellent food that would prevent ulcers and liver disorders.
- The breton kombu is the most iodized seaweed in the family of brown seaweeds and that is why it is important to bleach it. In fact, only one dry gram provides more than a month’s worth of iodine. However, it is also rich in fiber and protein.
To understand the importance of using anti-aging creams, discover here our article on skin aging.
