Sea vegetables, perhaps more commonly known as plain old seaweed, have been eaten in the Far East for centuries, but are relatively uncommon in the American diet. However, sea vegetables are an excellent addition to a healthy diet: the seaweed nutrition facts show that, besides being one of those fruits and vegetables that we’re all supposed to eat more of, seaweed is rich in many vitamins and minerals as well as being a valuable source of protein and fiber.

Sea vegetables, also known as seaweed contain a very large array of vitamins and minerals. Specifically they are a very rich source of the minerals calcium, potassium, iodine and magnesium, and a very rich source of vitamins C, R, and B12. In addition they contain powerful antioxidents called carotenoids and many unique compounds that studies have shown are both anti-viral and anti-biotic in function. They were used as a treatment of goiters (caused by iodine deficiency) specifically because of their high iodine content.

Seaweed make many positive contributions to one’s health, due to their high concentration of vitamins, minerals, and other phytonutrients. These effects include strengthening hair and skin, lowering cholesterol, and strengthening the body’s immune system. Some studies suggest that alginic acid, a compound in sea vegetables, helps purge from the body metals such as lead and mercury.

The protein content of seaweed varies by species. Red seaweed varieties, such as dulse and nori, are the richest in protein. Some of these varieties have protein contents comparable to soybeans. Red and green seaweeds have an average protein content of 10 – 30% of dry weight. Brown seaweeds have the lowest protein content, averaging approximately 5 – 15% of dry weight.

Although a tasty addition to the daily diet, you may not be ready yet to eat a bowl of fresh wakame or arame. If you still want the health benefits of seaweed you can get it in pill form, like your other vitamins. Sea Vegg is a seaweed pill that allows you to get many of the health benefits of eating raw seaweed, but in pill form. It is made of a blend of twelve different sea vegetables.

Sea Vegg has many of the benefits of seaweed, containing vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, flavenoids, and omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. These are all also found in raw seaweed. Studies have shown that Sea Vegg also contains antibiotic and antiviral compounds. Algal polyphenols, an antioxidant that may help reduce cellular oxidation damage, are also in the supplement.

Thanks to health food stores, ethnic markets, and specialty groceries, seaweed is becoming easier to find. Often, it is found dried, sold in packets. You can eat it dry, or soak it to make an enticing salad. Nori can also be used to roll homemade sushi. If you don’t care for the taste, add the pill Sea Vegg to your daily diet, and give your body the health benefits of seaweed.

– Martha Johnson