Bladderwrack

Bladderwrack If you’ve ever been to the beach or swam in the ocean, you would be very familiar with seaweed (algae). It’s smelly and slimy, and according to some people who have tasted it, it doesn’t taste very nice either.

What you may not know about algae though, is that there are many different types found in the deep blue sea and some of them, even have some pretty amazing health benefits.

Which types of algae have health benefits and what are they? We’re going to explore one particular type of algae today; Bladderwrack.

What Is Bladderwrack?

Bladderwrack is a type of algae that has a very leathery texture and usually grows in cold ocean waters. It has blades that are leaf-like parts and air-filled pods growing along the main stem which help the plant stay afloat. The root-anchors holdfast the plant to the ocean floor, and as you can likely imagine – it has a peculiar and strong smell.

For centuries, Bladderwrack has been used as a fuel source, fertiliser, winter feed for cattle, and also as a food in early civilisations to help protect from age-related illnesses.

What Are The Health Benefits of Bladderwrack?

Bladderwrack was recognised in the early 1800’s for its high iodine content and as such became widely used as a treatment for goitre (swelling of the neck due to enlarged thyroid glands). By the 1860’s, Bladderwrack was also being used to counteract obesity by speeding up the metabolism.

The other compounds of Bladderwrack that can support health are flavonoids, mucopolysaccharides, and trace minerals. Bladderwrack also contains a high supply of key nutrients, including carbohydrates, protein, minerals, and polyunsaturated lipids.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the health benefits of Bladderwrack:

Iodine Deficiency Prevention

Did you know that Bladderwrack is one of the highest iodine containing sea vegetables known to man? Yes, Bladderwrack is rich in numerous minerals and halides, including iodine, it is widely used to regulate and protect the thyroid, regardless of whether it is hyperactive, normal, or underactive.¹ In fact, Bladderwrack may significantly enhance thyroid function when consumed in appropriate amounts. However, it may also suppress thyroid function when consumed daily and in large amounts.²

According to some studies, the plant is also an effective remedy to treat Hashimoto’s thyroiditis; an autoimmune disorder which leads to the destruction of the follicular cells of the thyroid gland and causes hypothyroidism.³

Researchers say that iodine-deficient patients can obtain reasonable amounts of iodine by eating only 1–2 grams of dried Bladderwrack per day.¹

Weight Management

If you don’t produce enough thyroid hormones, your metabolism slows down, and as a result you can gain weight. Therefore, increased consumption of iodine, which helps the thyroid gland, also helps control the metabolism, and in turn helps you maintain a healthy weight.

Due to the pharmacological actions of iodine in the body, and its ability to increase the metabolic function, the use of Bladderwrack helps change this condition and manage weight.⁴ Some studies also found that while maintaining metabolism; the seaweed helps regulate cellulite⁵.

Arthritis Prevention

Another study found that due to fucoidan found in Bladderwrack, it effectively helps against arthritis and some related diseases. For example, a 12-week treatment resulted in approximately 30% improvement of the patients’ knee joints. The usage of the plant can also help significantly decrease pain, stiffness, and difficulty with physical activity.⁶

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Phlorotannins extracted from Bladderwrack are used as anti-inflammatory substances. This can help treat various diseases caused by the inflammatory process like gout, hemorrhoids, sore muscles, and skin irritation, etc.⁶

Along with this, the fucoidan found in Bladderwrack is effective against heart diseases associated with inflammation and can help lower cholesterol levels.⁶

Some studies found that Bladderwrack also helps to soothe inflammation of the urinary tract, and as such, can help relieve conditions such as cystitis and urethritis.⁵

Digestive Disorder Support

Suffering from a digestive disorder or need a little digestive support?

Bladderwrack is also known to enhance digestion, and is a source of nondigestible fibre, making this plant useful for supporting the gut flora and treatment of Candida. It can be used as a mild laxative for constipation too.⁵

Bladderwrack is also used to soothe the gut and relieve indigestion, heartburn, gastritis, and peptic ulcers. How exactly? The high content of mucilage in the seaweed can be one of the ways in which it exerts its soothing action on the gastrointestinal tract.⁵

Immunity Booster

Due to fucoxanthin found in Bladderwrack, it contains the highest level of antioxidant activity found in edible seaweeds. Therefore, some researchers found that Bladderwrack may even enhance immunity. How do antioxidants help? By removing free radicals and helping reduce cellular damage.⁵

What’s more, the plant is also known to help with bacterial and fungal diseases. Some evidence shows the algae have vivid anti-viral actions, and it possesses useful activity against Herpes simplex and HIV.⁵ Other studies show that fucoidan extracted from the Bladderwrack plant can be used for correction of immunity and hemostasis disorders.⁷

Skin Health

By clearing toxins, Bladderwrack is useful in treating chronic skin diseases such as boils, eczema, psoriasis, and herpes. It may also help with burns, insect bites, and skin aging.⁵

Due to its makeup of nearly 30 minerals, this seaweed is also useful for maintaining hair and nail health.⁵

Anti-Tumour Activity

There is some evidence that fucoidans may block the formation of tumour aggregates, prevent the tumour dissemination and metastization.⁶ Thus, Bladderwrack can also be referred to as an antitumor agent. Fucoidans may have an antiproliferative effect against melanoma, lymphoma, breast cancer, colon cancer, and lung carcinoma.

Reproductive System Maintenance

Irregular menstrual cycle? Bladderwrack may help to regulate it.

In some countries, the plant extract is used to treat fibrocystic breast disease. In male patients, the plant can also be used to help with orchitis and prostatitis.⁵

Vision Health

Beta-carotene is an antioxidant that directly neutralises free radicals in the eyes and cornea. Bladderwrack can help to slow down macular degeneration, and it may prevent the development of cataracts.⁸

Bladderwrack is rich in beta-carotene, making it useful for improving vision.⁸

Is Bladderwrack Safe?

Bladderwrack is safe. However, due to high concentrations of iodine, there are some precautions for its use:

Don’t take our word for it. Speak to your health professional about whether introducing Bladderwrack into your diet may be right for you.

Properties

Anti-Bacterial⁷
Anti-Fungal⁷
Anti-Inflammatory⁵
Antioxidant¹
Arthritis⁵
Cancer Prevention⁶
Cholesterol⁴^,⁵
Constipation⁵
Cystitis⁷
Digestive Function⁵
Eye Health⁷
Gout⁶
Haemorrhoids⁶
Hair Growth and Support¹^,²^,³
Heart Support / Health⁴^,⁵
High/Good Levels of Carbohydrates¹
High/Good Levels of Flavonoids¹
High/Good Levels of Iodine¹
High/Good Levels of Protein¹
Immune Booster⁵^,⁷
Indigestion⁵
Laxative⁵
Pain Relief⁵
Skin Issues⁵
Thyroid Support¹^,²^,³
Ulcer Support⁶
Urethritis Support⁶
Urinary Tract Issues⁶
Weight Loss / Management⁴^,⁵

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