Potential Benefits of Bladderwrack for Women’s Health

Potential Benefits of Bladderwrack for Women’s Health

Bladderwrack certainly has a funny name. But it’s health benefits are no joke.

Bladderwrack is a brown seaweed that grows along the coastlines of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, in the Baltic and North Seas, and in other waters in the United States and Canada. It has long been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of diseases. It is rich in various minerals, nutrients, and antioxidants.

Read on to find out how it can benefit the body.

Vitamins and Minerals in Bladderwrack

Bladderwrack is a beneficial addition to most diets. It is rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamins A and C, zinc, calcium, magnesium, iodine, fiber, potassium, and sodium.

It is also a good source of phytochemicals that can lower oxidative stress to reduce the risk of disease.

Bladderwrack Health Benefits

Bladderwrack has long been used to treat a variety of conditions including obesity, joint pain, urinary tract infections, fertility problems, and more. However, it has never been proven to be effective in reducing symptoms associated with these health issues.  

On the other hand, research has shown that it has the following positive effects.

Boosts Thyroid Health

Bladderwrack contains iodine, a trace element that produces triiodothyronine and thyroxine, thyroid hormones that help regulate metabolism and support neurological development and growth. Iodine deficiencies have been associated with conditions such as goiter and hypothyroidism.

Provides Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Bladderwrack is rich in antioxidants including phlorotannins and fucoxanthin which are known to minimize free radicals that can damage cells and lead to chronic disease and premature aging. Studies have shown that bladderwrack and other types of brown algae’s anti-inflammatory properties may reduce tumor growth, blood sugar levels, and the risk of heart disease.

Improves Skin Health

Fucoidan is an antioxidant in bladderwrack that may promote collagen synthesis in the skin. Research has shown that it may improve the look of cellulite, promote healing, and reduce premature aging. It has been linked to reduced collagen breakdown making it beneficial to the appearance of youthful skin.

How to Take Bladderwrack

When it comes to adding bladderwrack to the diet, there are several options to choose from. It is available in supplemental form which may be the most convenient choice for most people. It can also be eaten whole or made into a tea. One teaspoon of tea can be added per one cup of hot water and the tea may be drunk after 10 minutes of steeping.

Bladderwrack Health Risks

Although bladderwrack is safe for most people, health risks have been associated with taking excessive amounts of iodine. Individuals should be taking no more than 150 mcg of iodine a day including that which is consumed from bladderwrack as well as other sources.

It may also be unsafe for those taking certain medications, those with thyroid disorders. and women that are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you are looking to improve your diet, adding bladderwrack may be the way to do it. This strange sounding algae certainly packs a nutritional punch. How will you be adding it to your health routine?

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