In the quest for effective ways to manage weight, people often seek natural and sustainable solutions. Seaweed’s benefits for weight management have gained significant attention in recent years. Even celebrity chef Jamie Oliver attributes seaweed to his healthy weight loss (1). Doctor Seaweed’s supplements, derived from this powerful superfood, have become increasingly popular due to their unique nutritional profile and bioactive compounds.
This article, will explore the link between seaweed supplements and weight management, shedding light on the way it works and how they can benefit.
Rich in Dietary Fibre
One key factor contributing to the weight management benefits of seaweed supplements is their high dietary fibre content. Fibre plays a crucial role in weight management by promoting feelings of fullness, reducing appetite, and aiding in digestive health. Seaweed, such as Ascophyllum nodosum, is a great source of soluble and insoluble fibre. A study published in the journal Nutrients found that seaweed-derived fibre supplementation increased satiety and reduced subsequent food intake, potentially aiding in weight control (2).
Fucoxanthin and Metabolic Support
Seaweed contains a unique pigment called fucoxanthin, which has been shown to possess potential metabolic benefits. Fucoxanthin has been found to stimulate fat metabolism and enhance the oxidation of fatty acids in animal and in vitro studies. A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry demonstrated that fucoxanthin supplementation reduced body weight and fat accumulation in obese mice (3). While further research is needed to fully understand its effects in humans, fucoxanthin holds promise as a natural compound for supporting weight management.
Iodine and Thyroid Function
When our metabolic health is optimal – we're energetic, mentally sharp and able to maintain a healthy body weight. But when our metabolic health starts to slide, we’re the opposite. Iodine, an essential mineral found abundantly in certain types of seaweed, plays a crucial role in thyroid function. The thyroid gland regulates metabolism, and inadequate iodine intake can lead to imbalances that may affect weight. Low iodine levels may slow down your metabolism and encourage food to be stored as fat, rather than be burned as energy.
If you’re finding it difficult to balance your metabolism and lose weight, then adding more iodine to your diet may help reverse the effects of a slow metabolism, as it helps your body make more thyroid hormones. Doctor Seaweed's supplements can provide a natural source of iodine, supporting proper thyroid function and potentially aiding in weight management.
With more research ongoing and with positive results, incorporating seaweed supplements into a balanced diet can be an effective approach to harnessing the potential weight management benefits of these oceanic superfoods.
Click here to shop the Doctor Seaweed's range.
References
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Jamie Oliver Loses Two Stone In Three Months, Thanks To Sleep And Seaweed Huffington Post 2015 https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2015/08/25/jamie-oliver-weight-loss-sleep-seaweed_n_8035898.html
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Pérez-Jiménez J, Saura-Calixto F. Literature data may underestimate the actual dietary fiber content of foods: an assay for avoiding this problem. Nutrients. 2011;3(3):306-16.
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Maeda H, Hosokawa M, Sashima T, Funayama K, Miyashita K. Fucoxanthin from edible seaweed, Undaria pinnatifida, shows antiobesity effect through UCP1 expression in white adipose tissues. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2005;332(2):392-7.