Seaweed has very rich mineral elements which is 36% of its dry mass. They include sodium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, chlorine, sulfur and phosphorus whereas the trace elements are iodine, iron, zinc, copper, selenium, molybdenum, fluorine, manganese, boron, nickel and cobalt. Among all the mineral elements in seaweed, the iodine content is significantly high. Compared with the Daily Recommended Intake of iodine, seaweed contains huge amount of iodine and serves as a source of iodine. Among various types of seaweed, brown algae contain the highest iodine content. In most cases, red and green algae contain lower iodine content than brown algae however, it is still higher than any land-based plant. In a lack of iodine in human beings will lead to abnormal function of thyroid gland as the thyroid uses iodine to synthesis thyroid hormone.
Besides iodine, seaweed is the riches plant sources of calcium. Calcium is required for formation of human skeletal and dental components as well as to maintain the normal function of the cell membrane. However, there is a loss of calcium from human body everyday hence, it needs to be replenished particularly during a child’s growing stage. Some seaweed contain large amount of magnesium which it helps to relieve stress and prevent heart disease caused by tension. On the other hand, coppers associate with the absorption of iron in body.
The overdose of copper, zinc and manganese in human body can
cause toxicity and lead to liver damage if the level is not maintained.
Research shows that manganese, blood glucose level and the occurrence of
epilepsy are interrelated. The facts above stated that a balance
of mineral elements in our body is an important factor to maintain health.
Therefore, we must maintain an appropriate level of major and trace elements in
the body. A daily consumption of seaweed may replenish a variety of inorganic
elements to our body.
The protein content in seaweed is slightly
different in various types of algae. Brown algae have 5-11% of its dry mass
while red algae have 30-40% of its dry mass. This content is almost equivalent
to the protein content in legumes. Besides, the protein content of green algae
is as high as 20% of its dry mass. Spirulina and micro-algae is well-known to
contain high protein content up to 70% of its dry mass.
The vitamins that seaweed contains are carotenoids, vitamin B1, B2, B12 and vitamin C. The fat content of algae is low, 1-5% of its dry mass, but its essential fatty acids level still higher than terrestrial plants. Green algae is rich in oleic acid and a-linoleum acid. Seaweed has high fiber content, about 32-50% of its dry mass. Research shows that seaweed fiber has properties including antioxidant, anti-mutation, anti-coagulation, anti-tumor, and enhance human lipid metabolism. The soluble fiber in green and red algae is about 51-56% per total fiber content whereas brown algae are 67-87% per total fiber content. Generally, soluble fiber can lower cholesterol level and has hypoglycemic role.
The vitamins that seaweed contains are carotenoids, vitamin B1, B2, B12 and vitamin C. The fat content of algae is low, 1-5% of its dry mass, but its essential fatty acids level still higher than terrestrial plants. Green algae is rich in oleic acid and a-linoleum acid. Seaweed has high fiber content, about 32-50% of its dry mass. Research shows that seaweed fiber has properties including antioxidant, anti-mutation, anti-coagulation, anti-tumor, and enhance human lipid metabolism. The soluble fiber in green and red algae is about 51-56% per total fiber content whereas brown algae are 67-87% per total fiber content. Generally, soluble fiber can lower cholesterol level and has hypoglycemic role.
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