Strange yet surprisingly familiar plant reduces cholesterol, protects the heart, and prevents diabetes

There's a vegetable that grows in the sea that turns out to protect the heart, fight diabetes, and boost digestion.

Packed with antioxidants and healthy nutrients, seaweed can support heart health and fight diabetes. Although not commonly consumed on a daily basis, this vegetable is extremely nutritious, so even a small amount can go a long way.

Packed with antioxidants and healthy nutrients, seaweed can support heart health and improve blood sugar levels.

Illustration: AI

Seaweed is rich in vitamins, especially B vitamins, and minerals such as iron, copper, manganese, and omega-3 fats. The proteins in some seaweeds contain all the essential amino acids.

Additionally, seaweed contains antioxidants such as vitamins A, C and E, and beneficial phytonutrients, including flavonoids and carotenoids, which can fight the damaging effects of free radicals.

In particular, fucoxanthin - a carotenoid commonly found in brown seaweed (wakame), has an antioxidant capacity 13.5 times greater than vitamin E.

Here are four scientifically proven benefits of seaweed.

Reduce cholesterol levels, protect the heart

Seaweed helps lower blood cholesterol levels. A 2023 meta-analysis found that consuming brown seaweed significantly reduced total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels.

Seaweed also contains fucans that can fight blood clots, and research has even shown them to be as effective as anticoagulants, according to the health news site Healthline.

Preliminary animal studies also suggest that peptides in seaweed may prevent high blood pressure.

Reduce the risk of diabetes

An eight-week Japanese study found that fucoxanthin in brown seaweed improved blood sugar control.

Researchers found that people who took 2 mg of fucoxanthin from seaweed oil had improved blood sugar levels. The effect was even greater in people with a genetic predisposition to insulin resistance.

What's more, an animal study found that alginate — another substance in seaweed — may prevent blood sugar spikes after eating a high-sugar meal, thanks to alginate slowing the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream.

Supports thyroid function

The thyroid gland needs iodine to function. Seaweed has the unique ability to absorb concentrated amounts of iodine from the ocean, making it an excellent source of iodine.

Seaweed also contains the amino acid tyrosine, which is used along with iodine to make two key hormones that help the thyroid gland function properly.

Supports gut health

Seaweed is an excellent source of fiber that promotes gut health and aids digestion.

The fiber content of seaweed is higher than most fruits and vegetables, accounting for about 35-60% of the dry weight of seaweed.

The sulfated polysaccharides in seaweed have the ability to increase the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Fiber is also a food source for beneficial bacteria, according to Healthline .

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/loai-rau-it-nguoi-an-khong-ngo-giam-cholesterol-bao-ve-tim-chong-tieu-duong-18525061822212028.htm