Health

Bladderwrack: A Keto Fat Burner and More

Last Updated on March 8, 2024 by Ali Hamza

Like many other plants found on Earth, bladderwrack has been used in alternative and conventional medicine for a long time. This nutrient-rich seaweed is becoming increasingly popular as a dietary supplement.

A form of seaweed called bladderwrack is rich in beneficial minerals and compounds for your wellbeing. Given how much iodine it contains, it is one of the most widely consumed seaweeds and is highly healthy.

Supplements containing bladderwrack have similar effects to those of kelp and sea moss in correcting nutritional deficiencies and improving overall health.

Bladderwrack: What Is It?

The scientific name for bladderwrack is Fucus vesiculosus, which is a common seaweed. Depending on where it is, it goes by a variety of names, including red fucus, rockweed, black tang, Atlantic kelp, bladder fucus, and cutweed.

It is a type of brown algae recognized by the tiny air sacs on its branches.

Bladderwrack seaweed contains a lot of dietary fiber, minerals, and vitamins. Because of its superior balance of macro- and micronutrients, it is collected and eaten as food in coastal Western European and Far Eastern Asian countries.

Due to its potential to aid people in losing weight and improve thyroid health, seaweed is now growing in popularity in the United States.

The high nutritional value of bladderwrack seaweed contributes to its many health benefits. According to studies by Marine Medicines, fucus contains a number of bioactive compounds that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-obesity, anti-coagulant, and anti-diabetes properties.

Let’s explore some of the many benefits of bladderwrack in more detail:

  • Provides iodine.

Iodine is crucial for the thyroid’s health as well as many other physiological functions. It is crucial for healthy growth and development, offering defense against some cancers, and promoting brain function.

Eating iodine-rich foods like bladderwrack and other seaweeds is an easy way to make sure your body is getting enough of this essential vitamin.

One of the most well-known benefits of iodine is that it supports thyroid health. The thyroid requires the mineral iodine in order to manufacture essential hormones like thyroxine. Important metabolic processes including the production of amino acids and the proper development of the nervous system are regulated by these hormones.

Thyroid illnesses, which can cause symptoms including mood and weight changes, sluggish metabolism, and heart problems, can be brought on by an iodine deficiency.

  •  Has a number of antioxidants.

Bladderwrack contains potent antioxidants like beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin.

The body converts beta-carotene, a plant pigment, into vitamin A. It is a strong antioxidant that is essential for preserving good vision, enhancing skin health, and maintaining brain function.

Leafy greens like kale also include antioxidants like zeaxanthin and lutein. They support good vision and eye health by protecting healthy cells and aiming to halt retinal deterioration.

According to studies, these antioxidants protect the eyes from harm and are linked to better cognitive performance. Antioxidants found in seaweed are also applied topically to promote healthy aging and skin health.

  • Decreased Inflammation

Bladderwrack seaweed has powerful minerals with anti-inflammatory capabilities, including a class of sulfated polysaccharides called fucoidans. The anti-inflammatory, immune-modulating, anticancer, and antioxidant activities of these compounds have been studied.

Fucoidan is thought to reduce inflammation by significantly lowering pro-inflammatory cytokines, which is supported by research.

Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, the brown algae is applied topically to treat burns and insect bites as well as arthritis.

  • Helps digestion.

Seaweeds are nutritious because, according to research, they contain a lot of dietary fiber. Brown algae acts as a mucilage when taken, which means it creates a gel-like substance that relieves digestive discomforts like cramping, bloating, and constipation.

Supplements and pills containing bladderwrack are used to cleanse the body in addition to alleviating constipation.

The fiber in bladderwrack may also increase satiety, causing you to feel fuller more quickly and aiding in weight loss.

  • Effective Keto Fat Burner

It is believed that bladderwrack contains L-fucose compounds that have anti-obesity potential. According to a study on mice fed a high-fat diet, L-fucose lowered body weight gain, fat deposition, and triglyceride escalation. The chemical may be a cutting-edge treatment for obesity and fatty liver caused by a high-fat diet, researchers concluded, which makes it a perfect fat burner compatible with the keto diet.

  • Encourages Heart Health

According to some research, bladderwrack promotes cardiovascular health. A study that was published in Oxford Academic found that platelet assays utilizing bladderwrack fucoidans demonstrated that they have strong antithrombin and anticoagulant effect.

Moreover, research suggests that bladderwrack may increase HDL cholesterol levels. As the “good cholesterol,” high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol actually removes excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and delivers it back to the liver for oxidation.

By increasing HDL cholesterol, brown algae can reduce your risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease.

  • May Reduce Cancer Risk

Bladderwrack seaweed may be a crucial dietary component behind the decreased risk of estrogen-related cancers seen in Japanese people, according to a case study involving three women.

Scientists noted significant progestagenic and anti-estrogenic effects after kelp intake. They reached to the conclusion that bladderwrack may extend the menstrual cycle and have anti-estrogenic effects on pre-menopausal women who ingest it regularly.

This, however, was a case report. To fully understand bladderwrack’s potential for treating breast cancer and other estrogen-related illnesses, well-controlled clinical trials are necessary.

Dose & Use

Both raw and cooked bladderwrack are edible as food. Bladderwrack is occasionally dried and crushed or consumed as bladderwrack tea due to its disagreeable flavor, which has been compared to salted fish.

It’s a natural supplement that can be taken as pills or powder. Moreover, pills or powders containing bladderwrack and sea moss are frequently produced.

There is no specific dosage for bladderwrack because it depends on your needs and health. Before using bladderwrack to cure a thyroid condition or aid in weight loss, consult your doctor about the proper dosage and amount of iodine you need for your specific situation.

Risks and Adverse Effects

Stop using bladderwrack immediately if you get stomach ache, cramps, tightness in your chest, edema, or rash after using it. They represent an allergic or strong reaction.

If you have hyperthyroidism, talk to your doctor before consuming bladderwrack or taking pills that contain it because you don’t need more iodine.

It’s crucial to be aware of certain interactions when using bladderwrack to treat any kind of illness. It may not be safe to take fucus at therapeutic doses if you are already taking blood thinners, drugs that dissolve blood clots, or drugs that lessen inflammation, such as NSAIDs, aspirin, and ibuprofen.

Anybody on thyroid medications like levothyroxine, thyroid desiccated, or liotrix should consult their doctors before using bladderwrack powders or supplements.

Anyone who has thyroid or kidney issues shouldn’t take supplements containing brown algae without first visiting a doctor.

Conclusion

Bladderwrack, a common brown algae, is valued for its iodine, antioxidants, and fiber content.

This brown algae is used to treat an iodine deficit, improve digestion, boost heart health, hasten weight loss, and encourage healthy aging.

Like many seaweeds, it is a nutrient-rich meal that includes a variety of strong antioxidants and compounds.

Apart from this, if you are interested to know more about Benefits of psychotherapy then visit our Health category

Liam Smith

Liam Smith is a health and fitness blogger who is passionate about helping people achieve their health and fitness goals. With over 6 years of experience in the fitness industry, Liam has worked with a wide range of clients, from beginners to professional athletes. He has written extensively on topics such as strength training, nutrition, and weight loss, and he is dedicated to providing practical and actionable advice to his readers. Liam believes that everyone has the potential to achieve their health and fitness goals, and his mission is to help them get there. When he's not writing or working with clients, Liam enjoys running, hiking, and trying out new healthy recipes.

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