Why Seaweed is Great for Iodine and Thyroid Health

Long used as a common ingredient in cuisine from many cultures, the edible algae derived from the ocean known as seaweed has recently gained increasing popularity. Indeed it will eventually be considered that this food source is not only noted for its unique flavor and texture but also carries with it several health benefits. One of the outstanding health benefits related to seaweed has to do with thyroid health. This healthy sea food is identified to contain key nutrients, particularly iodine that are highly instrumental in maintaining a healthy thyroid. During the course of this blog we are going to discuss several benefits of seaweed for thyroid health, describe how it supports iodine levels inside your body and end with some practical tips on how you can integrate it easily into your diet.

Seaweed: What Is It and Why Should You Care?

Seaweed is a marine plant that comes in green, red and brown colors. It comes fresh, dried or powdered and is consumed on most occasions as seaweed soup, salads, and sushi. Basically, they contain high proportions of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Therefore, seaweed comes under the category of superfood due to the great amount of positive health benefits it contains. Among all health benefits of seaweed its content of iodine generally plays a crucial role in thyroid health.

Seaweed and Iodine: A Key Player in Thyroid Health

Iodine is a mineral required by the thyroid for producing thyroid hormones. These include the following two important hormones that help control metabolism, energy production and growth: thyroxine and triiodothyronine or T4 and T3. The thyroid cannot make enough of these enzymes if adequate iodine is not given; therefore this condition leads to dysfunction in the thyroid.

Goiter an enlargement of the thyroid gland is the most common thyroid related problem that results from a deficiency in iodine. Iodine deficiency has also been linked to hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid gland which can manifest as symptoms like fatigue, weight gain and depression. Too much iodine can cause thyroid problems, too, so intake needs to be balanced. Fortunately, one of the best natural sources of iodine is seaweed, and edamame also provides beneficial nutrients, making them excellent food choices for helping to support optimal thyroid function.

How Seaweed Supports Thyroid Health

High in Iodine

Seaweed, especially varieties such as red seaweed, is full of iodine; thus it is an extremely good and bioavailable source of this vital nutrient. You will be using just a little dried seaweed to provide your daily needs of iodine. The iodine content across different types of seaweed varies greatly, depending on the type. In fact some types have several times more than what you really need for consumption in one serving. An example is a bowl of seaweed soup or even a simple salad of seaweed whereby one serving portion may provide more than the recommended amount your body requires per day.

Supports Hormonal Balance

Seaweed is rich in iodine, which helps your thyroid gland maintain the healthy production of thyroid hormones so that your metabolism runs smoothly. Iodine also makes sure that other glands in the body, such as the adrenal glands, work properly to control stress. Seaweed nourishes the thyroid by balancing your hormones in order to keep energy, mood and well being appropriate.

Rich in Antioxidants

Other than iodine, seaweed contains antioxidants that help your cells fight against oxidative stress. This can cause damage to the thyroid and other organs giving way to chronic diseases. The high content of antioxidants in seaweed reduces inflammation in the body; this is quite important for the thyroid to function properly. Antioxidants also take part in detoxification processes including those that ensure your body gets rid of harmful toxins which might interfere with thyroid activity.

Including Seaweed into Your Diet

With seaweed being so good for the thyroid now comes the time to think of the best way in which it can be integrated into one's diet. Here are some easy ways in which you can enjoy seaweed and get an enhanced intake of iodine:

1. Seaweed Soup

A simple, delicious method of incorporating such a superfood into the diet would be through seaweed soup. With various dried seaweed types, like kombu, wakame, and nori, you can make a basic broth based soup. These types of seaweed add flavor and pack in nutrients for thyroid health. Add veggies, tofu or even fish for a full fledged meal.

2. Seaweed Salad

A fresh tangy seaweed salad is great for a side dish or a light meal. Seaweed salads can be purchased readily in a ready to eat form at many health food stores or prepared yourself at home using rehydrated dried seaweed and a simple dressing made of sesame oil, soy sauce and rice vinegar.

3. Snacking on Seaweed Snacks

Those in a hurry who want something healthier can try roasted seaweed sheets. These are mostly available in all grocery stores and offer a really satisfying snacking experience: crunchy and savory, while improving your iodine intake. Low in calories, high in minerals and fiber they are super good for thyroid health.

4. Blend Seaweed into Smoothies or Bowls

Add seaweed to your smoothies or smoothie bowls for a boost in nutrition. A little bit of powdered seaweed mixed in with other fruits and veggies will give you a strong dose of iodine and antioxidants.

Types of Seaweed and Their Benefits

Not all seaweeds are created equal and there are many different varieties, each with their own nutritional benefits. 

Here's a quick rundown of how some of the more common types of seaweed may support thyroid health:

Kelp: This is one of the richest sources of iodine. It can be added to soups, salads, or just eaten as a snack.

Wakame is a form of seaweed that has a mild flavor and is primarily used in soups and salads. It is a very good source of iodine, vitamins and minerals.

Nori: It's used in most sushi. It's packed with iodine and carries vitamin B12, which is important to help create energy.

Red Seaweed: All types of red seaweed are equally high in iodine such as dulse and nori. They contain a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals that help with thyroid health.

Conclusion

Seaweed is one of the healthiest foods around, with a long list of health benefits especially in regard to the thyroid. Rich in iodine, it helps regulate thyroid hormone production, which in turn makes up for metabolism and general well being. Seaweed is easily integrated into one's diet through seaweed soup, seaweed salad or even just plain, dried seaweed as a tasty snack. So if you're looking to support your thyroid naturally seaweed can be a game changing ally in your wellness journey. For more health tips or one on one advice MyHomeDoc Telehealth is here. Just click and reach out to one of our experts for consultations and guides on how to keep your thyroid functioning properly and the whole body in good health.

5 Most Asked Questions About Seaweed and Thyroid Health

1. How much seaweed is one supposed to consume for thyroid health?

You really don't have to consume a ton of seaweed to reap its thyroid health benefits. Just a little serving of seaweed salad or some seaweed soup a few times a week can help meet your needs for iodine. But take note that too much iodine can create thyroid problems, too.

2. Does seaweed help with hypothyroidism?

Indeed, seaweed can be very helpful for people with hypothyroidism in their diet, but only in cases where hypothyroidism is caused by iodine deficiency. It supports the function of the thyroid in hormone production and metabolism regulation by ensuring adequate intake of iodine. 

3. What are the side effects of seaweed consumption, if any, on thyroid health? 

While seaweed generally presents little concern in terms of its consumption, there is a similar potential for conditions such as hyperthyroidism or other imbalances of the thyroid with types that contain high amounts of iodine. It's best consumed in moderation and for those with any type of thyroid conditions it is highly advisable to consult with a health professional.

4. Can seaweed be used for weight loss?

Seaweed is low in calories and high in nutrients so it makes a great addition to any diet one may use to reduce body weight. It enhances metabolism and should be combined with good nutrition and proper physical exercise.

5. Is seaweed safe during pregnancy? 

On the other hand, when it is taken by pregnant women, these seaweeds can be a very good source of iodine, very important for the brain development of the fetus. However, extreme caution has to be taken not to let pregnant women consume too much of this iodine because it might cause an imbalance of thyroid function. It will always be prudent to seek the advice of your doctor before adding seaweed to your diet during pregnancy.