| Bladderwrack is a type of brown algae that is | | | | is relative to its location in the sea. That is because |
| abundant on the North Atlantic and Pacific coasts of | | | | some parts of the sea contain more iodine than in |
| the United States and the coasts along the Baltic Sea | | | | some parts. Iodine is an important mineral, as it helps |
| in Europe. Its thallus or main stem, usually tough and | | | | maintain the health of the thyroid glands. That is why |
| with air-filled pods, is priced for its medicinal value. | | | | people who suffer from an iodine deficiency are |
| Although it is commonly called kelp, this term is | | | | recommended to take bladderwrack as a supplement. |
| considered inaccurate. This seaweed contains about | | | | Alginic acid, on the other hand, has fibrous qualities |
| 0.1 percent of cellulose, mannite, mucilage, volatile oil, | | | | that can help cure constipation and diarrhea. Although |
| soda, iodine, and bromine compounds of sodium and | | | | it's effectiveness on treating such digestive disorders |
| potassium. It is noted for its rich iodine content when | | | | has not been medically proven, bladderwrack is also |
| harvested at the end of June. | | | | used as treatment for indigestion and its special |
| Traditionally, bladderwrack's main stem or thallus is | | | | element, calcium alginate or calcium salt in alginic acid, |
| used as an anti-inflammatory agent. It is said to | | | | has been proven to speed up wound healing in |
| soothe the irritated tissues of the body. Because of | | | | humans. This acid has been shown to reduce bad |
| its rich iodine content, it is known for its curative | | | | cholesterol and is used as a thickening agent in food. |
| effects on hypothyroidism. It has been known for | | | | Fucoidan is another dietary fiber found in |
| years that people that consume brown seaweeds | | | | bladderwrack. It also can help lower cholesterol levels, |
| like bladderwrack have low rates of hypothyroidisim. | | | | blood sugar levels, and it possesses anti-inflammatory, |
| In the past, it has also been used as a laxative. | | | | anti-HIV, anticoagulant, and antibacterial properties. |
| Maybe that's why it is also used against obesity since | | | | And that's a whole lot of "antis" there for |
| this seaweed is known for its stimulus of the thyroid | | | | bladderwrack, though these antis are not yet |
| glands. Recent studies have proved this true, as | | | | scientifically proven. Thus, to use them against the |
| bladderwrack have amazing weight loss-inducing | | | | mentioned conditions is not yet advisable. |
| qualities. Of course, like all alternative medicines, there | | | | Since iodine is the main chemical element in this |
| still has to be a lot of research done to qualify the | | | | seaweed, it is noteworthy that our body only needs |
| healing effects of bladderwrack. | | | | only 150 mcg. of iodine from all sources. This being |
| Aside from possessing rich iodine, bladderwrack also | | | | the case, it should not be used until further tests |
| contains alginic acid and fucoidan. The iodine content | | | | have proven its healing quality. |