10 Health Benefits Of Bladder wrack
Bladderwrack is a seaweed commonly found in the oceans. This is found in the British Isles, Europe Baltic Sea and also on the eastern coast of North America. This is a form of kelp and is known by different names depending upon the region where it is found. It is known as rockweed, red focus and black tang. This plant has been traditionally used both as a culinary element as well as a medicinal herb. The herb has high levels of mucilage, iodine, potassium, beta-carotene, zeaxanthin and other organic compounds. The nutrients and beneficial compounds present in bladderwrack hold out some health benefits, and some of these health benefits are.
#1. Thyroid Improvement
Bladderwrack was the source of iodine. Iodine plays a vital role as a modulator of the thyroid gland and can ensure that the hormonal and metabolic activities are under control. Being an excellent source of iodine bladderwrack plays an important role in the treatment of thyroid disorders. It stimulates thyroid glands to increase hormonal output.
#2. Eye Care
Bladderwrack is a good source of beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is an antioxidant which neutralizes the free radicals in the eyes and cornea. It thus prevents oxidative damage to the eyes and prevents macular degradation. It can also prevent the development of cataract.
#3. Cancer Prevention
Bladderwrack contains high amounts of a certain fiber called fucoidan. Research has indicated that among other benefits fucoidan has an anti-tumor effect. It can slow down the cell growth process. Slowing down of cell growth process results in the reduction of proliferation of cancer.
#4. Heart Health
Research studies associate bladderwrack with high levels of HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol). It can, therefore, prevent the formation of plaques in the arteries and also prevent other cholesterol related problems. It helps to lower the blood pressure and therefore reduce the strain on the heart. By aiding easy blood flow, it can prevent strokes and heart attacks.
#5. Weight Loss
Bladderwrack has the quality of improving metabolism. Improved metabolism helps the body to burn fatter and helps in losing weight. Bladderwrack has been used for ages as a weight loss aid. It can also suppress appetite reducing intake of food and thus help in losing weight.
#6. Joint Pain
Bladderwrack has anti-inflammatory properties which can reduce inflammation and relieve pain in joints caused by rheumatoid or arthritis. It can be used externally by topical application or can also be taken internally in the form of infusion by brewing or even steeping the herb in hot water.
#7. Skin Care
Bladderwrack powder is rich in minerals which are beneficial to the skin. It can help to clean and detoxify the skin and prevent dryness of the skin. It can also prevent excess fluid retention in the skin. It can also prevent wrinkles and by and large be beneficial for skin health.
#8. Digestion
Bladderwrack aids the digestive process as it contains a fiber called alginic acid. This fiber is effective in improving digestion, preventing constipation and also preventing diarrhea. It can even prevent heart burns.
#9. Premature Aging
Bladderwrack is a rich source of valuable minerals which can make the skin glow and look good. It also contains specific organic compounds and antioxidants which can help prevent the age spots, blemishes, and wrinkles. This helps to make the skin young. Some antioxidants help the skin to retain its elasticity and therefore prevent premature aging.
#10. Detoxification of Blood
Bladderwrack has a component called fucoidan. This compound has the quality of bonding with and eliminating heavy metals from the bloodstream. It can also absorb radioactive metal and help reduce the toxicity of the body.
