Continue reading to know about the nutritional value of bladderwrack.
Bladderwrack Nutrition Profile
A hundred grams of dried bladderwrack powder contains (2): Bladderwrack is chock-full of nutrients and has multiple health benefits. Let’s understand how it can keep you healthy.
Bladderwrack Health Benefits
1. Improves Gastrointestinal Function
Bladderwrack contains high levels of dietary fiber, which promotes gastrointestinal health. Dietary fiber helps regulate the intestinal flow and also stimulates the growth of gut-friendly microbiota.
2. Helps Manage Diabetes
Bladderwrack contains fucoidans, bioactive compounds with potent anti-diabetic properties. They can reduce glucose absorption into the bloodstream, increase serum insulin levels, and help manage diabetes. Animal studies found that oral intake of bladderwrack reduced fasting blood glucose levels.
3. Has Anticoagulant Properties
The fucoidans in bladderwrack make it an excellent anticoagulant. Animal studies found that fucoidans could mimic the action of heparin, a potent anticoagulant. This may reduce the risk of ischemic stroke by minimizing blood clotting tendency in people with a history of hypertension and diabetes. However, the exact mechanism of how it works is not yet clear and needs further research.
4. Has Antitumor Properties
Fucoidans have antitumor properties and were found to significantly inhibit the number of metastases in lung carcinoma (in mice studies) and exhibit anticancer activities (3).
5. Antiviral Properties
The fucoidans in bladderwrack have a capacity to inhibit poliovirus III, adenovirus III, ECHO6 virus, herpes simplex virus (HSV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and dengue virus (3). However, the exact mechanism remains unclear. If you are wondering how to include bladderwrack in your diet, read the next section.
How To Take Bladderwrack And Recommended Dosage
Seaweeds, in general, have a fishy smell, which can be unpleasant for a few when consumed as they are or in powdered form. That is why bladderwrack and other seaweed supplements are available in capsules. It is best to consult a doctor to determine the ideal dosage (usually, it does not exceed three capsules), depending on your health condition and nutritional requirements, as unregulated intake may cause side effects.
Side Effects Of Bladderwrack
Bladderwrack is possibly safe when taken in small amounts. But anecdotal evidence suggests that excess intake may cause a few side effects like:
Nausea And Vomiting: Its unpleasant taste and odor may make you nauseous and cause vomiting.
Diarrhea: A few people reported experiencing diarrhea and sticky stools after taking bladderwrack supplements. This might be due to bladderwrack’s nutrient-dense nature. You may also experience dehydration due to diarrhea. Hence, consume adequate amounts of fluids to combat this.
Bloating: Excess consumption of bladderwrack may cause bloating and gastric pain, which may be due to the high fiber content. Stay hydrated to minimize this side effect.
Tingling Sensation In The Throat: If you are allergic to bladderwrack, it may cause itching and tingling sensation in the throat.
May Aggravate Acne: Excess consumption of bladderwrack may worsen acne due to its high iodine content. However, there is no research to prove the exact mechanism.
If you experience any of the symptoms, stop consuming bladderwrack supplements. If the effects persist for over three days, consult a doctor immediately. Is bladderwrack good for the liver? Yes. The extracts of bladderwrack help improve glycemic control and also reduce the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (4). Is bladderwrack good for hair growth? Anecdotal evidence suggests that the presence of a wide variety of nutrients in bladderwrack may help improve hair growth and also combat oxidative stress. However, limited data is available to prove these claims. Does bladderwrack lower estrogen? Yes. In one study, the intake of bladderwrack showed a significant decrease in estradiol (primary form of estrogen) levels in a person with high serum estrogen levels (5). Can I take sea moss and bladderwrack together? Yes. You can take sea moss and bladderwrack together. They are readily available in capsule or powder forms and can be added to your favorite smoothies or shakes. How does bladderwrack make you lose weight? Anecdotal evidence suggests that bladderwrack aids weight loss by stimulating the thyroid gland. However, limited data is available to prove this claim.
