Slimming, Healing, Energizing? What Science Really Says About Brown Algae
Brown algae are a type of marine algae that includes well-known species like kelp and Fucus vesiculosus.
What are brown algae used for?
Brown algae have chlorophyll, carotenes, and xanthophylls. They also contain vitamin C and B vitamins (specifically B1, B2, B6, and B12), minerals (iron, calcium, and magnesium), and trace elements (chromium, zinc, selenium, iodine, and bitter tonic substances). Brown algae can also be used to extract oils, cellulose, and mucilage, and some are high in tocopherol (vitamin E).
Brown algae are considered natural remedies due to their antirheumatic, antibacterial, anticoagulant, and antioxidant properties. In addition to external use (for example, in cases of swollen lymph nodes, hyperthyroidism, nodular goiter, rheumatism, circulatory disorders, fatigue or endocrine problems, or to reduce body fat or fight cellulite, or on scars), it is also suggested for the purpose of fighting obesity, assisting in cases of hypothyroidism, controlling blood sugar, improving metabolism, increasing basal metabolism, and lowering cholesterol levels.
Kelp, in particular, is recommended for increasing iodine intake, acting as a diuretic, strengthening nails and stimulating hair growth, and as an antibiotic. Fucus vesiculosus is frequently used as an adjuvant for weight loss.
However, it appears that the EFSA (the European Food Safety Authority) has not approved any claim certifying the validity of these or other proposed applications.
Warnings and Possible Contraindications
Some brown algae may interact with medications (for example, hypothyroidism, anticoagulants, and antiplatelet drugs) and are contraindicated in the presence of bleeding or thyroid disorders, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, prior to surgery, or when iodine intake must be avoided. They may also lower female fertility. As a result, before taking them, you should consult your doctor.
