Nourishment from the Sea

The first plants on earth, called blue green algae, developed in the sea over 500 million years ago. Algae’s are found in all waters and account for over 60% of the world’s photosynthesis, the process in green plants that consumes carbon dioxide and produces oxygen.

There are thousands of species of algae; some like blue green algae are single cells others like many of the seaweeds are multi-celled organisms.

The sea is the richest repository of the earth’s minerals and seaweeds offer us the richest source of organic mineral salts in nature. All seaweeds are an excellent source of calcium and iodine. Many other minerals are found in high levels including iron, phosphorus, potassium, manganese, zinc, boron and silicon. Seaweed is also an excellent source of vitamins as well as amino acids, fatty acids, especially polyunsaturated fatty acids, enzymes and chlorophyll.

Regular consumption of seaweed is good for the digestive system and it helps lower high blood pressure. The bountiful supply of nutrients has a powerful strengthening effect on nails, bones and teeth. Alginic acid found in seaweeds binds with heavy metals, like lead and radioactive substances, to carry them out of our bodies.

Many old civilisations knew the value of seaweed. The ancient Peruvians used to supplement their diets with seaweed. They still travel down from high in the Andes to the coast to gather and dry kelp seaweed to use to help prevent goitre. Most regions and countries located by water have been consuming seaweed since ancient times including New Zealand, Norway, Scotland, Ireland, Iceland and Japan.

Seaweeds are a great source of nutrition and as they grow very quickly they are a wonderful renewable source of food.