Seaweed: Food benefits in the human gut microbiome health

Abstract

Seaweed is a rich source of iron and iodine Seaweed fiber-rich foods help in the management of diabetes. Bioactive compounds in seaweed reduce diabetes risk factors, such as inflammation, and insulin sensitivity. Bacteria in the intestines play an important role in breaking down food and supporting digestion and overall health. Seaweed fiber can help feed the gut's bacteria. Intestinal bacteria break fiber into compounds that improve gut health and the health of the immune system, providing the body with plenty of gut-healthy prebiotic fiber, which in turn can help with issues such as constipation or diarrhea. The fiber in seaweed may benefit people to lose weight. It also facilitates delayed stomach emptying. As a result, the stomach may not send signals of hunger to the brain for a longer time, which may help prevent overeating. High-fiber foods such as algae may reduce levels of cholesterol in the blood. These soluble fibers bind to bile acids or salts in the body. The body then uses cholesterol to replace these elements, which may result in a decrease of total cholesterol by up to 18%.