Seaweed Shake Diet

In 2007, "Look" magazine reported that Victoria Beckham drank two pints of seaweed shake a day to lose weight. Allegedly, according to 24-7 Press Release online, she tried to convince fellow Spice Girls to try the "miracle diet" as well. This, coupled with Madonna's and Cindy Crawford's enthusiasm for the concoction, has "inextricably" linked seaweed shakes "with svelteness in celebrity circles," according to the UK's "The Times," and a new diet fad was born.

The Role of Fucoxanthin

Fucoxanthin is the brown pigment in seaweed and a key component in its weight-reduction potential. According to Stephen Holt, MD, fucoxanthins "stimulate proteins that cause the oxidation of fat and its conversion to energy or heat (thermogenesis)." Fucoxanthin "promotes the oxidation of free fatty acids, thereby reducing fat tissue stores," which may reduce the appearance of a "pot belly." Moreover, if this regulatory process of managing the body's fat is hindered, obesity can occur.

Iodine for Thyroid Health

Many types of seaweed are, according to Holt, excellent sources of iodine, which is an essential element needed for normal thyroid gland function. Without a properly functioning thyroid gland, weight gain is likely. An "optimal thyroid function supports lean body mass." Moreover, according to Thyroid-Info online, the "best source of organically bound iodine" is "non-commercially harvested seaweeds." Because radioactive iodine can damage the thyroid, Thyroid-Info advises getting iodine from organic sources, such as seaweed.

Other Attributes in Weight Loss

According to Holt, "the presence of certain poorly absorbed polysaccharides (or types of fiber) in seaweed may assist in providing 'bulk' in the diet." By creating a bulking effect, these fibers enhance the sense of fullness in the stomach and promote regular bowel movements. Moreover, Irish moss -- a type of seaweed -- contains a sulfur that forms a gel when combined with water. "These gels, in sufficient dosages, may cause a sensation of stomach fullness."

Other Benefits of Seaweed

According to the article "Medicine from the Sea," "seaweed absorbs nutritive elements directly from the ocean water in which it lives." As such, by eating seaweed we "[. . .] replenish our bodies from this vast reservoir with essential and sometimes hard-to-get nutrients." Most seaweeds contain 10 to 20 percent protein and are rich in fiber and vitamins A, C, E, B complex and B12, and contain calcium, iodine, potassium, iron and trace minerals.

Shake Options

Raw seaweed yields the most effective results and can be purchased dry at Asian grocers. Soak the dried seaweed until it returns to its original form, which makes for a smoother drink. Then simply add 3 to 5 grams a day to any shake. Once blended into the shake, the taste of seaweed is lost in the mixture, especially if you add fruits or sweeteners. Algae powders are also available at health food stores.