Sea vegetables, more commonly known as seaweed, are algae that grow in the ocean. For centuries, sea vegetables have been sought out by seafaring nations such as Japan for their health benefits. In recent years, Western medicine has begun investigating the health benefits of sea vegetables. One condition that may benefit from eating sea vegetables is hypothyroidism, which results from the inability of the thyroid gland to produce sufficient thyroid hormones. However, very little clinical evidence supports the use of sea vegetables in treating thyroid problems, and you should consult your doctor before altering your diet to treat thyroid conditions.
Brown Algae
Brown algae, more commonly known as kelp, is the most common sea vegetable used to treat hypothyroidism. Kelp contains very high levels of iodine, a mineral that is vital for proper thyroid gland function. In the 1700s, kelp was discovered as a useful food for treating a condition called goiter, which results from hypothyroidism, reports the American Cancer Society. Brown algae belong to the family Phaeophycophyta, which also includes the seaweeds arame, wakame, hijiki and bladderwrack. Kelp also contains high levels of B vitamins and iron, which may also help improve thyroid function, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Red Algae
Another type of sea vegetable is red algae, belonging to the family Rhodophycophyta. Nori is a popular type of red algae that is commonly eaten. Other types of red algae include dulse and agar-agar. Similar to brown algae, red algae is an excellent source of iodine, B vitamins and iron, all of which may help promote thyroid function, explains UMMC.
Green Algae
The third major type of sea vegetable is green algae, belonging to the family Chlorophycophyta. The most commonly eaten type of green algae is sea lettuce. Green algae also contain high levels of iron, B vitamins and iodine, and may improve thyroid function, according to UMMC. However, as with the other types of sea vegetables, researchers have not found conclusive evidence that eating green algae improves thyroid function. Adding too much iodine to your diet can sometimes cause or worsen thyroid problems.
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