Sea vegetables can be part of a healthy diet, and count toward the nine daily servings of fruits and vegetables recommended by Harvard University. The vegetables include a number of types of seaweed, each providing a rich source of essential nutrients. Many sea vegetables contain vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to several tissues within your body and have a number of health benefits.
Vitamin A
One vitamin found in a number of sea vegetables is vitamin A, or retinol. Green seaweeds often contain green algae, which produces high amounts of beta-carotene, according to the Virginia Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program. Once in the body, beta-carotene undergoes chemical digestion to produce two useable vitamin A molecules. Consuming sea vegetables rich in vitamin A supports proper vision by nourishing your retinas, aids in cellular maturation, supports red blood cell production and boosts your immune system, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University.
Vitamin B-12
Many types of sea vegetables -- including nori and kelp -- contain the essential vitamin B-12, or cobalmin. Vitamin B-12 in your body contributes to the function of enzymes, which carry out a number of chemical processes. Specifically, the presence of vitamin B-12 supports the production of myelin, a shealth that covers nerve cells in your body and allows for proper nerve functioning, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Without healthy myelin, you may develop nerve damage and neurlogical disorders, including multiple sclerosis.
Vitamin B-1
Vitamin B-1, or thiamine, is found in sea vegetables such as Irish moss, nori and kelp. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, vitamin B-1 serves as an "anti-stress" vitamin -- it boosts your immunity and helps your body deal with physiological stress. In addition, thiamine aids in proper brain functioning and supports your metabolism. Consuming sea vegetables, as well as other sources of vitamin B-1, can help to prevent the negative effects of vitamin deficiency, including fatigue and depression.
Vitamin K
Another beneficial vitamin found in sea vegetables such as kelp is vitamin K. This vitamin aids in regulating the thickness of your blood, and supports the formation of blood clots following injury, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Without adequate vitamin K, individuals may develop excessive bleeding, which can prove fatal. Consuming kelp can prevent this deficiency and allow for proper blood clotting.
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