Sea vegetables have been a food staple in China and Japan for centuries. In the western word, sea vegetables are more commonly referred to as seaweed. While seaweed is not frequently eaten in the Western world, the health benefits of seaweed are numerous and quite profound. Seaweed is a good source of protein and fiber as well as many vitamins and minerals and should be considered a healthful addition to a balanced diet.

Sea vegetables, also known as seaweed contain a very large array of vitamins and minerals. Specifically they are a very rich source of the minerals calcium, potassium, iodine and magnesium, and a very rich source of vitamins C, R, and B12. In addition they contain powerful antioxidents called carotenoids and many unique compounds that studies have shown are both anti-viral and anti-biotic in function. They were used as a treatment of goiters (caused by iodine deficiency) specifically because of their high iodine content.

The nutrients and phytochemicals found in seaweed provide many health benefits. They help to keep hair and skin looking healthy, they reduce cholesterol levels, and they boost the immune system. Alginic acid, found naturally in the plants, has been proven to bind to heavy metals in the human body, such as lead and mercury, and thus helps to eliminate them.

Although it varies some by species, seaweed is also considerably higher in protein than most vegetables. The brown seaweeds are generally lowest in protein, at around 5-15% of dry weight. The red and green seaweeds have on average twice as much, 10-30% of dry weight. Some varieties of red seaweed, such as dulse and nori are even richer in protein, and have protein contents equal to or greater than that of soybeans.

Although a tasty addition to the daily diet, you may not be ready yet to eat a bowl of fresh wakame or arame. If you still want the health benefits of seaweed you can get it in pill form, like your other vitamins. Sea Vegg is a seaweed pill that allows you to get many of the health benefits of eating raw seaweed, but in pill form. It is made of a blend of twelve different sea vegetables.

Among the health benefits of seaweed that Sea Vegg can provide an alternative for are many vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, flavenoids, and omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. Studies have also suggested that some contained compounds are antibiotic and antiviral. One antioxidant contained herein is algal polyphenols, possibly helpful in reducing cellular oxidation damage.

Thanks to health food stores, ethnic markets, and specialty groceries, seaweed is becoming easier to find. Often, it is found dried, sold in packets. You can eat it dry, or soak it to make an enticing salad. Nori can also be used to roll homemade sushi. If you don't care for the taste, add the pill Sea Vegg to your daily diet, and give your body the health benefits of seaweed.