"Seaweed" is a general term for numerous species of marine plants and algae that thrive in oceans, rivers, lakes, and other water bodies.
Seaweed, rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, has long been used as a food source. It has been a staple in Japanese, Korean, and Chinese diets since ancient times, with up to 21 species commonly used in Japanese cooking, including varieties like nori, kombu, and wakame. In Western countries, seaweed is often seen as a health food. However, in Wales, red algae (porphyra) is used to make laverbread, and in Belize, seaweed is blended with milk, nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla to create a drink called “dulce” or “sweet.”
Historically, seaweed has been applied to wounds and used in dental mold production. Extracts from seaweed are also found in some diet pills and have been traditionally believed to possess healing properties for ailments like tuberculosis, arthritis, colds, flu, and parasitic infections.
Rich in nutrients, seaweed makes an excellent natural fertilizer, boosting the growth of plants and vegetables. Some seaweed varieties also offer anti-fungal benefits that transfer to the soil. However, seaweed is less effective as a fertilizer in heavy soils.
Seaweeds are valued for their viscosity, making them a key ingredient in industrial gums.
Algotherapy, the use of seaweed in health and beauty treatments, takes advantage of seaweed’s nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, which can enhance skin health. Seaweed extracts, also common in foods, are popular in lotions and creams.
In nature, seaweed helps filter reefs and lakes, absorbing excess nutrients through photosynthesis. This natural process is replicated in artificial seaweed filters, like algae scrubbers, to purify water.
Seaweed also finds its way into products like toothpaste and cosmetics, as well as in paints, dyes, gels, and processes such as paper sizing, textile printing, and even drilling.
