How many times did your relaxing beach holiday get interrupted by someone screaming “ew it’s seaweed!”? Well, after reading this article, you’ll not only be able to yell back at them, but you can also educate them on how useful seaweed actually is for all of us.

Seaweed plays an important role in the functioning of our planet. For instance, it is more efficient than trees at absorbing excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Additionally, seaweed is also a source of food and shelter for many animals. Seaweed is also useful to us humans, and in today’s article, we’re going to find out more about this.

From the sea to our plate

Due to the rising popularity and availability of Asian cuisines, the idea of consuming seaweed is becoming less stigmatised. However, this concept is still foreign for the majority of people. But is there really a clear distinction between western culinary habits and using products such as kelp and seaweed? And what if I told you that you consume seaweed more often than you think? Yes, you heard me right, most of us consume seaweed without even knowing it. Seaweed is a popular ingredient found in most products in supermarkets, due to its many benefits. It has many nutritional benefits, such as being rich in antioxidants, minerals and vitamins, and supporting our gut health.

Moreover, some types of seaweed, called red algae, are made up of molecules known as carrageenans. These molecules are used as thickening agents in many products, from dairy products like ice cream, chocolate milk and yogurt, to other products like syrups and jellies. They can also be a suitable alternative to gelatin products. Carrageenans are also included in bakery products for their ability to retain moisture, and meat and seafood products, in order to achieve a desired texture. Some types of seaweed have also been used as a brewing ingredient to produce beer, as they contain high levels of starch.

Feeling kelp-tacular

Would you ever put seaweed on your face? Your answer might be “no”, but you probably already have. Not only is seaweed used in the kitchen, but also in the bathroom. It is in skincare, make-up and personal hygiene products, from mascaras to face creams and toothpastes. More products than you expect use seaweed in order to achieve specific textures, scents and colourations.

However, the beneficial characteristics of seaweed go beyond technical aspects. For example, certain molecules in seaweed are antibacterial and can treat skin conditions like acne, while avoiding the potential negative effects of synthetic products. Seaweed is also effective in protecting our skin against UV rays and is used in anti-aging products too. Carrenagens, which we can find in food, are used for all of these purposes, making red algaes very important in our everyday life.

Conclusion

That’s a wrap! We’ve seen how this group of organisms have the best of both worlds, serving a multitude of uses, not only in their natural habitats, but in our homes too. Including algae in products is extremely valuable, especially for our environment, as they are natural ingredients; unlike other chemical polluting elements. Because of this, the demand for seaweed has been increasing, leading to the rise of seaweed farms, which grow algae for us to use in food, cosmetics and the many other potential ways that are currently being developed. 

Hi, I'm Alice! I'm a 23 year old marine biology student from Italy and the UK. Growing up in the Italian Alps, I've always had a close bond with nature, and I made it my mission to conserve it. I love reading about new topics, working with people, and making complex scientific discoveries accessible to everyone. Stay tuned to hear more about our impact on nature and how we can change this!