Laminaria (Kelp or Kombu) and the variety we use most, Digitata or Oarweed, is the number one herb for supplementing iodine. Iodine is necessary for efficient thyroid and pituitary function. The thyroid, located in the area of the throat, is responsible for regulating metabolism and body temperature. As a natural diuretic, kelp is also good for those suffering from water retention. Diuretics clean out the system and assist in detoxification.

 

Through the pituitary and thyroid glands, kelp is also used to stimulate nail and hair strengthening, thickening and growth. Kelp is particularly important for pre-menopausal women as it replenishes nutrients and minerals lost during monthly cycles, pregnancy, or lactation.

 

Because it has a natural antibiotic properties, kelp assists the body in fighting off infection and is therefore recommended during cold and flu season, or for those who are more susceptible due to lowered immune system or allergies. The magnesium and iron in kelp is beneficial to a healthy bloodstream as it creates a friendly environment for the growth of red blood cells. This gives us energy and helps to maintain homeostasis.

Also known as 'bladder wrack' or 'sea oak', fucus has been used medicinally for centuries. Its main use has been the stimulation of the thyroid gland as a treatment for obesity and cellulite. It has a reputation in the relief of rheumatism and rheumatoid arthritis and may be used for inflamed joints. Fucus has a  phyto-therapeutic reputation of systemic support during debility and convalescence, and additionally in remineralizing the body.

 

Fucus is rich in iodine, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, sulfur, silicon and iron and high in some B-complex vitamins. It contains moderate amounts of phosphorus, selenium, manganese and zinc and small amounts of vitamins A, C and G. It also contains anti-sterility vitamin E as well as vitamin K. It is rich in algin and mannitol, carotene and zeaxantin with traces of bromine.

Chlorella Vulgaris is a single-celled algae that grows in fresh water. Chlorella emerged over 2 billion years ago, and was the first form of a plant with a well-defined nucleus. Because Chlorella is a microscopic organism, it was not discovered until the late 19th century, deriving its name from the Greek, "khloros" meaning green and "ella" meaning small. Chlorella contains the highest amount of chlorophyll of any known plant, which is known to protect the body against ultraviolet radiation.

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It has been shown to increase the good bacteria in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which helps to treat ulcers, colitis, diverticulosis, and Crohn’s disease. It is also used to treat constipation, fibromyalgia, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. It has been used to treat cancer and also helps protect the body from the effects of cancer radiation treatment.

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Chlorella provides all of the dietary-essential amino acids in excellent ratios. It is also a reliable source of essential fatty acids that are required for many important biochemical functions, including hormone balance. It also contains high levels of beta-carotene and in addition, more than 20 vitamins and minerals including iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorous, pro-vitamin A, vitamins C, B1, B2, B2, B5, B6, B12, E and K, biotin, inositol, folic acid, and more.

Spirulina is a simple one-celled microscopic blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria) and can be found in many freshwater environments, including ponds, lakes, and rivers. Spirulina is often deemed the most nutritionally complete of all food supplements, containing a rich supply of many important nutrients, including protein, complex carbohydrates, iron, and vitamins A, K, and B complex. It is also dense in chlorophyll, fatty and nucleic acids, and lipids. Spirulina is the richest beta carotene food, with a full spectrum of ten mixed carotenoids. They work synergistically at different sites in the body to enhance antioxidant protection. Twenty years of research proves that beta carotene consumption offers real anti-cancer protection.

 

In addition, Spirulina contains other nutrients such as iron, manganese, zinc, copper, selenium, and chromium. These nutrients help fight free radicals (cell-damaging molecules absorbed by the body through pollution, poor diet, injury, or stress). By removing free radicals, the nutrients help the immune system fight cancer and cellular degeneration. Lastly, it has been proven to reduce allergic reactions from radiation sickness.

 

Today we are subject to an onslaught of toxic chemicals in our air, water, food and drugs. Our bodies need to continually eliminate these accumulated toxins. Spirulina has a completely unique combination of phytonutrients - including chlorophyll, phytocyanin and polysaccharides, that can help cleanse our bodies.

Irish Moss contains many beneficial vitamins and trace minerals such as sulfur, iodine, iron, calcium, selenium, magnesium, potassium and folate. It has been used for centuries as a building food, nourishing those recovering from debilitating illness, fatigue, physical injury or traumas. 

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This seaweed is a commonly known and used remedy for issues involving the respiratory tract, used extensively as an anti-inflammatory and lung tonic for bronchitis, sinus infections and pneumonia in many coastal cultures around the world.

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The high sulfur content of Irish Moss is exceptionally helpful in treating acne, dermatitis, rosacea, eczema, dandruff, warts, skin discoloration, hair-follicle infections and shingles.

 

It can also be used to accelerate the recovery from injuries to the joints and is particularly well-known for strengthening connective tissues and cartilage. It helps to reduce swelling and acts as a natural anti-inflammatory for sports injuries or ailments affecting the knees, ankles and other joints of the body.

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Please note: there are some indications that excessive oral consumption of the refined extract of Irish Moss, carrageenan, can create inflammation, and may be especially problematic for people with diabetes. With topical use, there are no contra-indications. 

Lithothamnium or Maerl belongs to the fossil red algae family and closely resembles coral in appearance. The little red, purple, or white algae grows very slowly (1 millimeter per year) and is essentially made out of almost only minerals, thanks to its ability to concentrate the nutrients available in seawater. Lithothamnium algae contains more than 74 minerals in total (including potassium, phosphorus, iron, silicon, sodium, chloride, boron, copper, sulphur, iodine, fluoride, zinc, selenium and strontium - but especially high doses of calcium and magnesium), which sustain the re-mineralization of the human organism.

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Calcium protects against osteoporosis, degenerative bone conditions, osteopaenia, and other bone loss problems caused by aging, particularly in post-menopausal women. It also reduces inflammatory response in those suffering from arthritis. Magnesium, its main component, regulates neuromuscular reactions, which is very effective against stress and has a whole-system balancing effect. Excellent to support a good night's sleep.

Porphyra (Laver or Nori), appears to be the only vegetable that has been studied and confirmed to contain Cobalamin, a type of vitamin B12, in the form that’s bio-available to humans. It also contains porphyran, a type of sulfated carbohydrate, which appears to have cancer-preventive properties as it has been found to induce cancer cell death as well as inhibit the spread of malignant cells.

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The levels of natural taurine, porphyosins and betaines are notable, and as such, this compound prevents gallstones, gastric ulcer and cardiac blockages through controlling blood-cholesterol levels. Furthermore, the sulfated galactan found in porphyra serves as a blood anti-coagulant and shows anti-tumor activity. Minerals which occur at relatively high levels in nori include zinc, manganese, iron, selenium and copper, which destroy free radicals by nourishing enzyme systems. Zinc plays a key role in buttressing the body’s immune system, assists with wound healing and even increases taste acuity. Manganese assists with reproductive performance, bone health and DNA repair.

 

Porphyra is a rich source of amino acids such as alanine, aspartic acid, glycine, glutamic acid, lysine, arginine, leucine, histidine, and isoleucine, which all assist in the production of taurine, an organic compound which controls blood cholesterol levels through the formation of taurocholic acid. Taurine enhances recirculation of bile acid throughout the body and aids in muscle building. These amino acids are essential for cardiovascular function, musculoskeletal function, and the performance of the central nervous system. 

Nannochloropsis algae (Phytoplankton or microalgae) produce close to 90% of the earth's oxygen supply. As a highly nutritious micronutrient-rich substance, it is an excellent way to provide an immediate influx of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, superoxide dismutase and many carotenoid antioxidants in an easily absorbed and assimilated liquid.

 

It offers a broad spectrum of nano-nutrients that are especially valuable for the brain and nervous system, used to treat conditions like insomnia, depression and cognitive decline. It can be a useful top superfood for those with a compromised immune system.

 

Oceanic phytoplankton contains nucleotides, like ATP, which play a central role in metabolism and directly increase cellular energy levels. Marine microalgae is one of the best vegan sources of EPA and DHA available. EPA and DHA are both essential omega-3 fatty acids or long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA's) derived from ALA or alpha-linolenic fatty acids. They are "essential" because the body does not manufacture them and we need to get them from the plants we consume.

 

DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid, plays a vital role in the functioning of the human brain, eyes, heart, reproductive glands, nervous system as well as hormone receptors. Our brains are mostly composed of fat (about 60%) and 97% of the fatty acid components that make up our brain are DHA. DHA provides nutrients needed for proper neurological functioning and needs to be replenished on a regular basis. Cognitive illnesses such as Alzheimer's, depression, memory loss and Parkinson's have been associated with low levels of DHA in the brain tissue. EPA, or eicosapentaenoic acid controls and reduces inflammation; it is a precursor to eicosanoids, the molecules that regulate inflammatory responses.

Astaxanthin is an extract of Haematoccus algae. In terms of antioxidant potency, astaxanthin is 550 times stronger than vitamin E, and 6,000 times stronger than vitamin C. It is a carotenoid, related to beta-carotene, lutein, and canthaxanthin, but it has a unique structure, and works in some very unique ways. Most other antioxidants are depleted after they've transferred their free electrons, but astaxanthin has a massive surplus, allowing it to remain "active" far longer.

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Astaxanthin also acts on at least five different inflammation pathways, and maintains balance within the system. Most antioxidants, such as vitamin C, E and various others, can typically only handle one free radical at a time, but astaxanthin can handle multiple simultaneously – in some cases more than 19 at the same time. It does this by forming an electron cloud around the molecule.

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This is known as the electron dislocation resonance. When free radicals try to steal electrons from the astaxanthin molecule, they're simply absorbed into and neutralized by this electron cloud, all at once.

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Astaxanthin crosses the blood-brain barrier and the blood-retinal barrier, and thus provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory protection to both the brain and the eyes.

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Over the last few years, there have been at least 17 studies on brain health showing that astaxanthin protects neurons, and can slow the effects of age-related cognitive decline, as well as the decline in psychomotor functions. It improves blood flow and decreases blood pressure. It's very beneficial to the heart's mitochondria membranes, and can have a positive effect on blood chemistry, increasing HDL (the good cholesterol), and decreasing triglycerides.

Undaria, also know as Wakame, is a delicious, oceanic powerhouse - readily available and easy to integrate into skin and food routines. It contains powerful antioxidants that help to rejuvenate, moisturize, and smoothen the skin. It also contributes to keratin formation and helps in thickening hair and nails. The high levels of magnesium help the body to transfer energy efficiently, and to produce and utilize proteins - essential for almost every single bodily function of growth or repair. 

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Along with its inhibitory effects on fat accumulation, the component fucoxanthin contained in Undaria also stimulates the liver to increase its production of DHA, which is particularly a kind of fatty acid that lowers the levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol in your system. This is the type of cholesterol commonly associated with atherosclerosis and artery blockage, protecting from various heart diseases, as well as heart attacks and strokes.

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Wakame, due to its high bio-available iron content, can help increases the production of red blood cells in the body. Iron is an essential part of red blood cells, and higher levels mean increased circulation in your cardiovascular system, which provides additional oxygen to essential parts of the body, boosts energy, enhances the health of your skin, and speeds up the healing process of all the tissues and organs in your body. 

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Because of its folate or vitamin B9 content, it's often recommended to pregnant women as a dietary supplement