Laminaria alga: characteristics, uses and beneficial properties

Within the group of brown algae there is one well known for its beneficial properties for the body called alga laminaria. This seaweed is rich in iodine and sodium and acts mainly on the metabolism and the health of our skin. Thanks to these properties it has become one of the most used in the industry both for the formation of nutritional supplements and other uses.

For this reason, we are going to dedicate this article to tell you about all the characteristics, properties and uses of Laminaria alga.

Key features

Brown algae

It is a type of alga belonging to the group of brown algae and it has the scientific name of Laminaria fingered. It can be recognized with the naked eye since are capable of extending about 4 meters long and they have a shape that flares out like fingers. Its characteristic intense brownish-brown color is what is used to recognize it with the naked eye.

In natural ecosystems we see that they grow mainly in the oceans and seas whose waters are colder. Thanks to the high content of mineral salts, it has become one of the most used algae in different industrial processes. Has become a species very collected and exploited in different fields thanks to its properties. When dried and processed industrially, a series of different products can be obtained depending on the previous treatment.

Beneficial properties of Laminaria

algae in its habitat

As we have mentioned before, Laminaria has a large amount of mineral salts such as sodium, iodine, potassium, calcium, iron and magnesium. One of the main uses that is given to this algae is to extract the algin that is used as an emulsifier and natural gelling agent. We can see in numerous product labels that they are made with Laminaria. Foods like ice cream, fruit juices, and compotes.

They are also rich in folic acid and other vitamins, since it proves to be a valuable component and food supplement in any country. It is used in some medicines to the proper functioning of the thyroid gland and the regulation of basal metabolism. It can also be used as a natural laxative and is a very useful satiating in low-calorie diets.

Another benefit of Laminaria comes from the phytotherapeutic field. In this field, algae is exploited thanks to its anti-tumor and cholesterol-lowering action. It has been used numerous times for the regulation of blood pressure levels, the treatment of HIV and AIDS. Given the large amount of minerals it has, it has become a good remedy for topical use on the skin, providing several benefits to the legs with its healing action.

Uses of Laminaria

algal laminaria

To lose weight

One use that will be given frequently to algae throughout history is to create dietary supplements with a slimming action. In this case, Laminaria is used dry and powdered for the preparation of dietary supplements that provide an aid for those people who want to reduce their body fat. The specific product is called Spirulina plus and it is sold in tablets. There are other types of species of brown algae that are also often combined with each other for their properties to help you lose weight and lose weight.

Medical use

Laminaria is used in the medical field to increase the dilation of the cervix during labor. Thanks to this algae, the cervix can be dilated slowly and safely. It is also used in some chemical procedures such as abortion and insertion of intrauterine devices.

Use in food

Since ancient times it has been a plant exploited for the production of food. The first thing is that the algae undergoes drying and a subsequent boiling. Once you have gone through this procedure, it is ready for further processing. A curiosity about Laminaria is that in South Korea it is used to prepare a typical dessert known as laminaria gelatin. It can also be seen in salads and in the kitchen since reduces the cooking time of legumes and they add flavor to soups and other culinary preparations.

Laminaria in biofuels

Another of the most modern uses discovered by the science of Laminaria is the use of biofuels. Since it has a high ash content, the two algae are among the most commonly used sustainable energy in the field of biofuels. However, it is used as one more resource to generate another source of energy less harmful to the environment.

Side effects and contraindications

You have to know that Laminaria should be taken in a daily meal plan under the supervision of a doctor. A dose taken by the person is needed to avoid any health risks and side effects. For example, hyperthyroid patients should not consume seaweed.

The adverse effects seen in patients who take laminaria when they should not are mood swings, poor sleep, few, stomach upsets, acne, a metallic taste in the mouth, nausea, diarrhea, and high blood potassium levels. Therefore, it is essential that a doctor prescribes the dose and concentration that Laminaria medication should have.

The way to administer the algae is by decoction. Some leaves are macerated for about 4 hours in a proportion of 10 grams of there was for each liter of water. Boil for five minutes and the usual dose is one cup before meals. If we make an external use we must prepare an algae bath that is widely comforting. Calcium alginate has been found to be used numerous times as a local hemostatic.

Algae lack flowering as they grow underwater and are very primitive organisms. It must be taken into account that its evolution in the last millennia has been very small. Its collection for therapeutic purposes is carried out by extracting the stipules and stems. The stems should be dried quickly in the shade or in a dryer. Once they are dry, they should be cut into pieces and stored in airtight containers for better conservation.

I hope that with this information you can learn more about Laminaria and its main characteristics.

Laminaria alga: characteristics, uses and beneficial properties

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