Seaweed, Kelps and Aquaceuticals

Ever stopped to wonder where your favourite vitamins, supplements or minerals come from? While the benefits of taking these kind of wellbeing enhancers may be familiar, we rarely consider the source of this goodness. We’d bet the same goes for an emerging category of marine-derived supplements, which has seen a huge leap in popularity in recent years (thanks, Tiktok!)

A host of organisms and plants found in the sea have been found to be an unlikely but brilliant source of vital compounds such as omega-3, beta-carotene and iron. Naturally rich in vitamins and minerals, certain types of seaweed, species of algae and even sea moss can support your diet with an impressive boost of natural nutrition. Marine-derived supplements are now available in various formats, from capsules to water additives (sometimes referred to as aquaceuticals or functional waters).

What are Algae Supplements?

Algae has been around for an estimated two billion years, if not longer. It is sometimes referred to as a plant or sometimes a protist, a group of organisms that aren’t animals, plants, fungi or bacteria.

Algae supplements are typically made from spirulina or chlorella, two different types of algae, both still packed with nutrients. Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that grows in freshwater ponds and lakes. It is bursting full of goodness including B vitamins, beta-carotene, copper and iron, as well as small amounts of magnesium, potassium and manganese.

Chlorella is freshwater algae derived from Taiwan and Japan. Chlorella is widely referred to as a superfood, due to being full of properties including protein, vitamin B-12, iron and omega 3.

Because algae supplements contain a large number of vitamins and minerals, these can work in many different ways, such as energising your body, protecting your immune system and fighting off diseases. Check out this blog about algae supplements, to learn more.

What is Chlorophyll?

Chlorophyll is the green pigment in plants, however, it also plays an important role in photosynthesis, without the role of chlorophyll plants wouldn’t survive.  Chlorophyll contains phytonutrients, which are plant chemicals that help protect the cells of our bodies through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.

Chlorophyll can come in many forms such as liquid chlorophyll, drops, creams, tablets, and drinks. Chlorophyll drops, a concentrated form of liquid chlorophyll, can be added to water to create chlorophyll water which works as a great alternative to tablets. Read this guide to chlorophyll to learn more.

What is Kelp?

Kelp, also known as sea kelp, is a brown algae that grows in deep saltwater. Kelp is extremely high in calcium and is even thought to have 10 times the amount of calcium than milk and more vitamin C than orange juice. Kelp is packed full of many different vitamins, including Vitamin K, Vitamin A, Vitamin B-12, calcium, iron and magnesium.

Kelp comes in a few different forms including tablets, supplements, and powders, or you can even cook with raw sea kelp, making it incredibly diverse and even easier to add to your diet.

Seaweed isn’t to be confused with kelp as it is slightly different due to seaweed growing in the light, whereas kelp thrives in deeper, dark saltwater. Check out this blog about 10 kelp benefits.

What is Sea Moss?

Sea moss is found on the shores North America, Europe and the Caribbean Islands.

There are a range of sea moss benefits including being high in minerals such as iron, magnesium and omega 3. Sea moss also contains a small amount of protein, whilst also being a great source of iodine and antioxidants. Sea moss can come in many different forms, including sea moss gel, tablets and powder. Read more in this blog about sea moss health benefits.