Fucus, benefit
Fucus is especially valued for:
Iodine . A trace element that is naturally found in the body. It is necessary for normal cell metabolism.
People need iodine for normal thyroid function and for the production of thyroid hormones.
All brown seaweeds are an excellent source of iodine.
Alginic acid . It is a polysaccharide found in brown seaweed that is said to help intestinal function and relieve constipation and diarrhea.
There is also evidence that it also relieves symptoms of heartburn and indigestion.
Fucoidan . A polysaccharide, and according to animal studies, it balances cholesterol and sugar levels.
For the thyroid gland
Since fucus is rich in iodine, it prevents thyroid diseases and is also used to treat various thyroid diseases. It stimulates the thyroid gland and its hormonal functions increase.
Algae for skin
1% Fucus Algae/Seaweed Extract supports collagen production when applied to the skin.
This is very useful because not all nutrients are well absorbed by the skin.
Some scientists believe that fucus's benefits are due in part to its significant amount of L-fucose, a polysaccharide also found in other types of brown seaweed.
Clinical studies have also shown that a cream containing 1% chlorella (another algae) has a beneficial effect on skin elasticity and tone.
Some of the nutrients found in seaweed are fat soluble, meaning that they require some form of fat to be absorbed.
However, many of the minerals in seaweed are better absorbed in a water-based diet.
For weight loss
When it comes to supporting the body's metabolic functions with mineral-rich, healthy foods, it's hard to beat the all-around effectiveness of seaweeds like fucus.
Due to the lack of iodine in our diet, adding a natural, easily absorbed source of iodine such as fucus will help support the thyroid gland.
Supporting the thyroid gland with minerals such as iodine and bromine found in fucus can lead to weight loss, or at least weight loss.
Improves vision
Thanks to the beta-carotene content, algae improves vision. Bta-carotene is an antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals in the eyes and corneas.
Prevents cancer
A unique type of fiber, fucoidan is found in high amounts and has been shown to lower cholesterol, lower blood sugar, and have antitumor effects.
Reduces inflammation
For many years, fucus has been used as an anti-inflammatory agent. If you suffer from gout, arthritis, hemorrhoids or skin irritation, seaweed can successfully neutralize inflammation, reduce swelling and even relieve pain. Used both externally and internally.
Improves digestion
There are several different types of fiber found in fucus, but a particularly important one is alginic acid, which treats constipation by promoting a smooth digestive process. In addition, it helps get rid of flatulence, bloating, cramps and even stomach ulcers and colon cancer.
Heart Health
Seaweed contains "good cholesterol" which means it can help you prevent atherosclerosis and any other cholesterol-related disease. Algae may help lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks, and reduce stress on the cardiovascular system.
And research from Kyoto University has shown that fiber from brown algae lowers blood pressure and reduces the risk of stroke.
Cellulite Remedy
They have the ability to stimulate pro-collagen, due to which they get rid of cellulite. Also improves skin elasticity. These beneficial effects on the skin appear to be due to its fucoidan content.
Help regulate hormones
Seaweed is very high in lignans, which are plant substances that become phytoestrogens in the body and help block the chemical estrogens that can predispose people to cancers such as breast cancer.
Increases vitality
In Ireland and the Caribbean, seaweed-based drinks and soups are drunk to help recover from illness. Algae are used to reduce phlegm and soften it, and also promote urination and reduce swelling.
Methods of application
It is used in cosmetology for algae wraps.
Based on it, various cosmetics for face and body skin care are made:
- Moisturizing, nourishing creams;
- Cleansing masks;
- Scrubs;
- Tonics;
- Oils.
Everyone knows the fact that cosmetics containing fucus help strengthen and heal the skin, making it more elastic.
It is actively used in SPA procedures and consumed as a food additive.
In medicine, it is used to produce medicines with a sedative, analgesic, diuretic, sedative, and wound-healing effect. Dietary supplements are made on its basis.
Fucus is added raw to salads. It tastes good, slightly salty and crunches like a cucumber. In dry form, it is added to spices and herbs.
It is a useful supplement used for weight loss. When following any diet, the human body needs additional energy supply.
It is especially necessary for the smooth functioning of the pancreas and thyroid gland, because the body’s metabolic processes depend on their functioning.
If you decide to lose excess weight using fucus, you must stop taking all medications and vitamins containing this trace element in order to avoid negative consequences such as an overdose of iodine.
Fucus for weight loss
For obesity, fucus is used as wraps and baths. Here are some recipes for making them at home:
Anti-cellulite bath
To prepare one bath, 200 g of fucus and 500 g of sea salt are enough. The water temperature should not exceed 40 degrees. The procedure time should be 15 minutes.
The recommended number of baths is 15, they should be taken every other day and only in the evening. You can alternate them with oatmeal and salt baths for weight loss.
Fucus wraps
For one wrap, 200 g of fucus, 200 g of blue clay and 0.5 tbsp are enough. l. ground cinnamon.
Dilute all ingredients with warm water and mix thoroughly, bringing to the consistency of thick sour cream.
Apply the prepared mixture to problem areas of the body, wrap them in cling film and put on a tracksuit. Keep the wrap for at least 25 minutes. After this, rinse off and apply anti-cellulite cream.
Anti cellulite oil
To prepare it, you need to take 200 g of fucus, add 200 g of olive oil and leave at room temperature for 10 days. After this, strain the mixture, add 5 drops of essential oil with the scent of orange or grapefruit.
Use the oil for anti-cellulite massage, rub it into the skin until completely absorbed.
Infusion
For weight loss, you can prepare an infusion. For this, 1 tbsp. l. Pour the powder into 1 glass of hot water and leave in a thermos overnight. Drink in the morning on an empty stomach half an hour before breakfast. After this, eat low-calorie foods throughout the day.
When eating fucus, you need to drink more water. Lack of fluid in the body can lead to constipation, dry skin and dry mouth.
Composition of fucus
- Iodine
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Sodium
- Minerals
- Phenols
- Phloroglucinol
- Fucophoretols
- Phlorotannins
- Mucopolysaccharides
- Algins
- Lipids
- Diglycerides sulfuryl-, sulfonyl-
- Phosphonylglycosyl ethers
- Fucoxanthin is a carotenoid found in brown algae that has the ability to burn fat.
- Fucofluoroethoxy compounds (Fucotriphlorethol A)
- Possible bioaccumulation of minerals, unpredictable amounts
Contraindications and possible harm
Excessive consumption of fucus powder can cause “non-fatal” but rather unpleasant problems to the human body. An excess of iodine in the body can cause poisoning or disruption of the endocrine system. In order to avoid such problems, before starting to take fucus preparations, you must consult with your doctor, having previously undergone tests.
It is strictly not recommended to take fucus powder or its other medicinal options for pregnant women, during lactation, or people with disorders of the thyroid gland or hormonal system. It is also prohibited to take fucus for patients who will undergo surgical intervention in the near future.
Fucus preparations should not be taken for more than 14 days. After the next course of consuming algae, you need to take a break of several weeks.
The most valuable types of brown algae
This useful product is mined in the northern seas of Russia. The White Sea fucus is especially highly valued. In terms of iodine content, it is three times higher than kelp. Sakhalin brown algae contains over 20 amino acids and fucoidan, a polysaccharide with anti-cancer properties.
The substances included in fucus normalize the functioning of the human body, stimulate the immune system, and restrain pathological cellular mutations. They cleanse internal organs of toxins and waste, regulate thyroid function, normalize hormonal levels, and help lose excess weight.
Waste-free technology for processing brown algae based on AOVK
In the USSR, enterprises for the extraction and processing of algae were built in the Far East and the North, but during perestroika most of them were closed. The Experimental Algae Plant in Arkhangelsk (AOWC) has been preserved. The company celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2021. The plant has created large-scale production of alginates and mannitol. The utilization of extractive substances was not initially envisaged, since their content in the original kelp is small (Table 1), and the composition and application were not studied. Extractive substances turned out to be waste, but later a production need arose to find a use for them.
In the 80s of the twentieth century, the author of the article for the first time studied the chemical composition of “waste” - extractive substances, and together with employees of the AOVK, sets of technical documentation were developed for extracts and concentrates from kelp. The leading scientific and medical centers of St. Petersburg (then Leningrad), Moscow and other regions of Russia have proven the high effectiveness of dietary supplements adaptogens for the prevention and use in the complex treatment of many diseases, including in cosmetology to improve the condition of the skin, teeth and hair with cosmetic procedures (2).
Thus, AOVK has implemented a comprehensive waste-free technology for processing brown algae, which has made it possible, in addition to alginates and mannitol, to obtain a number of valuable substances, food concentrates and dietary supplements.
