the potential health benefits of seaweed: a review

Seaweed, also known as macroalgae, has been consumed by humans for thousands ofyears, particularly in asian countries like japan, korea, and china. rich in uniquebioactive compounds not found in land plants, seaweed has recently garnered attentionfrom the scientific community for its potential health benefits. this review summarizesthe current state of knowledge on the natural compounds found in seaweed and theirpurported medicinal properties. the compounds covered include polysaccharides, omega3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and more. the healthbenefits discussed include cardiovascular protection, anticancer and antimicrobialactivity, anti-inflammatory effects, antidiabetic effects, antiobesity effects, andneuroprotective properties. while preliminary research shows promise, most humaninterventional studies have been limited by small sample sizes, lack of randomization andplacebo controls, and other design flaws. further rigorous clinical trials are needed totruly establish the efficacy and safety of seaweed and its bioactive components for healthpromotion and disease prevention in humans. with a rich composition of naturalcompounds not found in land vegetables, seaweed is worthy of further scientificinvestigation into its potential health benefits.