Seaweed is the best dietary source of iodine, which helps support your thyroid gland. It also contains other vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin K, B vitamins, zinc and iron, along with antioxidants that help protect your cells from damage. 

The fiber in seaweed benefits people who are trying to lose weight . The Fiber helps a person feel full, but it contains very few to no calories itself. 

Fiber-rich foods may help with diabetes. This is because high amounts of fiber help regulate Trusted Source blood glucose levels and insulin levels. Adding seaweed to the diet may help increase a person’s fiber intake without a large increase in calories.

High-fiber foods reduce levels of cholesterol in the blood. These soluble fibers bind to bile acids or salts in the body. The body then uses cholesterol to replace these elements, which may result in a decrease of total cholesterol by up to 18 percent.

Bacteria in the intestines play an important role in breaking down food and supporting digestion and overall health. Algae may be an ideal food for the gut. 

Seaweed contains an element called fucoidan, which researchers have isolated and tested for its effect on cancer.