Bladderwrack: Health Benefits, How To Use, And Side Effects

Bladderwrack is popular for its medicinal properties. It is commonly used in traditional medicine as a supplement. The health benefits of bladderwrack are evident with its impressive nutritional profile. This seaweed is known to help manage several health conditions. But what does science say? Does bladderwrack have any side effects? Continue reading to understand.

Know Your Ingredient: Bladderwrack

What Is It?
A nutrition-rich, olive-brown shoreline seaweed.

What Are Its Benefits?
It may help manage thyroid disorders and diabetes, improve gastrointestinal function, and reduce the risk of ischemic stroke.

Who Can Consume It?
Anyone with digestive issues, increased glucose levels, and hypertension may consume bladderwrack.

How Often?
You can consume it regularly.

Caution
Avoid overconsumption as it may aggravate acne and lead to digestive problems like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and bloating.

What Is Bladderwrack?

Bladderwrack is a seaweed that grows on the coasts of the North Sea, Western Baltic Sea, and the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It is commonly known as black tang or brown seaweed. Many consume bladderwrack for its medicinal properties. It is especially used for managing thyroid disorders as it contains iodine, an essential component for maintaining normal thyroid function and overall thyroid health (1).

Trivia

French chemist Bernard Courtois first extracted iodine from bladderwrack in 1811.

Bladderwrack Nutrition Profile

A hundred grams of dried bladderwrack powder contains (2):

Bladderwrack benefits are attributed to its nutrients. Let’s understand how it can keep you healthy.

Bladderwrack Health Benefits

1. Improves Gastrointestinal Function

Bladderwrack, similar to other seaweed benefits, contains high levels of dietary fiber, which promotes gastrointestinal health. Dietary fiber helps regulate the intestinal flow and also stimulates the growth of gut-friendly microbiota.

2. Helps Manage Diabetes

Bladderwrack contains fucoidans, bioactive compounds with potent anti-diabetic properties. They can reduce glucose absorption into the bloodstream, increase serum insulin levels, and help manage diabetes. Animal studies found that oral intake of bladderwrack reduced fasting blood glucose levels and hence, indicated its potential for blood sugar control.

3. Has Anticoagulant Properties

The fucoidans in bladderwrack make it an excellent anticoagulantⁱ  A substance (also called blood thinners) that prevents blood clot formation by slowing down blood’s ability to clot. . Animal studies found that fucoidans could mimic the action of heparin, a potent anticoagulant. This may reduce the risk of ischemic strokeⁱ  A common type of stroke that occurs when blood clots in the artery block blood flow to the brain. by minimizing blood clotting tendency in people with a history of hypertension and diabetes. However, the exact mechanism of how it works is not yet clear and needs further research.

Trivia

Bladderwrack has been in use since the early 1300s when King Denis of Portugal regulated the harvest of this seaweed.

4. Has Antitumor Properties

Fucoidans have antitumor properties and were found to significantly inhibit the number of metastasesⁱ  Refer to the spread of cancer cells from the primary location to different body parts through the blood or lymph system. in lung carcinoma (in mice studies) and exhibit anticancer activities (3).

5. Antiviral Properties

The fucoidans in bladderwrack have a capacity to inhibit poliovirus III, adenovirus III, ECHO6 virus, herpes simplex virus (HSV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and dengue virus (3). However, the exact mechanism remains unclear.

Additionally, bladderwrack has been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory properties (3).

6. May Help Maintain Skin Health

The skin elasticity decreases with age. However, using bladderwrack may help prevent that. It has anti-aging benefits and may help maintain your overall skin health. According to a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science, applying a gel formula, with 1% extract of this algae on the cheek skin twice daily for five weeks improved skin elasticity (4). Thus, it has been concluded that the bladderwrack may possess anti-aging benefits that can be used in various cosmetics. It may also increase collagen production and improve the appearance of cellulite (5). However, more research is needed to confirm that bladderwrack can promote skin health.

If you are wondering how to include bladderwrack in your diet, read the next section.

How To Take Bladderwrack And Recommended Dosage

Seaweeds, in general, have a fishy smell, which can be unpleasant for a few when consumed as they are or in powdered form. That is why bladderwrack and other seaweed supplements are available in capsules.

It is best to consult a doctor to determine the ideal dosage (usually, it does not exceed three capsules), depending on your health condition and nutritional requirements, as unregulated intake may cause side effects.

Side Effects Of Bladderwrack

Bladderwrack is possibly safe when taken in small amounts. But anecdotal evidence suggests that excess intake may cause a few side effects like:

• Nausea And Vomiting: Its unpleasant taste and odor may make you nauseous and cause vomiting.

• Diarrhea: A few people reported experiencing diarrhea and sticky stools after taking bladderwrack supplements. This might be due to bladderwrack’s nutrient-dense nature. You may also experience dehydration due to diarrhea. Hence, consume adequate amounts of fluids to combat this.

• Bloating: Excess consumption of bladderwrack may cause bloating and gastric pain, which may be due to the high fiber content. Stay hydrated to minimize this side effect.

• Tingling Sensation In The Throat: If you are allergic to bladderwrack, it may cause itching and tingling sensation in the throat.

• May Aggravate Acne: Excess consumption of bladderwrack may worsen acne due to its high iodine content. However, there is no research to prove the exact mechanism.

If you experience any of the symptoms, stop consuming bladderwrack supplements. If the effects persist for over three days, consult a doctor immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is bladderwrack good for the liver?

Yes. The extracts of bladderwrack help improve glycemic control and also reduce the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (6).

Is bladderwrack good for hair growth?

Anecdotal evidence suggests that the bladderwrack has a wide variety of nutrients including antioxidants that may help improve hair growth and also combat oxidative stress. However, limited data is available to prove these claims.

Does bladderwrack lower estrogen?

Yes. In one study, the intake of bladderwrack showed a significant decrease in estradiol (primary form of estrogen) levels in a person with high serum estrogen levels (7).

Can I take sea moss and bladderwrack together?

Yes. You can take sea moss and bladderwrack together. They are readily available in capsule or powder forms and can be added to your favorite smoothies or shakes.

How does bladderwrack make you lose weight?

Anecdotal evidence suggests that bladderwrack aids weight loss by stimulating the thyroid gland. However, limited data is available to prove this claim.

Illustration: Bladderwrack: Health Benefits How To Use And Side Effects

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Bladderwrack, called the king of seaweeds, offers a host of benefits for your overall health. Watch the video below to learn how it can help with weight loss, joint pain, thyroid health, and more.