Useful algae to Lose Weight

Among edible algae, some species are particularly exploited for the production of slimming food supplements and substitute meals.
When we talk about algae to lose weight, the thought of many turns to iodine and to species that are rich, like the fucus; in reality, substances of algal origin are useful for the control of body weight. Let's see them in detail.

Algae to lose weight

Slimming seaweeds rich in iodine

Iodine is a mineral essential for the functionality of the thyroid gland, which with its hormones can be compared to the thermostat of the organism; just like the one that regulates domestic heating, if the temperature (metabolic activity) falls below the programmed minimum, the thermostat turns on the boiler burner (our thyroid) and more fuel is burned (thanks to the thyroid hormones); when instead the temperature returns above the maximum, the burner stops (the thyroid produces less thyroid hormones).
The intake of iodine-rich slimming algae has therefore the purpose of stimulating the thyroid to produce more hormones, increasing the body metabolism and burning more calories. It is undoubtedly a valuable help, especially for those living in areas with iodine deficiency who does not take adequate amounts of iodized salt; nevertheless, it is essential to take these slimming algae in the right dose, without abusing it. An excess of iodine can in fact cause real damage to this delicate gland.

Slimming seaweeds rich in iodine: the mineral abounds especially in sea algae (laminaria, fucus, kombu, nori, wakame, arame, kelp ...), while it is deficient in those of fresh or brackish water (green / blue algae, as spirulina, chlorella or klamath)
Dosage of intake: in general, even a single gram of iodine-rich algae may be sufficient to meet the daily needs of the mineral; it is advisable to evaluate directly on the package the iodine content of the integrator, since it can also vary significantly from product to product: hereinafter, some indicative values: fucus (200 mcg / g), laminaria and kombu (1542 mcg / 2353 mcg per gram), wakame (42 mcg / g), nori (16 mcg / g).
Daily iodine requirements: 150 mcg for adults, 200 mcg during lactation and 175 mcg during pregnancy.
Safe intake doses: equal to or less than 500/600 mcg per day;
NOTES: the greater iodine excess damage is recorded in the abrupt transition from a poor diet to a very rich diet of this mineral; the intake doses of iodine-rich slimming algae should therefore be increased slowly (and with a similar gradualness reduced if the treatment is discontinued). Consult your doctor. Slimming algae rich in iodine are contraindicated in cases of hyperthyroidism.

Seaweed for weight loss rich in selenium
In addition to iodine, another mineral essential for the good functionality of the thyroid is selenium; it abounds above all in foods of marine origin and offal. Selenium concentrations in algae generally appear to be higher than those of fresh or brackish water (blue-green algae, such as spirulina, chlorella or klamath). Often we resort to specific fortifications of the algae supplement with inorganic or (better organic) salts of the mineral, such as selenomethionine.

Seaweed to lose weight with high satiating power
Taken before a meal, together with a glass of water, slimming algae rich in fiber tend to form a gelatinous mass in the stomach, which - by dilating the gastric walls - promotes an early onset of the sense of satiety. In this sense, alginates, polymers made from the cell wall of various algae, are famous, among which the laminaria (Laminaria spp.) And the fucus (Fucus vesiculosus and Fucus serratus) stand out for their notoriety.
As for spirulina, the satiating effect could instead derive from the richness in nutrients, in particular from the high protein content (about 7 grams per serving), which acts as a stimulus on the secretion of satiety hormones, first of all the cholecystokinin.
In both cases, products based on slimming algae should therefore be taken half an hour before meals.

Other substances with a slimming effect
Fucoxanthin: this carotenoid, typical of brown algae, seems to favor the disposal of adipose reserves by activating a protein, the thermogenine, which consumes fats, not so much to produce energy, but rather to "dispose of excess" in the form of heat. The absorption of fucoxanthin, in itself scarce, is favored by the association with a source of fats. The normally recommended doses are 5-10 mg of fucoxanthin per day.

For the richness of iodine, alginates and fucoxanthin, the most effective algae to lose weight therefore seem to be that brown (fucus, laminaria, kombu, kelp).