Seaweed park

What is seaweed?

• Seaweed, or macroalgae, refers to thousands of species of macroscopic, multicellular, marine algae. 
• The term includes some types of Rhodophyta, Phaeophyta and Chlorophyta macroalgae.
• Seaweed species such as kelps provide essential nursery habitat for fisheries and other marine species and thus protect food sources; other species, such as planktonic algae, play a vital role in capturing carbon, producing at least 50% of Earth’s oxygen.
• They range in colours from red, green, brown and black and also vary in size, from microscopic to large underwater forests. 
• It is found on the shores across the world, but is more commonly a staple in Asian countries. 
• It is a power pack of nutrients like iron, zinc, magnesium, riboflavin, thiamin, vitamin A, B, C & K etc.
• The high amount of antioxidants present in seaweed protects the body from damages caused by free radicals and protects cells from their impact. 
• It is rich in plant compounds like flavonoids and carotenoids, which can limit the generation and effect of free radicals.
• It is low in calorie content while being high in Omega 3 fats and fibre. Thus, consuming seaweed can keep one fuller for longer. 
• Animal studies have found that substances found in seaweed help increase production of a protein that metabolises fat effectively.
• Seaweed is high in fibre content, which is a boon for gut health.