Is seaweed good for gut health? What the science says

Gut health is one of the most talked about topics when it comes to nutrition – and for good reason. Scientists continue to uncover how the gut microbiome influences digestion, immune function and many aspects of health.

The market is pumped full of probiotic yogurts and fibre supplements promising digestive health. But there’s one natural food source that’s often overlooked: seaweed.

What is gut health?

Your digestive system is home to trillions of microorganisms, collectively known as the gut microbiome. These beneficial bacteria help to break down food and produce nutrients to support your immune system.

A diverse gut microbiome is generally associated with better health. The more varied your diet is, the more equipped your microbiome is to do its job.

Experts increasingly suggest that no single ‘superfood’ will provide more benefits than any other when it comes to gut health. They say that eating a variety of plant-based foods including fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts will create this diversity in your gut. Each food is accompanied by nutrients, vitamins and minerals from a variety of sources, all working together towards one goal – staying fit and healthy.

For more on superfood snacking, check out our blog on Keto-friendly snacking with the power of superfood seaweed.

Why is fibre so important for gut health?

One of the easiest ways to support your digestive system and keep your gut healthy is by eating foods that are high in fibre.

Adults in the UK are recommended to consume around 30g of fibre per day, but most consume considerably less. According to the British Nutrition Foundation’s guide to fibre, eating a wide variety of fibre-rich foods helps to support your digestive health because fibre isn’t digested in the same way as other carbohydrates.

Many types of dietary fibre aren’t digested in the small intestine and instead reach the large intestine, where they’re fermented by beneficial gut bacteria. This fermentation produces short-chain fatty acids that help support the gut lining and contribute to a healthy gut environment.

Is seaweed good for gut health?

Seaweed has been an important part of traditional diets in countries such as Japan and Korea for centuries.

Unlike many processed snack foods that rely on refined starches and added sugars, seaweed contains naturally occurring fibres that are unique to marine plants. These fibres, along with other naturally occurring compounds found in seaweed, are being studied for their potential prebiotic effects and their ability to support a healthy gut microbiome.

Seaweed is also a natural source of nutrients such as iodine and vitamin B12. While no single food can transform gut health on its own, including seaweed as part of a varied, plant-rich diet may help support a healthy gut microbiome.

Seaweed offers more than just fibre

Seaweed offers more than just fibre. It also naturally contains a range of vitamins, minerals and beneficial plant compounds, including:

• Iodine contributes to normal thyroid function and normal energy-yielding metabolism
• Vitamin B12 contributes to normal psychological function and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue
• Seaweed contains naturally occurring antioxidant compounds
• Seaweed contains polyphenols that are being studied for their potential health benefits
• Plant protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass as part of a balanced diet

This is why seaweed is increasingly recognised as a nutritious and sustainable food.

Incorporate seaweed sheets into your lifestyle

Although seaweed provides fibre and a range of nutrients that can support overall health, the state of your gut microbiome isn’t determined by one food alone.

A healthy gut develops over time using a combination of:

• A varied, balanced diet
• Regular physical activity
• Good hydration
• Quality sleep
• Managing stress

Seaweed isn’t a quick fix to this but it’s definitely a delicious way to start. It adds more variety to your diet and can contribute to better eating habits by reducing the sugar and additives contained in less healthy snack options.

Image: MORiSH crispy seaweed range

MORiSH seaweed thins contribute to our Snacks with Benefits philosophy and are made with simple ingredients and no artificial additives. The roasted sheets are paired carefully with selected unrefined oils including extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil and sesame oil, to create a light, flavour-filled snack.

Found a new healthy gut hack? Let us know more @morishsnacks.