Seaweed has often been heralded as a nutritive item, full of healthy minerals and essential vitamins for the body. It has gained popularity in recent years as a health food for the likes of sushi and salads, but fewer are aware of the potential oral benefits that it could hold.
According to many experts in the dental hygiene field, seaweed, specifically red and brown algae, could be the potential natural remedy that those faced with oral issues have been looking for. One of the most common oral issues plans are facing today is receding gums, which can often cause other dental issues such as loose teeth, bleeding gums, and bad breath.
Dental research has found that, when consumed, seaweed has the potential to prevent gum recession due to its richness in calcium – a key factor in strengthening teeth and overall oral health. Additionally, seaweed’s marine-derived polysaccharides are incredibly powerful in attacking and preventing plaque biofilms, the bacteria found in plaque that contribute to gum disease.
It is not only the potential of seaweed to benefit gum health that is promising. Research also shows that consuming certain types of seaweed can also enrich the mouth with vitamins and strengthen the enzyme system all needed for healthy gums and teeth, making it an ideal supplement to regular tooth brushing and tongue cleaning.
What’s more, seaweed contains unique proteins and enzymes that could eventually indicate a new class of antibiotics. The antibacterial properties of the alginates in seaweed could make it especially advantageous for those with oral health issues.
The traditional Chinese practice of wrapping gums with irradiated seaweed has also been found to be beneficial in fighting infection and stimulating gum growth. Furthermore, some studies suggest that the pigment carotenoid, fucoxanthin, found in seaweed can make the sulphide compounds present in plaque more volatile, resulting in fresher breath.
Of course, more research needs to be done in the area, but initial studies show there may be a promising future when it comes to the oral benefits seaweed can provide.
Nutrition Content
Consuming seaweed can not only provide oral health benefits but also numerous vitamins and minerals otherwise found in fish, vitamin supplements, or leafy greens. Seaweed is rich in nutrients such as B vitamins, essential fatty acids, iron, iodine, zinc, magnesium, and calcium.
Essential fatty acids are also an important part of maintaining dental health. They can decrease inflammation, helping to reduce swollen or bleeding gums, while also aiding the body in making teeth stronger and supporting proper healing.
Additionally, seaweed also provides rare minerals like vanadium and molybdenum, both of which have been found to have antioxidant properties and help with metabolic functions. Seaweed is also packed with fibers that help clear away bacteria before it reaches the dental bristle and can reduce inflammation.
Studies show that the combination of mineral and nutrient content found in seaweed is truly extraordinary. This is perhaps why the Japanese have such a long-standing tradition of including it in their diets and why recent studies propose its use in dental hygiene.
Modes of Consumption
One of the biggest appeals of seaweed is that it is incredibly versatile and can be added to all types of dishes, from sushi and salads to rice and chili. Seaweed is also available in many forms such as flakes, powder, paste, or sheets, making it easier for people to integrate into their diet.
What’s more, seaweed is an affordable choice and can be purchased in many forms to suit individual dietary needs or preferences. Dried seaweed is one of the most popular forms and is widely available in supermarkets, health stores, range of online online stores and dishes served at select restaurants.
Seaweed is believed to have a mild taste but can be made more interesting and appetizing by adding citrus, sesame oil, or spicy ingredients. Those wanting to incorporate it into their daily routine can try adding a sprinkle on top of yogurt, porridge, or salads for a flavorful, nutrient-rich boost.
It is important to remember, though, that if one is looking to get the dental health benefits from seaweed, it should not replace brushing teeth twice a day and flossing daily. Instead, including it as part of their regular diet could enhance the overall effectiveness of good dental hygiene.
Environmental Benefits
Not only is seaweed packed with essential minerals and vitamins, but it also offers environmental benefits. Seaweed has become an increasingly popular environmentally sustainable crop as it is believed to sequester carbon dioxide, reducing the amount of the powerful greenhouse gas produced by burning fossil fuels.
Additionally, seaweed takes up to 10 times less energy to produce than other farming produces, making it a really efficient crop to farm. Seaweed farming also helps enhance the habitat as the process of growing seaweed helps clean the water and strengthen coastal ecosystems, specifically oxygenating the water and creating greater biodiversity.
Seaweed is also a hardy crop and highly resistant to pests and diseases, making it an incredibly efficient and cost-effective way to grow crops. As a result, more people are turning to this sustainable source as a forward-thinking way to help the environment while also providing nutrition benefits.
Climate Change Effects
Seaweed is becoming increasingly important in the fight against climate change due to its ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the ocean and provide a valuable energy source. For this reason, some have called it “the crop of the future”.
A 2019 study from the Max Planck Institute has shown that the growth of seaweed could offset as much as 81 million tons of carbon dioxide a year if it were farmed on the right scales. This would make seaweed farming 10-20 times more efficient than land-based farming, making it a valuable resource and potential solution to climate change.
Furthermore, the Department of Agriculture of the State of Hawaii has stated that seaweed can be used as a renewable energy source with potential to produce biofuel that can reduce the dependence on coal and gas and describe it as “modern-day fuel”.
Seaweed is also relatively easy to farm and can be grown without extensive resources, making it an ideal choice for helping address climate change without consuming much of the world’s energy needs.
Conclusion
The potential of seaweed to improve oral health could be immense. Not only does it have a range of nutrition and vitamin content, but its environmental benefits are undeniable. As studies are conducted and further discoveries are made, experts believe this versatile crop could become an essential resource for maintaining oral health as well as reducing the effects of climate change.