Among the edible algae, some species are particularly exploited for the production of slimming food supplements and meal replacements.
When it comes to algae for weight loss, the thoughts of many turn to iodine and to the species that are rich in it, such as fucus; in reality, there are several substances of algal origin useful for controlling body weight. Let's see them in detail.
Slimming seaweed rich in iodine
Iodine is an essential mineral for the functionality of the thyroid, a gland that with its hormones can be compared to the body's thermostat; 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 thyroid hormones); when the temperature returns above the expected maximum, the burner stops (the thyroid produces less thyroid hormones).
The intake of iodine-rich slimming seaweed therefore has the purpose of stimulating the thyroid to produce more hormones, increasing the body's metabolism and burning more calories. It is undoubtedly a valuable aid, especially for those who live in areas with iodine deficiency and not assumes adequate quantities of iodized salt, nevertheless, it is essential to take these slimming algae in the right doses, without abusing them.An excess of iodine can in fact cause real damage to this delicate gland.
Slimming seaweed rich in iodine: the mineral abounds above all in sea algae (laminaria, fucus, kombu, nori, wakame, arame, kelp ...), while it is lacking in those of fresh or brackish water (green / blue algae, such as spirulina, chlorella or klamath )
Doses of intake: in general, even a single gram of iodine-rich seaweed can be sufficient to meet the daily needs of the mineral; it is advisable to evaluate the iodine content of the supplement directly on the package, since it can also vary significantly from product to product: below, 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 requirement: 150 mcg for adults, 200 mcg during breastfeeding and 175 mcg during pregnancy.
Safe intake doses: equal to or less than 500/600 mcg per day;
NOTE: the greatest damage from excess iodine is recorded in the abrupt transition from a poor diet to a diet very rich in this mineral; the doses of iodine-rich slimming seaweed should therefore be increased slowly (and gradually reduced in case of discontinuation of treatment). Consult your doctor. Dietary algae rich in iodine are contraindicated in case of hyperthyroidism.
Algae for weight loss rich in selenium
In addition to iodine, another essential mineral 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 in 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 still organic) salts of the mineral, such as selenomethionine.
Algae for weight loss with high satiating power
Taken before a meal, together with a glass of water, the slimming algae rich in fibers tend to form a gelatinous mass in the stomach, which - by dilating the gastric walls - favors an early onset of the sense of satiety. Famous, in this sense, are alginates, polymers obtained from the cell wall of various algae, among which laminaria stand out for notoriety (Laminaria spp.) and fucus (Fucus vesiculosus And Fucus serratus).
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 cholecystokinin.
In both cases, slimming seaweed products 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 decoupling protein, thermogenin, which consumes fat, not so much to produce energy, but rather to "dispose of the" excess "in the form of heat. The absorption of fucoxanthin, in itself poor, is favored by the association with a source of fat. The normally recommended doses are 5-10 mg of fucoxanthin per day.
Due to the richness of iodine, alginates and fucoxanthin, the most effective algae for weight loss therefore seem to be brown ones (fucus, laminaria, kombu, kelp).
