Bladderwrack or Fucus distichus is one of the most popular sea vegetables growing along most coasts in the world, and has been used for centuries as medicine. This brown seaweed is the #1 superfood as far as iodine and polysaccharide content. When fresh, it is very mucilaginous and tastes delicious. I like to call it “vegan caviar”. When dried, it takes on a very fishy flavor and therefore I often powder and consume bladderwrack in capsule form as a supplement or mixed in an overnight tea with other flavors I enjoy. or I add to soups.
Bladderwrack contains significant amounts of beta-carotene, algin, zeaxanthin and many other minerals.
The polysaccharides found in fucus are long-chain sugars, also abundant in medicinal mushrooms, and are one of the healthiest food substances we can ingest. All sea vegetables contain their own array of polysaccharides (my favorite is Sweet Kombu an Ocean Harvest exclusive). Polysaccharides are dietary glyconutrients helpful for building immune health, nourishing the skin, soothing inflammation, detoxifying the body and providing a long burning fuel source.
Algin, also found in most seaweeds, is a natural fiber (also called alginate). It is thought to be effective for helping to reduce body fat and control obesity. Algin is found in larger amounts in bladderwrack, kombu and wakame. It is prized for its ability to expand, absorbing water quickly, and has been found useful as a natural appetite suppressant to increase feelings of fullness. It has also been shown to slow down the fat digesting enzyme lipase, thereby reducing the amount of fat the body can digest and store as excess weight.
Fucoidan polysaccharides contain sulfur molecules and are also referred to as a sulfated polysaccharide. Recent research indicates their ability to reduce pain and blood clot formation by blocking pro-inflammatory enzymes. Fucoidan’s are mostly found in brown algaes and also contain antiviral and immune boosting attributes.
May and June SPECIAL! Purchase any seaweeds totaling $60 and receive a Free ounce of Bladderwrack/Fucus with your order! We also sell bladderwrack in capsules for ease in getting all of the nutritious benefits without any of the taste.
I would suggest eating/drinking maximum 28 grams or 1 ounce of seaweed per week so that you do not overdo the health benefits of the seaweeds. Remember, seaweeds are high in iodine. Personally, I do not eat seaweed every day. I like (drinking) my fucus/bladderwrack in a delicious tea that I mix with my favorite tea flavors and a little sweetener. See the recipe below for this easy 4 ingredient tea.
- All information is for educational purposes only and is the personal view of the author; not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or prescription.
Bladderwrack Tea
Ingredients:
- 2 Tablespoons Ocean Harvest dried bladderwrack (about 4 grams)
- 1 tea bag, your choice of flavor- I like mint or a berry flavor
- 1 quart hot water
- Sweetener of your choice ( I use stevia or monk fruit)
Directions:
- Boil your water
- Add bladderwrack to jar along with your tea bag
- Add boiled water and let set for as long as you would like (I like to take my bladderwrack out after about 30 minutes)
- Add sweetener if you choose
Finally, please join us for our Seaweed Foraging Adventures this summer! Check the this link to see available dates and details. We look forward to seeing and foraging with you!
Terry d’Selkie &
Ocean Harvest Crew