Whether you have concerns about memory loss or are simply planning for the future, certain minerals, vitamins and fatty acids have been said to slow or prevent these conditions.
Considering more severe conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, although there is currently no cure for this, a large amount of research has been done on the role of nutrition in lessening its impact.
As we age, our appetite can decrease, which usually means we consume lower amounts of the critical nutrients needed for health and wellbeing.
As well as this, our ability to absorb nutrients also becomes impaired, leading to nutrient deficiencies.
Eating a healthy balanced diet can help to counteract these deficiencies.
Seaweed contains nutrients which can benefit
Mental performance
Iron, zinc and iodine contribute to maintaining normal cognitive function plus pantothenic acid which contributes to normal mental performance. All seaweeds are rich sources of iron, iodine and zinc.
Nervous system
Vitamin B6, niacin, and vitamin C and iodine contribute to the normal functioning of the nervous system.
Psychological functions
Vitamins B12, B6, thiamine, folic acid, vitamin C and magnesium contribute to normal psychological function.
Antioxidants are a diverse group of compounds, found in a wide range of healthy foods.
Not only do all seaweeds contain antioxidants found in foods, such as Vitamin C, beta-carotene, and flavonoids, they also contain other bioactive compounds. These compounds, namely fucoidan, fucoxanthin and laminarin boast strong antioxidant properties and reduce inflammation in the brain, an issue which can lead to neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
These antioxidants can help to reduce the level of chronic inflammation in the brain, delaying the onset of neurodegenerative diseases.