Wakame is a thin form of seaweed sourced from brown algae that is commonly used in making seaweed salad and miso soup in Japanese cuisine. It is rich in a number of essential vitamins and minerals and is also an excellent source of fucoidan.

Fucoidan
One of the main constituents of wakame is a substance called fucoidan. This molecule has recently become the topic of several different preliminary research studies. This sulfated molecule is a common additive in dietary supplements. Some studies have found that fucoidan may have the potential to induce apoptosis ("cell suicide") in some cancer cell types in the lab.
It may also have the ability to protect red blood cells during radiation exposure. It has also been found to have the potential to inhibit the formation of allergic antibodies (IgE) in the skin of people with eczema. Thus, wakame may help to reduce and prevent allergic eczema, and may be used to help treat cancer in future. More research is required before conclusions can be drawn.

Nutritional Content
Wakame contains a number of vitamins and nutrients such as: vitamin A, C, E, and K, as well as B vitamins and a number of minerals like calcium, magnesium, and sodium. It's rich mineral and nutrient content allow wakame to help promote healthy growth of hair and nails.

Iodine & Wakame
Because of depletion of Iodine in the soil, it has become extremely difficult to get sufficient amounts from diet alone. In order to counter this problem, staple foods like table salt are enriched with iodine to help cover the gap. In the case of iodized salt, it is the inorganic form of iodine that is added. Natural, organic sources, such as those derived from wakame are much more absorbable and easier for the thyroid gland to use than the inorganic (mined) sources found in enriched foods. For more information on the benefits of iodine, please click here.

Hypothyroidism
Some cases of hypothyroidism can be attributed to lack of iodine, and this causes a swollen thyroid (goiter). When there is insufficient iodine available to the thyroid gland, it is not able to produce sufficient thyroid hormone. Thus, it cannot properly regulate the body's metabolism, a condition known as hypothyroidism. Hypothyroid individuals experience many symptoms due to a lack of thyroid hormone including: fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, constipation, and frequent colds and flus. For more information on hypothyroidism, please click here.

How can I get more wakame?
Wakame can be found dried or fresh in many supermarkets. It can also be found in powder or tablet form. Iodine in supplement form is usually derived from natural seaweed sources and is available in liquid, capsule, or tablet forms. The standardized types of these supplements contain a higher level of iodine and a consistent amount in each tablet – usually about 150mcg (0.15mg). This is the preferred form for clinical use in low thyroid conditions, while the un-standardized wakame is suitable for people in need of a daily supplement for health maintenance. Often this is most easily achieved by simply incorporating either raw or dried wakame into your diet.