WHAT IS BLADDERWRACK?
Bladderwrack thrives in various parts of the world’s oceans. It is commonly found in Europe, the British Isles, and in the Baltic sea while it is also seen around North America’s eastern coast. I personally love the name ‘bladderwrack’ but it is also known around the world as red fucus, rockweed and black tang or by its botanical name ‘Fucus vesiculosus’.
Bladderwrack thrives best in shallow, sheltered inlets where there is little water movement and can be found in very large masses in some areas. For anybody that wants to do some collecting, bladderwrack is easy enough to identify by the paired air sacks seen on its midrib branches.
FACTS ABOUT BLADDERWRACK
*Bladderwrack was the original source of iodine used for medicinal reasons. It was discovered back in 1811 and used mainly to treat goiter – a swelling of the thyroid glands linked to iodine deficiency.
Other common names for bladderwrack are rockweed, black tang, black tany, sea oak, bladder fucus, red fucus, rock wrack and cut weed.
*Bladderwrack is distributed fairly widely. It can be found on North sea coasts, the Atlantic, the Pacific and the Baltic sea.
*Bladderwrack gives shelter to various marine species such as the tubeworm and various snails and isopods.
*Bladderwrack has anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF BLADDERWRACK
Thyroid Improvement
As mentioned above, bladderwrack was the original source of iodine back in the 19th century. Iodine is an important modulator of our thyroid gland and can ensure that our hormonal and metabolic activities are under control. Therefore, as a powerful source of iodine, bladderwrack has become associated with treating many types of thyroid disorders. Primarily, bladderwrack stimulates the thyroid gland to increase hormonal output.
FIBER CONTENT
Bladderwrack contains large amounts of a unique form of fiber called fucoidan. Fucoidan has been linked to a number of different health benefits including a reduction in cholesterol, reduced blood sugar and may even have anti-tumor effects.
Fucoidan helps to regulate the substance responsible for the reproduction if cells and their growth. In theory, fucoidan slows the growth of harmful cells meaning that it can hinder the proliferation of cancer.
Weight Loss
One of the other effects of bladderwrack is a heightened metabolism, which makes it easier to lose weight, as your body is working right along with you. Bladderwrack has been praised as a weight loss tool for generations and many people are starting to realize how beneficial it can be. When your body is working at a high level and burning off more fat, you also suppress the appetite, thereby preventing obesity and the other related health issues that come along with it.
Vision Health
The high levels of beta-carotene found in bladderwrack make it an ideal solution for someone trying to improve their vision. Beta-carotene is an antioxidant that directly neutralized free radicals in the eyes and cornea. Essentially, bladderwrack can help slow down macular degeneration and prevent the development of cataracts.
Reduced Inflammation
One of the other popular uses of bladderwrack over the years has been as an anti-inflammatory substance. Whether you are suffering from gout, arthritis, hemorrhoids, or skin irritation, bladderwrack can successfully neutralize the irritation, reduce swelling, and even relieve pain. The internal and external (topical) uses of bladderwrack are both useful approaches and are even better in conjunction, such as for sore muscles and joints.

Cancer Prevention
Fucoidan is a unique type of fiber that is found in high quantities within bladderwrack. Research has connected fucoidan with many health benefits, including lowering cholesterol, reducing blood sugar levels, and having anti-tumor effects. Essentially, one of the functions of fucoidan is to regulate a substance necessary for cell reproduction and growth. By slowing down that cell growth process, cancer proliferation can be reduced.
Improved Digestion
There are a number of different types of fiber found in bladderwrack, but one particularly important one is alginic acid, which relieves constipation and adds bulk to the bowels, promoting a smooth digestive process that is efficient in terms of nutrient uptake. Furthermore, this helps to relieve excess flatulence, bloating, cramping, and more serious conditions like gastric ulcers and colon cancer.
Heart Health
Research studies have linked bladderwrack with higher levels of HDL cholesterol (“good cholesterol”), meaning that this beneficial herb can help you prevent atherosclerosis and any other cholesterol-related affliction. This can help lower blood pressure, reduce your risk of strokes and heart attacks, and generally lessen the strain on your cardiovascular system.
Anti-aging Properties
There are many valuable minerals found in bladderwrack that can help to make the skin beautiful, but there are also powerful organic chemicals that can slow down the aging process. These antioxidants in bladderwrack keep the skin looking healthy and young, reduce age spots and blemishes, and lessen the appearance of wrinkles. Antioxidants can also boost skin elasticity, keeping you looking tight and toned well into your old age.
How helpful was this article, let us know in the comment box below.
Bladderwrack thrives in various parts of the world’s oceans. It is commonly found in Europe, the British Isles, and in the Baltic sea while it is also seen around North America’s eastern coast. I personally love the name ‘bladderwrack’ but it is also known around the world as red fucus, rockweed and black tang or by its botanical name ‘Fucus vesiculosus’.
Bladderwrack thrives best in shallow, sheltered inlets where there is little water movement and can be found in very large masses in some areas. For anybody that wants to do some collecting, bladderwrack is easy enough to identify by the paired air sacks seen on its midrib branches.
FACTS ABOUT BLADDERWRACK
*Bladderwrack was the original source of iodine used for medicinal reasons. It was discovered back in 1811 and used mainly to treat goiter – a swelling of the thyroid glands linked to iodine deficiency.
Other common names for bladderwrack are rockweed, black tang, black tany, sea oak, bladder fucus, red fucus, rock wrack and cut weed.
*Bladderwrack is distributed fairly widely. It can be found on North sea coasts, the Atlantic, the Pacific and the Baltic sea.
*Bladderwrack gives shelter to various marine species such as the tubeworm and various snails and isopods.
*Bladderwrack has anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF BLADDERWRACK
Thyroid Improvement
As mentioned above, bladderwrack was the original source of iodine back in the 19th century. Iodine is an important modulator of our thyroid gland and can ensure that our hormonal and metabolic activities are under control. Therefore, as a powerful source of iodine, bladderwrack has become associated with treating many types of thyroid disorders. Primarily, bladderwrack stimulates the thyroid gland to increase hormonal output.
FIBER CONTENT
Bladderwrack contains large amounts of a unique form of fiber called fucoidan. Fucoidan has been linked to a number of different health benefits including a reduction in cholesterol, reduced blood sugar and may even have anti-tumor effects.
Fucoidan helps to regulate the substance responsible for the reproduction if cells and their growth. In theory, fucoidan slows the growth of harmful cells meaning that it can hinder the proliferation of cancer.
Weight Loss
One of the other effects of bladderwrack is a heightened metabolism, which makes it easier to lose weight, as your body is working right along with you. Bladderwrack has been praised as a weight loss tool for generations and many people are starting to realize how beneficial it can be. When your body is working at a high level and burning off more fat, you also suppress the appetite, thereby preventing obesity and the other related health issues that come along with it.
Vision Health
The high levels of beta-carotene found in bladderwrack make it an ideal solution for someone trying to improve their vision. Beta-carotene is an antioxidant that directly neutralized free radicals in the eyes and cornea. Essentially, bladderwrack can help slow down macular degeneration and prevent the development of cataracts.
Reduced Inflammation
One of the other popular uses of bladderwrack over the years has been as an anti-inflammatory substance. Whether you are suffering from gout, arthritis, hemorrhoids, or skin irritation, bladderwrack can successfully neutralize the irritation, reduce swelling, and even relieve pain. The internal and external (topical) uses of bladderwrack are both useful approaches and are even better in conjunction, such as for sore muscles and joints.

Cancer Prevention
Fucoidan is a unique type of fiber that is found in high quantities within bladderwrack. Research has connected fucoidan with many health benefits, including lowering cholesterol, reducing blood sugar levels, and having anti-tumor effects. Essentially, one of the functions of fucoidan is to regulate a substance necessary for cell reproduction and growth. By slowing down that cell growth process, cancer proliferation can be reduced.
Improved Digestion
There are a number of different types of fiber found in bladderwrack, but one particularly important one is alginic acid, which relieves constipation and adds bulk to the bowels, promoting a smooth digestive process that is efficient in terms of nutrient uptake. Furthermore, this helps to relieve excess flatulence, bloating, cramping, and more serious conditions like gastric ulcers and colon cancer.
Heart Health
Research studies have linked bladderwrack with higher levels of HDL cholesterol (“good cholesterol”), meaning that this beneficial herb can help you prevent atherosclerosis and any other cholesterol-related affliction. This can help lower blood pressure, reduce your risk of strokes and heart attacks, and generally lessen the strain on your cardiovascular system.
Anti-aging Properties
There are many valuable minerals found in bladderwrack that can help to make the skin beautiful, but there are also powerful organic chemicals that can slow down the aging process. These antioxidants in bladderwrack keep the skin looking healthy and young, reduce age spots and blemishes, and lessen the appearance of wrinkles. Antioxidants can also boost skin elasticity, keeping you looking tight and toned well into your old age.
How helpful was this article, let us know in the comment box below.
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