The Advantages & Disadvantages of Algae

Nutrient Content
Potential Health Benefits
Potential Side Effects
Other Considerations and Risks

Written by Jessica Bruso

27 July, 2017

Fact Checked

Algae refers to a variety of plantlike organisms that live in water, including the blue-green algae spirulina, seaweeds like kelp and wakame, and brown algae like laminaria, or kombu 3 8. These sea vegetables provide some essential nutrients and may have some health benefits, but there are also some potential risks, especially if you consume them in large amounts.

Nutrient Content

Different types of algae offer slightly different nutritional value. Dried algae is a more concentrated source of nutrients, as raw algae is about 80 percent water, compared to less than 5 percent water in dried algae. Algae may even help fight malnutrition, according to a July 2010 article on the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization website. The algae spirulina provides the beta carotene, iron and protein that are often lacking in some people's diets.

Different types of algae offer slightly different nutritional value.
The algae spirulina provides the beta carotene, iron and protein that are often lacking in some people's diets.

Potential Health Benefits

Side Effects of Limu

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It may also have a protective effect on your neurons and your brain, notes another review article published in Advances in Food and Nutrition Research in 2011.

This research is still preliminary, however, and further studies are necessary to verify any potential benefits of algae.

Potential Side Effects

Some people may be allergic to algae and experience the symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as rash, difficulty breathing, swelling and anaphylaxis. Other potential side effects include goiter, skin reactions and gastrointestinal effects. Some types of dried seaweed are high in iodine, which could cause an increase in the amount of thyroid-stimulating hormone in your body and give your skin a yellow tint or cause a skin outbreak that looks like acne if you consume them in large amounts. Pregnant women should avoid the brown algae laminaria, as it may dilate the cervix, resulting in preterm labor 8.

Some people may be allergic to algae and experience the symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as rash, difficulty breathing, swelling and anaphylaxis.