There is no doubt that seaweed is good for your body, both inside and out. Due to its high content of vitamins and minerals, seaweed can benefit your body when eaten or bathed in (don’t forget that your skin is your body’s largest organ).

While seaweed has gradually increased in popularity over the years due to its endless health benefits, in the wake of the recent disaster in Japan, it has gained new notoriety. In fact, news agencies are reporting that retailers (especially in Asia) are having a hard time keeping seaweed on their shelves and demand is at an all time high to protect consumers against radiation. So what is the buzz all about – does seaweed really protect your body against radiation?

The simple answer is yes; seaweed can help fight off radiation poisoning and aid in detoxification. Seaweed is an excellent source of natural iodine, which protects the thyroid from radioactive iodine-131 that can accumulate in the thyroid and lead to thyroid cancer.

According to natural health expert Dr. Linda Page,

“Seaweeds purify all the world’s oceans–they can do the same for your body. Seaweeds like kelp, dulse and Irish moss can protect us from a wide range of toxic elements in the environment, including radiation by-products, converting them into harmless salts that our bodies can eliminate. Natural iodine in seaweeds can reduce by almost 80% radioactive iodine-131 that is absorbed by the thyroid. Seaweeds are so effective that even the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission recommends that people consume two to three ounces of seaweeds a week…for maximum protection against radiation poisoning.

Although seaweeds contain the compounds that directly counteract radiation, most researchers believe that they also have value in boosting the body’s immune system so it can fight radiation poisoning itself.”

It is important to remember that the amount of iodine in a particular seaweed product, and therefore its beneficial effects against radiation, depend on the particular product and its iodine content.

If you live in the United States, there is no need to rush out to your local store; experts say that the United States is unlikely to experience any major health concerns or radiation exposure as a result of the nuclear disaster in Japan. Nonetheless, many Americans are still stocking up on seaweed and iodine tablets across the country.

Here are a few articles about the spike in seaweed sales:

http://www.baycitizen.org/blogs/pulse-of-the-bay/radiation-fears-prompt-seaweed-sellouts/

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/kelp_yourself_to_some_seaweed_8AjIrHnDzHL5ygIUCdRKTL

http://www.wcsh6.com/news/article/153656/2/Japan-crisis-boosts-business-for-Maine-company