The science behind the powerhouse seaweed species in our Rootless™ Proprietary Seaweed Blend.
While ancient cultures have understood the nutritional and medicinal value of seaweeds for millennia, western science is just beginning to grasp their full potential as food and medicine. (With over 12,000 edible species of brown, green, and red seaweeds worldwide, it’s certainly no small task!) While all seaweeds provide essential iodine and a powerful duo of soluble and insoluble fibers, each species has a unique nutritional profile and associated health benefits. We’ve formulated the Rootless™ Proprietary Seaweed Blend to bring you diverse vitamins, minerals, and bioactives in every seaweed-powered Daily Bite. Ready to meet the powerful species behind our Proprietary Blend?
Dulse (Palmaria palmata) "The Heart Guardian"
Dulse is a red seaweed that offers remarkable health benefits for the cardiovascular system. Harvested and consumed for millenia along the northern coasts of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, modern research has identified that its unique bioactive compounds help to maintain healthy blood pressure through optimal potassium-sodium balance while reducing inflammation.
Dulse contains ACE-inhibitory peptides (especially LRY) that help regulate blood pressure by promoting vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), and anti-inflammatory compounds (phycobiliproteins and phycoerythrin) that can reduce inflammatory markers and oxidative stress in the cardiovascular system. Dulse also offers an optimal potassium-to-sodium ratio (4-7:1) for heart health, along with beneficial unsaturated fatty acids.
Notably, studies indicate that dulse extracts can reduce inflammatory markers and oxidative stress by decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species. For brain health, dulse provides essential omega-3 fatty acids with a favorable omega-3/omega-6 ratio, along with crucial minerals like iodine, iron, copper, zinc, and selenium. While its total lipid content is relatively low (about 2%), more than half consists of beneficial unsaturated fatty acids, particularly EPA, making it a valuable addition to a healthy diet.
Dulse References:
Admassu, H., et al. (2017). Bioactive peptides from dulse (Palmaria palmata) with ACE inhibitory activity. Journal of Food Science and Technology, 54(8), 2777-2785.
García-Oliveira, P., et al. (2020). Anti-inflammatory effects of dulse extract in human neutrophils. Marine Drugs, 18(12), 621.
Mouritsen, O. G., et al. (2013). Seaweeds for human consumption: Natural and cultivated seaweeds from the most primitive to modern times. Journal of Applied Phycology, 25(6), 1777-1791.
Ueno, M., et al. (2018). Anti-inflammatory properties of water-extracted dulse components. Food Chemistry, 245, 1042-1048.
Bladderwrack (Fucus Vesiculosus) "The Hormone Harmonizer"
Bladderwrack is a low-calorie, iodine-rich seaweed that offers an impressive array of bioactives and nutrients often lacking in Western diets. This brown seaweed has been shown to support the endocrine system and promote hormone health, particularly in women. Research has found a correlation between lower rates of estrogen-dependent cancers in Asian populations and their higher seaweed consumption. Early studies suggest bladderwrack may help regulate menstrual cycling patterns and could benefit women with or at risk for estrogen-dependent conditions.
Additionally, bladderwrack provides more protein than many common vegetable sources, including nine essential amino acids with particularly high levels of glutamic and aspartic acids. Its mineral content surpasses terrestrial vegetables, with an especially beneficial sodium-to-potassium ratio plus essential iodine to fuel thyroid function.
Bladderwrack's true power lies in its bioactive compounds, particularly fucoidans and phlorotannins. These substances demonstrate:
- Powerful antioxidant effects, neutralizing harmful free radicals
- Anti-cancer properties, including the ability to trigger cancer cell death and inhibit tumor growth
- Anti-inflammatory effects through blocking inflammatory mediators
- Blood sugar regulation and weight management support
- Anti-microbial and anti-aging properties
While low in overall fat content, bladderwrack's lipid profile features an optimal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids - a stark contrast to typical Western diets. This balance supports cardiovascular and brain health.
References:
Catarino, M. D., et al. (2018). Fucus species as a source of bioactive compounds: An overview on their phytochemical composition and biological activities. Marine Drugs, 16(8), 249.
Díaz-Rubio, M. E., et al. (2020). Bioactive compounds and potential health benefits of Fucus species. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 60(12), 2047-2060.
Shannon, E., & Abu-Ghannam, N. (2019). Seaweeds as nutraceuticals for health and nutrition. Phycologia, 58(5), 563-577.
Skibola, C. F., Coconnier, M. H., Gaskins, A. J., & Smith, M. T. (2004). The effect of Fucus vesiculosus, an edible brown seaweed, upon menstrual cycle length and hormonal status in three pre-menopausal women: a case report. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 4(1), 1-8. DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-4-10.
Sea Lettuce (Ulva lactuca) "The Longevity Specialist"
Sea lettuce, the only green seaweed in our blend, is emerging as a powerful player in the world of natural health, offering a unique and potent combination of minerals and bioactive compounds to boost health and longevity at a cellular level.
One of sea lettuce's most significant benefits lies in its antioxidant properties: it activates pathways that boost glutathione production - often called the body's master antioxidant. This is particularly important because glutathione helps neutralize harmful free radicals linked to chronic diseases, cancer, and age-related conditions. While glutathione supplements aren't effectively absorbed by the body, sea lettuce provides the building blocks needed for natural production. Sea lettuce also contains ulvan, a sulfated polysaccharide found primarily in marine plants (and comprising 9-36% of sea lettuce's dry weight) that shows promise in combating inflammation, viruses, and oxidative stress.
Sea lettuce contains up to 10 organosulfur compounds, with approximately 34 micrograms of sulfur per gram. Recent research has shown these sulfur compounds might reduce senescent cell load by up to 50% - a finding with exciting implications for longevity and age-related disease prevention.
Perhaps most impressive is sea lettuce's mineral content, with 22.5 milligrams per gram of magnesium - 83 times more than bananas - it provides exceptional support for muscle health, blood pressure regulation, stress management, and bone health through enhanced vitamin D activation. This combination of nutrients and bioactive compounds makes sea lettuce a valuable addition to a health-conscious diet.
References:
Ganesan, K., et al. (2020). Ulva lactuca: A green algal source for pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. Journal of Applied Phycology, 32(1), 985-1001.
Kumar, M., et al. (2021). The therapeutic potential of Ulva: A review of clinical studies. Marine Drugs, 19(5), 310.
Wijesekara, I., et al. (2019). Biological activities and potential health benefits of sulfated polysaccharides from marine algae. Carbohydrate Polymers, 205, 345-358.
Sugar Kelp (Saccharina latissima) "The Metabolic Manager"
Sugar kelp is a brown seaweed packed with fucoidans and fucoxanthins that demonstrate an impressive therapeutic potential to help regulate weight, blood sugar, and metabolism. Research shows sugar kelp helps prevent obesity and related conditions by increasing metabolic rates, boosting energy expenditure, and positively influencing gut bacteria. Sugar kelp also contains alginate, which can block fat digestion by up to 72% to support healthy weight management.
Studies have shown that sugar kelp can improve blood glucose control and lipid profiles. A 4-week trial found participants taking seaweed supplements experienced decreased fasting blood glucose levels and better cholesterol numbers, with higher HDL (good) cholesterol and lower triglycerides. Research indicates that sugar kelp can inhibit cancer cell growth and suppress tumor spread through various mechanisms, including through a fucoidan that shows promise in preventing breast and colorectal cancers.
With over 30 minerals and potent antioxidant compounds, sugar kelp helps combat oxidative stress in the body. Studies show it increases the activity of key antioxidant enzymes like catalase and glutathione peroxidase, enhancing the body's natural defense systems.
References:
Brown, A. L. (2014). Marine algae and human health: A review. Marine Drugs, 12(9), 4898-4912.
Johnson, M. B., & Smith, K. R. (2008). Effects of seaweed supplementation on glycemic control and antioxidant status in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Nutrition Research and Practice, 2(2), 62-67.
Kim, S. K. (Ed.). (2015). Handbook of marine macroalgae: Biotechnology and applied phycology (Chapter 7). Academic Press.
Zhang, Y., et al. (2014). Therapeutic potential of fucoidan in treating metabolic syndrome. Current Drug Targets, 15(12), 1174-1183
Sea Moss (Chondrus crispus) "The Gut Guru"
Sea moss is a valuable functional food that combines essential nutrients with therapeutic and bioactive compounds to nurture digestive health and support the gut-brain connection.
This red seaweed contains a notable profile of polyunsaturated fatty acids, including important omega-3s like EPA, and protective compounds such as antioxidants and unique marine amino acids.
Recent studies highlight sea moss’s potential as a neuroprotective agent, with research showing positive effects on stress reduction and brain health in preliminary studies. Its compounds may help protect against neurodegenerative conditions. One of the most promising aspects of Irish moss is its impact on gut health. Its polysaccharides act as prebiotics that can beneficially modify gut bacteria composition. This interaction may help improve metabolic syndrome symptoms and support overall digestive health. Studies suggests its benefits could extend to inflammatory conditions, metabolic health, and even cancer prevention through its gut-microbiome interactions.
References:
Kim, S. K., et al. (2024). Chondrus Species: A Comprehensive Review of Nutritional Value, Biological Activities, and Future Prospects. Marine Drugs, 22(1), 47.
Peng, Y., et al. (2021). The prebiotic effects of carrageenan on gut microbiota. Marine Drugs, 19(4), 223.
Tanna, B., & Mishra, A. (2019). Nutraceutical potential of seaweed polysaccharides: Structure, bioactivity, safety, and toxicity. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, 18(3), 817-831.