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Algae & Seaweed

Nori, wakame, kelp and spirulina bring minerals from the sea — most notably iodine, which can be hard to get on a plant-based diet.

Vegetables from the sea

Seaweeds like nori, wakame, dulse and kelp, and microalgae like spirulina and chlorella, contain minerals that are rare in land plants.

Iodine — friend and foe

Seaweed is a natural source of iodine, which your thyroid needs. But the amount varies enormously: kelp (kombu) can contain so much that a single serving exceeds a safe daily limit. Enjoy nori and wakame in normal amounts, and go easy on kelp and seaweed supplements.

A note on B12

Seaweeds and spirulina are not reliable sources of vitamin B12 — they mostly contain inactive look-alikes. See Vitamin B12.

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Written with AI assistance.