Could Seaweed Make You Skinny?

With summer approaching fast, many of us are desperate to shed those extra winter pounds and reappear with the type of lithe, toned body that Gisele – The body - would be envious of.

It is obvious, that dieting can be a difficult process, with constant temptations and the miserability faced when challenged with offers of our favourite foods. Summer treats such as ice cream, pinot grigio and barbecues can be forgotten about if we’re serious about squeezing into those bikini bottoms any time soon.

We can almost see the pain flutter across our fellow friends and colleagues’ faces when faced with the delicious opportunity of satisfying foods such as these are presented upon us.It would take a willpower made of steel to not be merely tempted by such enticing luxuries.

Deprivation is also one of the key aspects that make many people fall off the diet bandwagon. However thanks to experts, dieting could soon be a thing of the past. Scientists have recently discovered the secret could lie within seaweed.

The nutritious green stuff isn’t quite as appealing as a slice of cheesecake, however is said to contain alginate – a fibre found in sea kelp, which is often taken in a tablet form to help slimmer’s lose weight.

Super-slim model Alex Curran was recently spotted by paparazzi with a box of sea kelp diet pills in hand and many slimmers have been using kelp for years to try and shed pounds.

Experts have found that the fibre found in seaweed works by reducing fat intake by more than 75 per cent, meaning three quarters of the fat in a meal could simply pass through the body.

The discovery made by Newcastle University researchers could lead to a breakthrough in the attempt to tackle obesity, and scientists are adding seaweed fibre to bread, biscuits and yogurts to see if they can develop foods which can help you lose weight.

With this new discovery, the Hobnob diet could be the start of something revolutionary. Seaweed is not only slimming, it also is one of the richest sources of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, B1, B2, BC, Vitamin C, B12 - not to mention folic acid and fibre.

Whilst seaweed is not so popular in Britain, it is often utilised in Asian cuisine. Perhaps this could explain why obesity is rare within Asian culture. Sushi anyone?

How to get your seaweed fix

• Japanese foods such as sushi and noodle bowls often contain seaweed which also adds flavour to a meal.
• Miso soup is very low in calories and contains seaweed.
• Add some to the blender for a healthy veggie juice.
• Sprinkle seaweed on salads.
• Create your own by hunting for seaweed recipes online.

Benefits of Seaweed

• Alginate in seaweed boosts fibre content.
• Boosts metabolism so your body burns more calories.
• Can help to feed hair shafts and ducts of scalp for glossy, thick hair.
• Regulates hormones in the body.
• Seaweed is said to give a youthful skin colour, ensuring you are glowing.
• Contains lots of vitamins and minerals, helping to boost energy, immune system and a healthy body.
• Contains calcium and magnesium which are both great for healthy teeth and bones.
• Seaweed can even help reduce cellulite and is often found in cellulite creams as an ingredient.