As Japanese cuisine has become well-known and popular in the United States, many of us have learned that seaweed, one of the staples of Japanese cooking, is a very healthy food, rich in vitamins and minerals. What you may not have heard, though, is that a specific nutrient found in certain types of seaweed has been shown to have many truly amazing health benefits.
Brown seaweed, of which limu moui is one type, is rich in a compound called fucoidan. Over 760 research studies have been done indicating a variety of potential health benefits of fucoidan. Here are just a few examples:
A study at Keio University School of Medicine Japan showed that fucoidan induced apoptosis in human lymphoma cells - that means it actually caused cancer cells to die off instead of multiplying.
A study at Kangwon National University College of Medicine in Korea showed that fucoidan inhibited growth of plasmodium parasite, the organism that causes malaria.
A study at Suntory Institute for Biomedical Research showed fucoidan to be useful in countering the effects of allergies and chronic inflammatory diseases.
A study at Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Brazil, demonstrated antibiotic properties of the seaweed derivative.
A study at the College of Applied Life Sciences, Cheju National University in Korea showed that fucoidan supports immune function.
In fact, the molecular structure of fucoidan is similar to that of human breast milk, which is known to be beneficial for the development of the immune system.
Not everyone likes to eat seaweed, though. Fortunately, this incredible substance is available in a delicious drink. Original Limu contains 83 percent limu (brown seaweed) harvested from the waters off the coast of Tonga. It is blended with papaya, mango, pear, and apple, making it naturally delicious without the need for added sugar or artificial sweeteners. Just two to four ounces per day will provide you with the remarkable health benefits of fucoidan. You can even mix it with other juices, or with any hot or cold beverage. (It is not recommended to take it along with coffee, however.)