Its name sounds strange and microbial, but what is laminaria and does it help get rid of man boobs?
Laminaria is a type of brown algae or kelp that grows in oceans. There are 31 species; all are rich in iodine and a good source of iron and potassium. Other components of it include trace minerals and elements such as phosphorous, cobalt, zinc, iron, bromine, magnesium, nitrogen, manganese, sulfur. It also has vitamins such as B1, B2, E, B12, D, and A. It is also a good source of dietary fiber.
Although there are concerns about the safety of laminaria, it has many uses in different areas such as manufacturing, food, cosmetics, and medicine.
During the 18th century, the species Laminaria Digitata was traditionally used as fertilizer and a source of potash for the production of glass. And in the 19th century it was used as a source of iodine. As of the present, laminaria is still used an organic fertilizer, but is also used a source of aliginic acid or aligin, which is used in the manufacturing of toothpaste, cosmetics, and in the food industry as a binding, thickening, and moulding agent.
In obstetrics, a tube or rod of dried laminaria can be used in dilating the cervix to induce labor and delivery. The laminaria is inserted into the cervix and over a course of a few hours; it slowly absorbs water and expands, dilating the cervix.
Due to its absorptive capability, it can also be used as a bulk laxative for constipation. The laminaria absorbs water from within to form a bulky mass. laminaria is also shown to increase satiety, contributing to weight loss.
Because of its high iodine content, laminaria can also help treat iodine deficiency. Extracts of it have been used for problems that arise from low iodine levels like hypothyroidism, goiter, and cretinism. However, it is best to consult a physician first before taking any laminaria extract, as there are cases where ingestion of laminaria, especially large amounts of it, resulted in adverse effects such as acne, diarrhea, nausea, upset stomach, and hyperthyroidism. The average laminaria supplement might contain at least 1000 mcg of iodine. Consumption of more than 150 mcg in a day may cause a normal thyroid to undergo either an underactive or overactive state.
The high potassium content of laminaria can also cause hyperkalemia, a condition in which the body has excessively high potassium levels. Hyperkalemia can be fatal if left untreated as it might cause irregular heartbeat which can lead to cardiac arrest. There are also traces of arsenic found in some lamninaria products, a chemical which is considered poisonous.
Laminaria on its own doesn’t have many or potent weight loss capabilities. Although it can increase satiety and absorb excess water, it doesn’t have any thermogenic or fat burning properties that might otherwise contribute to the knowledge of what is laminaria and does it help get rid of man boobs. Also, its high iodine and potassium levels present a risk for those seeking a regular supplement, as the consumption of laminaria might cause serious health problems for them.
Overall, with this information as to what is laminaria and does it help get rid of man boobs, one can see that it’s not among the safest or most advisable supplements out there.
Share this:
