Laminaria is the Asian health secret.

The Arkhangelsk Seaweed Factory collects two types of seaweed – Laminaria saccharina and Laminaria digitata. The collection happens from June to September. Twice a day, workers go out to sea with scythes on long handles. With these tools, it is easy to cut seaweed or wrap it, like spaghetti, from the very bottom of the sea. Then the collection is dried and delivered to the workshops of the factory.

The first type of laminaria is large greenish-brown plants. They can be found at a depth of 1.5 to 6 m. In texture, they are similar to corrugated paper. They are 4–6 m long. These giant ribbons are difficult to associate with jars of laminaria, isn’t it? But that’s what it is! Laminaria saccharina is collected to be eaten.

Laminaria digitata has the part “digitata” in it for a reason. It resembles a dark green hand with long digits. It grows 10–12 m deeper underwater than the first type mentioned earlier. This seaweed does not exceed 70–160 cm. This type is smaller than Laminaria saccharina in size, but not in value. It is used in medicines and dietary supplements. Also, this seaweed’s extracts play a technical role in varnishes and polishes, resins, and perfumes.

Why is this laminaria so valued? Both types of seaweed contain 70 elements of the periodic table, which they absorb from the environment. It is interesting that the concentration of some elements in seaweed is sometimes 10s and sometimes 1000s times higher than in seawater.

• By the amount of iodine, laminaria is a champion among seaweed. One serving of laminaria salad (70-100 g) contains a daily dose of iodine for an adult. Iodine is needed for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. Which is an important multifunctional organ: it supports the ability to bear children, is responsible for the growth and development of tissues, it regulates mental health, and controls metabolism.
• Alginic acids and salts are extracted from laminaria. These substances are natural enterosorbents. This means that they remove the waste from the body: they bind and draw out toxins, radionuclides, heavy metals. This feature is relevant for city dwellers. Furthermore, alginates regulate cholesterol levels. So, they prevent the development of atherosclerosis - one of the most common diseases of the older generation.
• Mannitol is extracted from seaweed. It can be found in pills and antiseptic powders. In the European Union countries, mannitol was approved as a sugar substitute, safe for children and pregnant women. In cosmetics, this component works as an antioxidant: relieves swelling, retains moisture, and helps with the texture of products.
  
• Kelp contains precious vitamins A, C, D, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, K, PP, folic and pantothenic acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids Omega-3. They maintain the health of skin, bones, joints, teeth, blood vessels, and vision.
  

As you can see, Laminaria digitata and Laminaria saccharina are real gifts of the sea – balanced natural complexes of vitamins and minerals. The microelements in these two types of seaweed are parts of organic compounds, which are better absorbed by human bodies. That is why laminaria is essential to your diet. Especially, if you live far from sea, in a harsh climate, and under the influence of harmful environmental factors.