Seaweed for Brain Health & Nutritional Food Poverty | Seagreens®

When we think of food poverty, most of us picture droughts or famines. But here in the 2020s, there’s a new kind of food poverty that doesn’t always look like hunger — it’s hidden in the nutritional quality of our food.

Even if our plates are full, the food we eat today often contains fewer nutrients than it once did. Soils are depleted, farming is industrialised, and supermarket shelves are filled with ultra-processed foods that are high in salt, sugar, and fat — but low in real nutrition.

This shift has serious consequences.

The hidden cost of poor nutrition

• Children on nutrient-poor diets face measurable impacts on memory, mood, and learning, while also being set up for long-term risks like obesity.
• Adults on high-fat, low-nutrient diets have shown slower recall, weaker concentration, and reduced processing speed in clinical studies.
• And globally, this “silent malnutrition” is linked to rising rates of cardiovascular disease, inflammatory conditions, and even cognitive decline.

It’s not just about calories anymore — it’s about nutrients.

The role of Omega fats and polyphenols

Research highlights two key factors for brain and body health:

• A better balance of Omega 3 to Omega 6: Too much Omega 6 (common in modern diets) compared to Omega 3 is linked to heart disease, inflammation, and cancer risk.
• Polyphenols: These plant compounds support brain function, reduce inflammation, and protect cells from damage.

Foods like fish, berries, and nuts are good sources — but one of the best all-rounders is seaweed.

Why seaweed stands out

Unlike isolated supplements, seaweed is a whole food, packed with:

• Omega 3 and 6 in the right balance
• High levels of polyphenols
• 60+ minerals and trace elements
• Antioxidants that protect the brain and support the gut-brain connection

Researchers call it “a boundless opportunity for brain health” when produced to high standards. And that’s exactly what Seagreens® seaweed delivers.

Not all seaweeds are equal

At Seagreens, we produce seaweed under strict Nutritious Food Seaweed standards, certified by the Biodynamic Association. This means every batch has a minimum nutritional profile you can rely on — no marketing tricks, just proven food-based nutrition.

Our Seagreens® Food Granules are an easy way to get that daily nutritional boost — just a teaspoon a day is enough to make a difference.

A simple step with a big impact

Adding a little seaweed to your diet every day is a powerful step towards protecting your brain, body, and long-term wellbeing. In a world where food poverty is no longer just about hunger, seaweed might just be the missing link we all need.

Blog post by Geoff Hurst, Seagreens UK, edited for Australians by Liz.

Further Reading

• Obesity, inflammation, and brain function – Miller & Spencer, Brain Behav Immun (2014)
• High-fat diet and cognitive performance – Holloway et al., Am J Clin Nutr (2011)
• Omega-3 vs Omega-6 balance – Simopoulos, Biomed Pharmacother (2002)
  
• Consumption of seaweeds and the human brain – Cornish et al., J Appl Phycol (2016)