What are seaweeds? What are the features of seaweeds?« Back to Questions List

Seaweeds are actually algae. Rockweed, kelp, sea lettuce and dulse are all well-known seaweeds. More than 25000 species of plants are classified as algae. Sea weeds are consumed in many European societies. Although many of the large, familiar seaweeds are shades of brown, there may be yellow, purple, pink and deep violet. 

Seaweeds come in all shapes and sizes. Seaweeds around the world are a diverse and varied group. Most have a root like holdfasts at their bases, which enable them to cling to rocks and other surfaces and so withstand pounding surf and changing tides. The branching fronds of some, like rockweed are subdivided into segments resembling true leaves, and many are equipped with air bladders that keep the fronds afloat.
 
Irish moss grows in tough, leathery clumps up to 6 inches high. Rockweed grows to 36 inches long and is equipped with air bladders for floatation. Edible seaweeds are algae that can be eaten and used in the preparation of food. They may belong to one of the several groups of multi cellular algae – red algae, green algae and brown algae. Most edible seaweeds are marine algae while freshwater algae are  toxic. The deepest living sea weeds are some species of red algae.

Seaweed is a source of iodine. It also helps to improve the digestion activity. Different sea weeds are known to have different health benefits. They are even taken after a brief illness as they are found to be rich in essential minerals and vitamins.

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