Fucus (Fucus vesiculosus) is a very common alga in the British and Atlantic islands of America and northern Europe, belonging to the Fucaceae family. In the past it was used as a red dye and Virgilio recommended it against anemia.
Today, fucus is known for its laxative and slimming properties, and is widely used as an anti-cellulite. Let’s find out the characteristics and side effects of fucus.
Fucus: characteristics and properties
Fucus is an olive green seaweed with a thallus up to 2 meters long. On some laminae it presents some conceptacles, or swollen reproductive ones, rich in gelatinous substances in which the female or male gametes (anterozoids) are contained.
Thanks to the presence of alginic acid, polyphenols, vitamins, plant sterols and mineral salts (iodine in particular), fucus is able to stimulate the basal metabolism, promote thyroid function, fight cellulite and reduce overweight, favoring the sense of satiety.
Fucus is also used as a mechanical laxative, useful in case of constipation, and against gastroesophageal reflux, thanks to its anti-inflammatory action.
The side effects of Fucus
Fucus has no particular side effects and is generally well tolerated by the body, especially if taken in the doses and times recommended by specialists.
However, as it stimulates thyroid activity, excessive doses can lead to:
- tremors,
- insomnia,
- tachycardia,
- irritability,
- hypertension,
to cause transient hyperthyroidism.
It is therefore always good to consult a doctor before taking it, also to study possible interactions with other drugs or foods.
