The brown seaweeds contain significant levels of active anticancer agents, of which the polysaccharides - fucoidan particularly - and the soluble mineral iodine, have been the subject of international research during the past two decades (including Jang-Su Park et al., 2002; Teas et al., 2009; Eng-Guan Chua et al., 2015)
Several studies have reported that high blood counts of estradiol increase the risk of breast cancer and the recurrence of breast cancer, and that brown seaweed in the traditional Japanese diet may explain the low incidence of breast cancer there.
Consumption of brown seaweed has been shown to favourably change estrogen and phytoestrogen metabolism in healthy postmenopausal women (Teas, 2009).
The polysaccharides in particular seaweeds have been shown to inhibit the growth of tumours and the cellular adhesion of cancer forming bacteria.
Caduceus has published two features on the possible benefits of iodine in cancer prevention and treatment, written by Donald W. Miller, Jr, MD, Professor of Surgery at the University of Washington, Seattle (Issue 75, 2008) and by Dr David Brownstein, MD, Medical Director for the Centre for Holistic Medicine in West Bloomfield, Michigan (Issue 92, 2016).
Seagreens® nutrition products are in wide use among cancer centres and patients in the British Isles and North America, but current regulations prevent any more detailed mention of their use in dietary or therapeutic protocols.
Research at Newcastle University (2012) found Seagreens® to have levels of antioxidants, previously unknown, which behave as free radical scavengers.
A high antioxidant tea and tonic using Seagreens® Pelvetia species, lemons and ginger, were devised by Dr Jane Jamieson in Edinburgh, for use in cancer management.
To conclude, based not on anecdotal evidence but on the indications of research to date, Seagreens® can be said to be of possible nutritional benefit in all cases of cancer, and a high level of intake is especially recommended during all forms of treatment.
Excerpts from "Cancer Management with Seagreens®" published by Seagreens Ltd, 1 The Warren, Handcross, West Sussex RH17 6DX, Great Britain. Administered in the interests of our Partners and customers by Seagreens Trust.
The full publication and the Teas breast cancer study can be obtained by emailing me at liz@seaperia.com.au