Tag: Seaweed digestion

Up to 75% of seaweed's dry weight is composed of dietary fiber, a fact that both aids digestion and raises questions about potential discomfort. This unique composition leads many to wonder: is seaweed easy on your stomach, or could it cause issues for sensitive digestive systems?

According to a 2022 study in *Cell Host & Microbe*, genes for digesting edible seaweed have transferred to human gut bacteria through repeated events. While this suggests some adaptation, most people still find seaweed hard to digest due to its specialized marine polysaccharides.

According to a 2022 study, genetic transfer has equipped certain human gut bacteria with the ability to break down seaweed polysaccharides, making it more digestible for some individuals. This discovery helps answer the popular question: can humans digest seaweed salad?