Seaweed has very rich mineral elements which comprise 36% of its dry mass. These include sodium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, chlorine, sulphur and phosphorus, whereas the trace elements are iodine, iron, zinc, copper, selenium, molybdenum, fluorine, manganese, boron, nickel and cobalt. Among the many mineral elements contained in seaweed, iodine deserves a special mention, as the iodine content of seaweed is particularly high, allowing seaweed to serve as a source of iodine, helping to fulfil one's Daily Recommended Intake of iodine. Among the various types of seaweed, brown algae contain the highest levels of iodine content. In most cases, red and green algae contain lower iodine content levels than brown algae. However, it is still much higher than any land-based plant. A lack of iodine in the human body will lead to the abnormal functioning of the thyroid gland, as it uses iodine to synthesise the thyroid hormone.

Aside from iodine, seaweed is the richest plant source of calcium. Calcium is required for the formation of human skeletal and dental components as well as to maintain the normal function of the cell membrane. It is also important to maintain a regular intake of calcium, as the human body loses calcium everyday through various functions. The replenishment of the lost calcium is especially important during a child's growing stage. Certain types of seaweed contain large amounts of magnesium, which helps to relieve stress and prevent heart diseases caused by tension.

Seaweed also contains copper, which is associated

with the absorption of iron into the body. However, an overdose of copper, zinc and manganese in human body can cause toxicity and lead to liver damage. Research indicates that manganese, blood glucose levels and the occurrence of epilepsy are interrelated. The facts above state that a balance of mineral levels and the occurrence of epilepsy are interrelated. The facts above state that a

balance of mineral elements in our body is an important factor in maintaining a healthy body. Therefore, we must maintain an appropriate level of major and trace elements in our bodies. Daily consumption of seaweed may replenish a variety of inorganic elements in our body.

The protein content in seaweed is slightly different in the varying types of algae. Brown algae have 5-11% of their dry mass as protein while red algae have 30-40% of their dry mass as protein. This content is almost equivalent to the protein content in legumes. Besides, the protein content of green algae is as high as 20% of their dry mass. Spirulina and micro-algae are well-known to contain high protein contents up to 70% of their dry mass.

The vitamins that are contained within seaweed are carotenoids, vitamin B1, B2, B12 and vitamin C. The fat content of algae is low, ranging from 1-5% of their dry mass, but their essential fatty acids levels are still higher than terrestrial plants. Green algae are rich in oleic acid and a-linoleic acid. Seaweed has high fibre content, about 32-50% of its dry mass. Research shows that seaweed fibre has properties including antioxidant, anti-mutation, anti-coagulation, anti-tumor agents as well as agents that enhance human lipid metabolism. The soluble fibre in green and red algae is about 51-56% of the total fibre content whereas the amount in brown algae is about 67-87% of the total fibre content. Generally, soluble fibres have cholesterol-lowering and hypoglycemic effects.