Himanthalia elongata

What is Himanthalia elongata?

Himanthalia elongata, also known as sea spaghetti, is a type of brown seaweed that is commonly found in the Atlantic Ocean, particularly along the coasts of Europe and North America. It has long, ribbon-like fronds that can grow up to 2 meters in length, and it is attached to rocks and other substrates by a holdfast.

Where does Himanthalia elongata occur?

Himanthalia elongata, commonly known as sea spaghetti, is a brown seaweed that is found in the Atlantic Ocean, particularly along the coasts of Europe and North America. It is commonly found in intertidal zones and in shallow subtidal waters, where it is attached to rocks and other hard substrates by its holdfast.

In Europe, Himanthalia elongata can be found along the coasts of the North Atlantic, from Scandinavia to the Iberian Peninsula, and in the western Mediterranean. It is also found in the British Isles, particularly along the western and northern coasts of Scotland and Ireland, where it is commonly harvested for its culinary and nutritional properties.

In North America, Himanthalia elongata can be found along the coasts of Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, as well as in Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada. It is less common on the North American coast than in Europe, and is not as widely harvested for human consumption.

What can Himanthalia elongata be used for?

Himanthalia elongata, also known as sea spaghetti is an edible seaweed that is used in a variety of dishes such as salads, soups, and stir-fries. It has a mild, slightly salty flavor and a crunchy texture, and is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Himanthalia elongata is rich in vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron, and iodine, and is sometimes used as a nutritional supplement.

Extracts from Himanthalia elongata are used in cosmetics and personal care products for their moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. It can be found in products such as moisturizers, lotions, and serums.

Himanthalia elongata can also be used for bioremediation, which is the process of using living organisms to remove pollutants from the environment. It has the ability to absorb heavy metals and other pollutants from seawater, and can be used to clean up contaminated areas.

Himanthalia elongata can be used as a fertilizer for plants due to its high nutrient content. Itcan also be used as a feed supplement for animals, particularly for aquaculture species such as abalone and sea urchins.

What can Himanthalia elongata extract be used for?

Himanthalia elongata, commonly known as sea spaghetti, is a type of brown seaweed that has many potential applications due to its unique bioactive compounds. Extracts from this seaweed have been studied for their potential use in a variety of fields, including skincare, hair care, wound healing, and even cancer treatment.

One potential use of Himanthalia elongata extract is in skincare products. It has been found to have moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to soothe and hydrate the skin. It could also reduce redness and irritation, making it a potentially useful ingredient in creams, lotions, and serums.

Himanthalia elongata extract may also have applications in hair care. It could help to condition and strengthen hair, and may even have anti-dandruff properties. Additionally, it has been shown to have potential wound-healing properties, possibly due to its high levels of sulfated polysaccharides. This could make it a valuable ingredient in wound dressings or other medical applications.

Finally, Himanthalia elongata extract is a rich source of antioxidants, which may help to protect the body against oxidative stress and damage from free radicals. While more research is needed to fully understand the potential health benefits of this seaweed, the range of bioactive compounds present in Himanthalia elongata extract make it a promising area for further study.

Typical applications

Himanthalia elongata, also known as “thongweed”, is a brown alga that occurs in colder waters such as the North Sea, Baltic Sea and the Atlantic Ocean near the coast.

Himanthalia elongata is probably best known as a food, because of its appearance it is also known and eaten as sea spaghetti in France and Ireland.
Apart from its relevance as a whole food, it also plays a role as an ingredient. In some meat products it is added as a binding and gelling agent.
Antimicrobial properties have also been identified which may make it possible to extend the shelf life of products.

But the possible applications of thongweed extend beyond its use as a delicacy. Himanthalia contains many nutrients and Vitamins, including Vitamin A, C and E as well as Potassium, Magnesium and Calcium.

In the field of cosmetics, Himanthalia elongata is valued for its moisturising properties and its antioxidant effect, which protects the skin from external influences. Moreover, its thickening properties may be beneficial in the formulation of creams.
Zelens, for example, have developed an anti-aging cream that takes advantage of the many positive properties of thongweed.

The powder is commonly used for food and dietary supplements.

This product is available in the following forms: Himanthalia elongata powder, Himanthalia elongata flakes, dried raw Himanthalia elongata algae or fresh Himanthalia elongata algae.This product is also available as a non-organic variant.