Whether you wrap it around tuna or around your skin, seaweed enlivens, revitalizes, and enhances the mind and body. The University of South Carolina Cancer Center, as well as other research facilities around the globe, confirms the benefits of these ocean-dwelling plants.

Sharon Durocher, of Atlantis Spa at the Ocean Sands Club, says the “seaweed wrap” is a favorite of her customers. “Seaweed is an excellent antioxidant. It naturally exfoliates and hydrates the skin, which removes dead skin cells and smoothes [its] surface.” Jeff Poms, of New Life Natural Foods in Myrtle Beach, couldn’t agree more. “Raw seaweed is available by the bag and is a great addition to salads or any recipe that calls for a green, leafy vegetable. Liquid and powdered forms are also available, which can be used in energy drinks or added to your favorite beverage.”

A staple of Japanese cuisine, nori is rich in iron and iodine, as well as a good source of protein, vitamins A and C, potassium, magnesium, and riboflavin, and its mineral content improves the growth and health of hair. Wakami is a type of kelp used in miso soup and stews. It contains alginate, which has anti-obesity properties that help to prevent the body from absorbing fat. “Sea spaghetti,” which, as the name implies, can be eaten like pasta, is a sea vegetable used to cleanse the body of toxic pollutants. It is abundant in alginic acid, which binds with heavy metals, such as mercury or lead, in the intestines to help eliminate them from the body.

No matter from your favorite sushi stop, weekly spa treatment, or natural foods store, seaweed feeds like no other.