Laminaria

This brown seaweed reaches 3-4 meters in length and adheres to rocks thanks to haptera, which act like tiny suction cups. It is found in abundance along coastlines in the English Channel and north Atlantic. Discovered accidentally in Scotland in the 1980s, it is known now for being a source of alginic acid which has gel-like properties. This acid is also widely used in food prep (puddings, icing, creams, cheeses or bakery items) as well as in cosmetic products. In the body, laminaria stimulates metabolism and the removal of waste. It is thought to have slimming benefits and anti-inflammatory properties.