Question
Question: Sea weeds are an important source of: (A) Iron (B) Chlorine (C) Iodine (D) Bromine...
Sea weeds are an important source of:
(A) Iron
(B) Chlorine
(C) Iodine
(D) Bromine
Solution
Sea weed is a microalgae, growing in seas and oceans. Seaweeds belong to three different phylums that are phaeophyceae (brown algae), Chlorophyceae (green algae) and Rhodophyceae (red algae). Seaweed is eaten as a food by the people of China, Japan, torea, etc.
Complete step by step answer:
Seaweed is found at the bottom of the sea anchored with rootlike structures known as holdfasts.
Seaweeds are used in the food industry commonly as a gelling agent. For example Agar, it is used in beverages, desserts, meat, etc. Seaweed is also used in diet pills to make the stomach feel more full for a long time.
Seaweed is commonly consumed because it is an important source of iodine. It has a unique property to absorb the iodine from the sea. Kelp, a type of seaweed is considered as the best source of iodine. It is helpful for the patients suffering from thyroid problems.
As we must know, iodine is very important for the production of thyroxine hormone from thyroid gland, which is essential for growth, reproduction, energy production, etc. inside the body. But if the amount of iodine in our diet is low, it leads to various problems associated with the thyroid gland, known as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
Such patients are recommended the intake of seaweeds for the proper intake of iodine and regulated functioning of thyroid gland.
Hence, the correct option is C i.e Iodine.
Note:
Vitamins such as A, C, K and E along with the minerals like zinc, calcium, sodium, etc.
Spirulina, a seaweed is also used to produce SCP (single cell protein) for the good health and nourishment of the body.