There 's been acai , kale , chia , and goji berries . But another obscure superfood new on the market in Australia is being heralded for its multiple health and beauty benefits , which include aiding in weight loss , slowing down cellular ageing , energy boosting , reducing skin conditions such as eczema , and giving a glowing complexion . While superfoods from the sea are nothing new , brown algae is being called superior due to its high levels of protein and fibre . Victoria Beckham , Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow are among the stars said to have adopted brown algae into their lives and their bodies . Britney Spears is also a fan and reportedly even eats it raw . Stars ' secret weapon : Victoria Beckham ( left ) and Gwyneth Paltrow ( right ) are reported to be among brown algae 's celebrity fans . Slimy superfood : Many are using brown algae as an alternative to green algae due to its reportedly superior health benefits that include aiding in weight loss , slowing down cellular ageing , and helping skin conditions . Algae is any plant based organism that grows in water . So , when you ’ re talking about seaweed , you ’ re talking about algae . Spirulina lacks the same levels of fibre and is harvested from farms , leaving it open to possible contamination . Brown algae is most familiar to people as kelp and is especially common in the cold clean waters of the Northern Hemisphere where it is sustainably harvested . But how can this superfood help you lose weight ? In one word , iodine . Iodine is a crucial element in weight loss as it regulates the thyroid gland , a gland in your neck that hormones can either wreck havoc or cause balance in our bodies . Natural benefits : Brown algae has a high concentration of iodine , one gram is reportedly equivalent to 50 times the recommended daily intake . Most Australians have an acute deficiency in Iodine because we don ’ t eat enough wild fish , seaweed or algae . This means a lot of Australians suffer hyperthyroidism or under stimulated thyroids leading to unnatural weight gain . Now , brown algae has an extraordinarily high concentration of iodine , one gram is reportedly equivalent to 50 times the recommended daily intake . Because of our natural iodine deficiency , it ’ s argued that increasing your consumption can increase your metabolic rate and in turn help you burn more calories . When it ’ s fresh it is slimy seaweed , and for this reason it is often dried , powered and consumed in capsule or shake form . Some recommend trying it with rice milk . It reportedly contains unique antioxidants and fibres that have been linked to emerging studies that show anti-cancer , anti-viral and anti-bacterial benefits as well as promoting anti-senescence which is the process of slowing down cellular ageing . Drink it down : As consuming slimy seaweed can be less than palatable , it is often dried and powdered . Divinita arrived on Australian shelves in November . Brown algae is also high in other nutrients like calcium , potassium , magnesium , iron , chromium , copper , selenium and zinc and many B-vitamins . Professor Peer Schneck from Queensland University ’ s School of Agriculture and Food Sciences said his research shows that brown algae seaweed is more rich in antioxidants than acai berry and contain more vitamins that tomatoes and pumpkins . ' It also keeps you feeling fuller for longer . ‘ It comprises more protein than eggs and has a low GI , ' said Professor Schneck . 'This is particularly important because it allows the body to slowly digest the contents which may help with the feeling of satiety and allow for better absorption . ’
New super food has gained attention for its health benefits . Brown algae is reported to be superior to Spirulina due to its high fibre . Victoria Beckham , Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow are said to be fans . Comment: Other benefits include reducing cellulite and helping skin conditions .