Researchers studied the remains of 74 ancient humans from various sites in Northern Scotland and southern Spain. The analysis proved the widespread use of seaweed as well as freshwater flora. Scientists also found that these plants remained a sought-after product on the European continent even in the early Middle Ages.
Europeans have appreciated the nutritional value of algae for a long time. Ancient documents mention laws on the collection of aquatic vegetation as early as the 10th century. Seaweed was also used by Roman sailors as a remedy for scurvy. In the XVIII century it was eaten by the poor, which was even reflected in Irish folk songs.
