Seaweeds have long served a multiplicity of purposes for man. Mediterranean seaweeds were employed as fodder and as herbal medicine in ancient Greece and Rome. Reports indicate that they may have been used even earlier in China and Japan. Today, seaweeds are used for food, cosmetics, soaps and a wide range of other products. Some Fucus seaweed species are especially popular as of late due to their high iodine content. Iodine is believed to have the ability to stimulate the thyroid gland and, therefore, promote weight loss. Studies, nevertheless, have not provided any conclusive evidence that Fucus has special nutritional benefits, so buyers should beware.