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Often overlooked in Western cuisines, seaweed, also known as sea vegetables, is a nutritional powerhouse with a lot of health benefits. In this article, we'll explore what seaweed is and why incorporating seaweed or products with seaweed into our diets can be a game-changer for our health and the environment.
What is Seaweed?
Seaweed is a collective term for the diverse marine algae and plants that thrive in saltwater environments. From delicate green strands to hearty kelps, there’s a wide variety to explore. They come in an array of colors – reds, greens, and browns – each offering unique flavors and textures. Some describe the taste as salty, briny, and “umami” like. Seaweed is not just delicious; it’s also packed with nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a great addition to your diet!
Seaweed is not traditionally a part of mainstream American cuisine, unlike in countries such as Japan, Korea, and China, where it has been consumed and respected for its benefits for centuries. Seaweed, including kelp, has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to help promote thyroid health and to treat other health conditions including edema, goiter, and joint pain. Once you learn the health benefits of seaweed, you will understand why it’s so important in TCM and why you should add it to your daily diet.
Health Benefits of Seaweed
Powerhouse Nutritional Value: Seaweed packs a punch when it comes to nutrition. Despite its low-calorie content, it’s rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, including:
-Iodine, which is essential for thyroid function and metabolism
-Vitamins A, C, E and K, which are important for immune function, vision, skin health, and blood clotting
-Calcium, magnesium, and iron, which are crucial for bone health, muscle function, and oxygen transport
-Omega-3 fatty acids that provide anti-inflammatory properties and benefits for heart health
Supports Thyroid Health: Our thyroid gland produces hormones that help control growth, produce energy, and aid in reproduction and repair of damaged cells in your body. But here’s the thing: the thyroid needs iodine to stay in top shape and avoid disorders such as goiter and hypothyroidism. Seaweed, and especially kelp, is like nature’s iodine booster, helping your thyroid stay on track by regulating metabolism and hormone production.
Promotes Heart Health: Seaweed contains omega-3 fatty acids which can be helpful in reducing cholesterol levels and inflammation. While there’s still more to uncover about how seaweed impacts heart health, one recent study had interesting results. Researchers treated high-cholesterol rats to a diet boosted with 10% freeze-dried seaweed. After just 8 weeks the rats had 40% lower total cholesterol, 36% lower LDL cholesterol, and 31% lower triglyceride levels.
Boosts Immunity: Seaweed is loaded with vitamins and antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, as well as polyphenols and carotenoids. These antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. Eating seaweed or products with seaweed regularly can help strengthen the immune system, protect the body against infections, and may even lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
Aids in Weight Management: Seaweed is packed with fiber that keeps you feeling full and keeps digestion sailing smoothly. That means that it’s perfect for anyone looking to shed a few pounds. Additionally, seaweed’s benefits in helping to regulate our thyroid hormones also promotes a healthy metabolism, which is key to maintaining a healthy weight.
Supports Gut Health: Seaweed, including kelp, is a good source of soluble and insoluble fiber, which promotes digestive health by regulating bowel movements and supporting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Fiber also helps prevent constipation and reduces the risk of colon cancer.
Promotes Healthy Skin and Hair: The vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in kelp contribute to healthy skin and hair. Kelp extracts are commonly used in skincare and haircare products for their moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and hair-strengthening properties.
Enhances Bone Strength: The calcium and magnesium found in seaweed contribute to bone health, helping to reduce the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
Detoxification: Seaweed, like kelp, has amazing compounds such as alginates. They’re known for latching onto heavy metals and toxins in your body, helping to flush them out. By regularly enjoying seaweed and sea vegetables, you’re giving your body a natural boost in its detoxification process, shielding you from potential heavy metal toxicity.
Bonus- Eating seaweed is good for the planet!
Seaweed farming does not require any freshwater, fertilizers, or pesticides. Additionally, seaweed absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen, which helps fight climate change. So by eating more sea vegetables, we are improving our health and helping to reduce our carbon footprint!
Seaweed, once an underappreciated ocean treasure, is now gaining recognition for its nutritional value, health benefits, and environmental sustainability. By incorporating seaweed or products with seaweed into our diets, we not only nourish our bodies but also contribute to the preservation of our planet's precious resources. So, let's embrace this green gold from the sea and savor its countless benefits for our well-being and the health of our planet.
