Let's Enjoy the Benefits of Seaweed!

 

The benefits of seaweed have been popular since time immemorial. Since 300 years before Christ, seaweed has been consumed on east Asia as a daily dish, and to treat disease. While , Roman culture uses seaweed to treat wounds, burns, and skin rashes.

Seaweed is part of the algae family multi-cell which includes green algae, red algae, and brown algae. For centuries, seaweed has been a prima donna for medicinal, industrial and food ingredients because of its nutritional content. Until now, clinical trials for recommendations for using seaweed therapy are still few, but the benefits of seaweed have been trusted by the community, especially as a source of important nutrients that are good for health.

Let's Enjoy the Benefits of Seaweed!

Types of Seaweed that Can Be Consumed

There are various types of seaweed that can be consumed both when fresh, dried, cooked and processed into powder supplements, namely:

  • Nori: Red algae which is then processed into dry sheets and used to roll sushi.
  • Sea lettuce : Green nori that resembles lettuce, can be consumed raw in dishes salad or cooked for soup mix.
  • Kelp : Chocolate algae that is processed and dried into sheets. It can also be used as a raw material for gluten-free noodles.
  • Kombu: A type of seaweed with a strong taste and commonly used to make soup broth.
  • Arame: Seaweed with a light, sweet taste , and strong texture. This type of seaweed can be processed for a variety of dishes, including baked goods.
  • Wakame: Chocolate algae commonly used to make fresh seaweed salads. It can also be cooked for soup or boiled.
  • Dulse: Red algae with a soft and more supple texture. This type of seaweed is used to add flavor to various dishes or is eaten as a dry snack.
  • Chlorella: Green freshwater algae which are generally processed into supplements in powder form.
  • Agar and carrageenan: Jelly-shaped usually used as a binder and thickener in a variety of commercially sold food products.
  • Spirulina: Often referred to as blue-green freshwater algae that can be eaten and sold in the form of tablets, flakes or powder.

Content and Benefits of Seaweed

Seaweed is low in calories and fiber, but contains a variety of nutrients, such as carbohydrates, proteins, fiber, vitamins and minerals including magnesium, manganese, iodine, potassium, sodium, calcium, folate, iron, and copper, in sufficiently high amounts. Seaweed also contains vitamins A, C, E, K, phosphorus, and choline even in small amounts. In addition, seaweed is also rich in antioxidants that make seaweed have a variety of health benefits.

Whatever the type, here are the benefits of seaweed that you can get when consuming it:

  • Improve thyroid function

The thyroid has an important role for the body's metabolic system. To carry out its function, the thyroid gland needs iodine intake which can be obtained by consuming seaweed or iodized salt. Iodine deficiency can cause hypothyroidism.

  • Improve heart health

Seaweed is a source good water soluble fiber, and contains omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants that are beneficial for heart health. Several studies have shown that the nutritional content of seaweed can reduce blood pressure, reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and total cholesterol, and prevent blood clots. But further clinical research is needed to strengthen the evidence.

  • Stabilize blood sugar

Research shows that a high-fiber diet, which can be obtained from vegetables, fruits and seaweed, can help improve blood sugar levels. The compound fucoxantin and alginate in seaweed is believed to reduce insulin resistance and stabilize blood sugar levels, and prevent type 2 diabetes.

  • Helps to lose weight

Fiber content and fucoidan , a type of polysaccharide sulfate found in seaweed is known to increase fat breakdown and prevent formation fat. Seaweed is also believed to regulate the hormone leptin, reduce hunger, and make the body feel full longer.

  • Strengthen the immune system

A number of laboratory studies have shown that antioxidant and anti-allergenic compounds in seaweed have the ability to fight various viruses, such as herpes and HIV, by preventing them from entering the body's cells. However, further research is needed to prove its effect on humans.

  • Improve intestinal health

The fiber content in seaweed can help prevent constipation and ensure digestion runs smoothly. Seaweed also contains prebiotics which are beneficial for the intestine and reduce the risk of certain harmful bacterial infections.

  • Reduce the risk of certain cancers

Some studies show that the benefits of seaweed that are routinely consumed can reduce the risk of breast cancer. Soluble fiber found in seaweed is also believed to help suppress the development of colon cancer. However, further research is still needed to prove this.

Seaweed is also known to provide protection against several diseases, such as metabolic syndrome, skin damage, and arthritis.

Although good for health, you should not consume too much iodine-rich seaweed. Excess iodine can cause health problems in the form of risk of bleeding, thyroid disorders, and kidney problems. Seaweed also contains metals, such as mercury, lead, and cadmium, which can be harmful to the body. Therefore, it is recommended to limit seaweed intake by 4 grams per day.

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