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From the nori seaweed wraps that encase sushi to the kombu that season broths, seaweed has been a staple of Asian cuisine for centuries. But aside from seaweed's unique umami taste and convenience in the kitchen, seaweed is a nutritional power tool. For centuries traditional medicine has recommended adding seaweed to your diet, and now modern science is confirming the amazing health benefits of eating seaweed.
A Closer Examination of Seaweed's Health Gains
Seaweed is not a plant, but rather a general term for a collection of various species of sea algae including nori, wakame, and kombu. The only thing they all share is the fact that they're all super concentrated with key nutrients.
Seaweed is full of iodine, a mineral necessary for thyroid function - and consequently metabolism. And it's packed with vitamins, such as vitamin K (which creates and repairs bone and blood) and folate (which stimulates cell growth). Besides having a lot of dietary fiber, which is beneficial for digestion, purpled seaweed is also rich in antioxidants that combat the creation of oxidative stress in the body. Most varieties also contain high levels of minerals like calcium, magnesium and iron that make it a veritable sea superfood.
Increasing Thyroid Function
Iodine - Iodine is utilized by the thyroid gland to create hormones that control the metabolism, physical growth, and level of energy. There is a day's worth of iodine found within a small portion of seaweed, so it's one of the best food sources of iodine for thyroid function and avoiding deficiency.
Widespread Anti-Oxidant and Anti-inflammatory Activities
Seaweed also contains high levels of numerous bioactive molecules such as flavonoids and carotenoids that are highly potent antioxidants. These have been seen useful in shielding cells from the harmful action of free radicals that suppress inflammation and have proven to reduce the threat of chronic diseases.
Enhancing Heart and Metabolic Well-being
Several studies have shown that seaweed consumption can be associated with enhanced heart health. Seaweed soluble fiber (specifically from the alginate constituent) has been shown to lower blood pressure and LDL (bad) cholesterol. Some research even shows that ingredients in seaweed inhibit enzymes from conducting actions that cause biochemical hydrolysis of fat and sugar, which is favorable for weight loss and blood glucose control.
Boosting Gut Health
Seaweed is a wonderful source of fiber and a prebiotic food (prebiotic food) of healthy stomach bacteria. Not just an important part of digestion and immune system, a healthy intestine is also important for your mental health. By nourishing the healthy bacteria, seaweed soothes our gut.
Who Should Have Seaweed and How to Eat Seafood?
It's simple and tasty to add more seaweed to your food. Nori is great to make your own hand rolls or sushi. Crumbly nori or furikake seasoning is a great rice bowl topping, salads and popcorn. Dried wakame is best stored to rehydrate them to be added to miso soups or in sunomono salads. A piece of kombu is boiled for dashi stock, one of the most flavorful base ingredients of Japanese soup and stew.
Conclusion
Not only is seaweed a food staple, it's a scientifically validated superfood. Its record-breaking concentration of vitamins, minerals and special antioxidants have been shown to be highly advantageous to your thyroid, cardiovascular, digestive and cellular well-being.
