The idea of eating seaweed may sound unthinkable to many, but if you’ve had sushi, you’ve probably eaten it. That’s right! Nori, a form of red seaweed, is an essential ingredient used to wrap most sushi.
Seaweed is actually in many Japanese dishes, like miso soup or kombu salad. Is there something they know that the rest of the world doesn’t?
Well, the wide array of health benefits that the algae offer may shock you. This doesn’t mean that you should go running out into the ocean, snatching up whatever you find floating! But don’t be surprised to find it on the menus and shelves at your favorite restaurants and stores!
Get Something You Won’t Find Elsewhere
Seaweed is a strong source of one nutrient that’s becoming rarer in many diets: Iodine. Iodine deficiency was mostly eradicated due to salt iodization efforts, however iodine deficiency disorders are threatening to return with the removal of iodine in store-bought breads and the popularity of low-sodium diets.
Our bodies don’t produce iodine, but it’s very important for your thyroid which affects blood pressure, heart rate, and even weight gain or loss. Iodine also leads to healthy looking hair, teeth, and nails, while low iodine levels can lead to hair loss.
More Minerals Than a Mine!
Iodine isn’t the only nutrient present in seaweed. One serving contains notable amounts of minerals like magnesium, potassium, calcium, boron, soluble fiber, and iron. Such a wide variety of health benefits touches almost every system of your body.
You’ll find more than minerals, though! When it comes to vitamins, most foods pale in comparison to the variety that seaweed offers. A single serving has vitamins A, B1, B2, B12, C, D, E, and K.
Kelp is also rich in sodium and amino acids, making it a viable alternative to salt. Seaweed even has omega-3 fatty acids, which we have discussed before!
Balances Hormones and Fights Inflammation
Finally, seaweed can help prevent several health issues. Recent research reveals that seaweed can regulate estrogen levels. This may seem inconsequential, but has long reaching effects. Primarily, seaweed influences estrogen and estradiol levels, lowering your chances of breast cancer.
Seaweed is often noted for the high content of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Among these is fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide that combats both inflammation and cancer.
Inflammation may not seem like that big of a deal, but it can cause debilitating illnesses. Among these are arthritis, celiac disease, and obesity.
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When many people think of seaweed, they conjure up memories of slimy leaves that get tangled on your legs at the beach. It’s time to reimagine the algae and give it the credit it deserves.
Further Reading
National Center for Biotechnology Information — Marine algal natural products with anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties
