Why Are Seaweeds Among The Healthiest Foods On The Planet? Here Are 6 Reasons
Many of you would be familiar with the seaweed wrapped around your sushi or the one in your warm bowl of ramen noodles. However, despite its recent status as a trendy superfood, these nutrient-dense underwater plants have been a prominent part of Asian diets for centuries, especially in China, Korea, and Japan. Seaweed, also known as sea vegetables, is a blanket term used for a number of species of algae that grow in saltwater. They are extremely versatile and can be used in a plethora of dishes. In addition, they provide a number of health benefits that can improve your overall health.
An Undersea Superfood
Hijiki. This brown sea vegetable is often served as an appetizer in Japanese restaurants and has become a staple variety of seaweed in many cultural dishes. This type of seaweed turns black when it’s boiled and is associated with a number of health benefits. However, similar to other types of seaweed, consumption must be practiced in moderation due to its high levels of inorganic arsenic.
Kombu. Eaten all throughout East Asia and used in the popular Japanese stock called “dashi,” this greenish-brown seaweed is a versatile and flavorful addition to a number of dishes. You can use kombu to add an umami kick to sushi rice.
Nori. This type of seaweed is the most recognizable type by a large margin. This is mostly because it is used to wrap up sushi rolls and as a garnish for ramen. While it starts out as a type of red algae, it is shredded then pressed into thin, dry sheets — making it take up a very dark green or even black hue.
Health Benefits Of Seaweed
A Good Source Of Vitamins And Minerals
- Calories – 20 kcal
- Carbs – 1.7 g
- Protein – 4.0 g
- Fat – 0.5 g
- Fiber – 0.3 g
- Riboflavin – 15 percent of the recommended daily intake (RDI)
- Copper – 21 percent of the RDI
Seaweed also contains very small amounts of vitamins A, C, E, and K. While seaweed only contributes to a very small percentage of the RDIs of the aforementioned vitamins, using it as a seasoning or topping a few times a week can help you get a small boost of nutrients in your diet.
Supports Thyroid Function
Promotes Gut Health
In addition, seaweed also has unique sugars called sulfated polysaccharides which can promote the growth and proliferation of good gut bacteria.
Promotes Weight Loss
Reduces Heart Disease Risk
Helps Manage Diabetes
Learn more about the other benefits of consuming seaweed at Superfoods.news.
Sources include:
FoodsForBetterHealth.com
Link.Springer.com 1
Link.Springer.com 2
OrganicFacts.net
ScienceDirect.com 1
ScienceDirect.com 2
ScienceDirect.com 3
NutritionData.Self.com
NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov
TAndFOnline.com
MDPI.com 1
MDPI.com 2
Cambridge.org
Important Notice: This article was originally published at www.superfoods.news by Darnel Fernandez where all credits are due.
No comments: