Seaweed
snacks are new things on the supermarket shelves but are gaining popularity.
Oceans occupy 70% of Earth’s area and hidden treasures lie within it. One of
them is the seaweed. So what exactly are seaweeds and seaweed snacks? Are they
healthy for humans? Where else are they used?
Seaweed-the
new superfood
There is an
increasing craze for seaweeds and seaweed snacks. They are part of the
ingredients of foods, snacks, drinks and also skincare products. There are a
lot of claims attached to this edible form of algae. The seaweed takes its
nutrients from the seabed and is said to be loaded with them. They are a rich
source of essential amino acids and hence are good for vegans because it is a
plant.
Seaweed is
found in abundance in the sea beds and do not require fertilizers for their growth.
Hence they form a good carbon-negative source. Hence their growth is
eco-friendly and can help to save the planet.
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| Seaweed-a form of algae [Source: Wikipedia] |
The great
aspects of seaweed
Seaweeds are commonly eaten in Korea, China, and Japan and are rich in fiber. Hence they are good for bowel motion and also to improve
satiety. They ease the digestive process and reduce bloating and gas formation
in the stomach and intestines. Nutritionist Chelsea Gloeckner states:
“Seaweed contains both
soluble and insoluble fiber, making seaweed a great prebiotic source to support
gut health,”
Rachel Fine, another
dietitian adds:
“These fibers include particular sugars called
sulfated polysaccharides, which have been shown to increase the growth of
‘good’ gut bacteria and also increase the production of short-chain fatty acids
(SCFA), which provide support and nourishment to the GI tract cell lining.”
 |
| Seaweeds and their benefits [Source: Healthline] |
Seaweed also has a lot of
minerals and vitamins. These aid body immunity. Rachel opines:
“Seaweed is a source of a
potent antioxidants, including alginate and fucoxanthin,”
“There is promising research
showing potential anti-inflammatory benefits that may relate to reducing the
risk of diabetes and obesity.”
The weed from the sea also is
immune-boosting. It has iodine and the amino acid tyrosine that is good for the thyroid. Dr. Elroy Vojdani enlightens:
“Seaweed has polyphenols that
can support anti-cancer processes in the body.”
Its high fiber content is
also good for the heart and arteries and can prevent a diabetic state. These also
cut down on blood fats. Celebrity chef Serena Poon states:
“Seaweed fuels our bodies
with the ability to help regulate and detox our blood and lymphatic system.”
Omega-3 fatty acids, EPA, and
DHA are also present in the seaweeds and these assist in brain health
and cognition. Hence memory and performance are improved. It is good also for
children and their brain growth and development. It is anti-ageing and good for
the skin. Its calcium, zinc, iron, sodium,
potassium and magnesium is anti-inflammatory and saves the skin from
actinic and free radical damage and dehydration. Nutritionist Sally Pansing Kravich
says:
“The rich vitamin C in
seaweed provides the added beauty benefit of supporting collagen production,
and the natural niacin is great for hyperpigmentation and blemishes.”
“Chlorella is a cleansing
seaweed that is helpful for removing toxins, heavy metals and radiation.”
The minerals iron and calcium
help bone growth and omega-3 FA is beneficial for the joints. It has substances
good for the eye:
Similar to carrots (and
avocados!), seaweed can help your vision. “Although seaweed is low in fat, it
typically contains small amounts of essential omega-3 fatty acids. This is a
type of fat that many of us don't get enough of and [is] good for eye health.”
Says Ysabel
Montemayor, who is a lead dietitian for Fresh n’ Lean. Also
there is astaxanthin in seaweed
that helps vision.
How to get the benefits of
seaweeds?
One can add strips of seaweed
to soups and salads. It can be taken in the form of snacky salty crackers. They
are more nutrient-dense with fewer carbohydrates. One can toast it with oil of
avocado or olive origin. Do not eat simultaneously with foods that have high sugars
and sweeteners and chemicals in them.
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| Seaweed and its snack form [Source: iHerb] |
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The seaweed (algae) is also
available in the form of oil. One can use this to stir-fry vegetables and get
the benefits. It can be used to spice our foods with seaweed seasoning. Also,
it is available in the form of kelp noodles. These are gluten-free and
fiber-rich food low in carbohydrates. It can be applied topically or taken
internally to cure acne and is anti-ageing.
Seaweed can be used as body
wraps for its benefits and removal of body toxins. Agar is also seaweed that is
similar to gelatine but is from a plant source. It is a vegan replacement for
bone broth.
Seaweed Spirulina has all the essential
amino-acids and can be added to drinks for that extra goodness.
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