The word “superfood” is an ever-popular buzzword, but seaweed is one superfood that doesn’t get the credit it deserves! Seaweed has been an important part of diets in Japan, Korea and China since prehistoric times, and still is to this day. Edible seaweed comes in a multitude of varieties, most of which are high in fiber and low in calories and fat, while also containing a rich supply of antioxidants, nutrients and minerals.
Nutrient-Rich Seaweed
Certain types of edible seaweed are particularly rich in: protein, fiber, vitamin K, folic acid, calcium, copper, magnesium, iron, and iodine. Many of these nutrients and minerals are essential to healthy bodily functions!
For example:
Vitamin K plays a key role in blood clot, preventing excessive bleeding.
Folic Acid helps produce and maintain new cell growth, particularly red blood cells.
Magnesium essential to staying healthy, needed for more than 300 enzyme reactions in the body
Iron helps your body produce energy; vital part of hemoglobin and red blood cell production
Iodine essential to healthy thyroid, which manages metabolism and helps regulate and produce hormones
Further Benefits of Eating Seaweed:
Has a diuretic effect
Reduces bloating
Reduces inflammation
Helps lower blood pressure
Helps prevent chronic diseases
Helps prevent oxidative stresses
How To Enjoy Seaweed
There are many varieties of edible seaweed. Here are just a few of the most popular varieties of seaweed, and how to enjoy them!
Wakame, used in several Korean (‘miyeokguk’) and Japanese (miso soup) soups, as the main component in most seaweed salads, or as a side dish or garnish.
Nori, used to wrap sushi rolls (maki), onigiri, and rice crackers, flavored and/or toasted to be eaten on its own, or sprinkled over rice.
Kombu, used to make broths (it is one of the main ingredients for the soup stock dashi), enhance the flavor of other foods and broths such as sushi rice or shabu-shabu, added to beans to make them more digestible, or added to salads
Seaweed is a nutrient packed superfood with many health benefits. Enjoy seaweed as a condiment or side dish several times a week!