SEAWEED NUTRITION

 

Seaweed has been a staple part of Chinese and Japanese diets for centuries. Many types of edible seaweed are rich in nutrients and have numerous health benefits. The benefits can be obtained from seaweed by cooking and eating the plant, drinking the water that the seaweed has been cooked in, or from nutritional supplements. Here is a rundown on some popular types of edible seaweed and their benefits.

Dulse

This reddish-brown seaweed is rich in magnesium and iron. This makes it beneficial for improving circulation, boosting energy, reducing the risk of heart disease and atherosclerosis and strengthening the heart muscles. It also protects your circulatory system form abnormal blood clotting.

Nori

This is the type of seaweed your sushi is usually rolled in. It is rich in vitamins as well as potassium, which helps to regulate blood pressure and circulations. Nori is also loaded with iodine, which improves the functions of the thyroid gland. When this gland is not working properly it can lead to weight gain, goiter, depression, and reduced fertility. Nori is also high in fiber, which helps keep your bowels regular.

Kelp

Kelp is a brown-green, very nutritious seaweed that grows along many ocean shores. It contains iodine, B vitamins, potassium and calcium. It is beneficial for boosting energy levels, reducing stress, improving thyroid function and preventing digestive disorders. There are several different varieties of kelp, these are: wakame, carrageen, sweet kelp and laver, all of which are edible and rich in nutrients.

Hijiki

This is a dark brown sea vegetable that grows on the rocky shorelines of China and Japan. It is high in fiber, calcium, magnesium and iron. This makes is good for improving circulation, preventing heart disease and atherosclerosis, reducing the risk of osteoporosis, and anemia.

Possible Side Effects

Although side effects from seaweed and their supplements are not common, then they do occur, they are usually caused by toxic levels of heavy metals such as lead or mercury within the seaweed. Symptoms may include:

• abnormal bleeding

• reduced platelet count

• kidney toxicity