What if we could fight disease with something healthy and nutritious? Seaweed has shown to be the magic bullet with its health properties, turning it into a warrior in your body with its antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antiprotozoal compounds. Where does this superfood grow? Green, brown, and red algae develop from bioactives found in sponges, algae, and corrals. These metabolites also have anticoagulant and antioxidant properties. Science extracts vital compounds from seaweed, using it to replace synthetic agents used in the food industry and agriculture (Pérez, et al., 2016).
Worldwide, seaweed grows in the ocean along rocks and shorelines. Seaweed has a mymarid of health benefits for the human body, such as iodine and tyrosine that aids thyroid function. Seaweed is low-calorie and densely packed with vitamins, minerals, and protein. The fiber in seaweed promotes gut health., and can slow gastric emptying, which keeps you full longer. Seaweed has been shown to reduce cholesterol. And seaweed help controls blood sugar levels, which benefits those with diabetes (Healthline, n.d.).
Fresh Seaweed Suppliers (n.d.) caution that seaweed is high in sodium and can increase blood pressure. If seaweed is grown in waters with heavy metals, it can become dangerous to eat. For some people, seaweed supplements brought on diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and bloating.
Yummly (n.d.) shows how to turn seaweed into soups, salads, pesto, crackers, cookies, seasoning, sushi, casseroles, and wherever your adventurous appetite will take it. After consulting your healthcare provider, experiment with what seaweed can do for you.
References:
Fresh Seaweed Suppliers (n.d.). Seaweed benefits and side effects when you eat them. Fresh Seaweed Suppliers. Retrieved on January 4, 2023, from https://www.freshseaweedsuppliers.com/2017/09/seaweed-benefits-and-side-effects-when.html#:~:text=1%201.%20The%20high%20sodium%3A%20Pay%20attention%20to,they%20can%20absorb%20these%20metals.%20...%20More%20items
Healthline (n.d.). 7 surprising health benefits of eating seaweed. Healthline. Retrieved on January 4, 2023, from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-seaweed
Pérez, M.J., Falqué, E., & Domínguez, H. (2016). Antimicrobial action of compounds from marine seaweed. Marine Drugs, 14(3), 52–. https://doi.org/10.3390/md14030052
Yummly (n.d.). 10 best seaweed recipes. Yummly. Retrieved on January 4, 2023, from https://www.yummly.com/recipes/fresh-seaweed
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The Power of Seaweed
by Stephanie Daich
