Everything You Want To Know About Seaweed Benefits

It may be surprising how many seaweed benefits come from this common and humble plant.  Although it has been know how many much needed minerals and vitamins that it contains, modern science reveals more about this super-food everyday.

Humans have been adding seaweed to their diet for a very long time.  There were many ancient communities that made a point to live near the shore since the sea offered a dependable and constant food source.  In Britain, Neolithic communities clustered near coastal lands where they could enjoy seaweed benefits all of the time.

Ireland is also famous for their rich tradition of harvesting seaweed and China and Japan are famed for their use of seaweed in their fine cuisine.  Seaweeds are types of algae that have unique nutritional properties.

Laver Or Nori

Laver is the word used by the Welsh and Irish to describe this certain type of kelp and nori is a very similar plant.  Nori is amazingly rich in iron and iodine and contains a great amount of protein.  Other seaweed benefits of nori include that it is a valuable source of vitamin A, vitamin C, magnesium, riboflavin and potassium.  Additionally, it is a low fat food!  In the West, nori is sold as a type of laver.  It has always been important to Korea, China and Japan menus but now it has exploded into a multimillion dollar industry.

Duse

Dulse is considered a delicacy.  It is reddish brown and has been harvested for many centuries.  It is believed that Icelandic people used it at least 1,400 years ago.  Now it is cultivated and sold mainly as a gourmet dish.  Dulse is extremely nutritious and contains about 20 percent protein as well as a whole slew of minerals and vitamins including iron, beta carotene and magnesium.  Seaweed benefits from dulse are now also appreciated in cosmetic and skin care products.

Carrageen

Also referred to as Irish moss, this seaweed is used in a great variety of food products due to its gelling and emulsifying properties.  Carrageen is used for thickening purposes because it produces a jelly-like, colorless consistency so it is ideal for many desserts.  One of the great seaweed benefits of carrageen is that it is a gelatine replacement for vegans and vegetarians.  It is exceptionally rich in minerals and retinol and originally it was used in Ireland as a cough and cold remedy.

Kelp Or Kombu

Kelp can be found around the world.  Although it is all brown, there are thousands of varieties.  It is commonly found in many commercial products from fertilizer to toothpaste.  Kelp is very rich in iodine and people with thyroid conditions really appreciate the seaweed benefits that it offers.  It also has stabilizing and binding properties and is a phenomenal source of folate, iron and magnesium.

Wakame

Wakame is actually a variety of kelp that is exceptionally tasty and is often added to stews and soups.  Research has now proven that it contains anti-obesity properties and is very high in essential fatty acids.  It is a green, slippery seaweed that is really sweet and you can even buy it in tablet form to help with slimming your waistline.

Other Types Of Seaweed

Spectacular seaweed benefits also come from a few other less popular varieties such as sea spaghetti and sea lettuce.  Sea spaghetti can be cooked similar to pasta and sea lettuce actually looks like lettuce and is usually added to salads.

Sweet kelp is another variety.  It is a sweeter type of kelp and is now promoted due to its endocrine system benefits that can be used to prevent breast cancer.

Other Seaweed Benefits


 

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