When it comes to healthy snacks, seaweed is probably the first thing that comes to mind. However, seaweed refers to a variety of algae that grow in bodies of water that are nutritious, delicious, and versatile. is ideal for and provides a wide range of health benefits.
To learn all about this amazingly nutrient-rich food, we spoke with nutritionist Lisa Richards, creator of The Candida Diet, nutritionist Trista Best of Balance One Supplements, and Krista Elkins, registered nurse at Health Canal. rice field. With their expert insights, we’ve compiled a list of 8 incredible benefits of eating seaweed. Find them all below!
8 benefits of eating seaweed
Below, we dive into just a few of the top health benefits of eating seaweed regularly.
1. Provides antioxidants to fight disease
Increasing your intake of antioxidants is one of the best ways to protect yourself from disease. “Seaweed is rich in antioxidants, which help protect and restore cells from oxidation,” explains Richards. “The properties of this seaweed make it a great addition to health care focused on combating chronic diseases.” Good! Certain ailments that antioxidants help fight include heart disease, cancer, and more. All in all, it protects the body from free radicals that can lead to aging and disease. So adding antioxidants to your diet with nutrient-rich foods such as seaweed is never a bad idea.
2. Reduces risk of diabetes
Diabetes is a serious health risk for Americans. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent it by lowering blood sugar levels. In fact, eating seaweed may be one great way to keep your blood sugar in check. “Fucoxanthin and alginic acid are compounds found in seaweed that have been studied and shown to be beneficial in lowering blood sugar levels in humans. It has shown positive results, thereby reducing the risk of diabetes,” says Elkins. Best agrees, saying, “Several promising studies show that certain nutrients in kelp may help reduce the risk of diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels.” Not only can it help reduce the risk of diabetes, but “balancing glucose levels can also improve the health of people with pre-existing diabetes.”
3. Helps Gut Health
Gut health is all the rage these days, and for good reason. Our gut plays a role in nearly every area of our well-being, from digestion to mental health.There are many changes you can make to improve your gut health, but nutrient-rich foods like seaweed Eating food is one of them, says Richards. “Gut health is related to overall health, and seaweed contains many nutrients that support gut health,” she says. “The fiber in seaweed acts as a prebiotic that nourishes the good bacteria in your gut, allowing your gut to thrive,” she explains. And when your gut microbiome is restored to balance, you’re well on your way to a healthier body.
4. Helps with weight loss
Eating high levels of fiber can do more to your body than just improve digestion. As Richards explains, “The fiber content of seaweed may also aid in weight loss by reducing appetite and the likelihood of overeating. Seaweed’s fiber isn’t the only thing that can help you reach your weight goals: “It also contains a compound called fucoxanthin, which studies suggest may reduce body fat,” she says.
5. Improves heart health
The high fiber content of seaweed offers yet another health benefit. It may lower cholesterol and protect you from heart disease.Soluble fiber can bind to bile acids and salts in the body and can be used to replace these elements, according to Medical News Today. Healthline also points out that eating seaweed regularly can help prevent blood clots (another major cause of heart disease) thanks to carbohydrates called fucans. . One study showed that seaweed may even be as effective in preventing blood clots as certain drugs. It contains.
6. Improves thyroid function
Thanks to the high iodine content of many types of seaweed (especially kelp), eating this food regularly may also help improve thyroid function, according to Healthline. What exactly does your thyroid gland do? This important gland influences a variety of factors such as energy and cell repair. If your thyroid is not functioning properly, you may encounter unwanted weight gain, fatigue, etc. is one of the better ways to avoid . Luckily, seaweed absorbs iodine from the ocean, so incorporating it into your diet can easily meet your recommended daily intake.
7. Strengthen immunity
According to Healthline, seaweed can also help boost your immune system and help defend against certain infections. Not much research has been done on this subject yet, but some looks promising. Possible benefits come from certain plant compounds found in seaweed. These compounds may have antioxidant, anti-allergic, and disease-fighting properties that help protect cells from viruses. The gut health benefits it provides help improve immune function. Seaweed also contains vitamin C, zinc, iron and manganese, all of which are known to boost immunity.
8. Build stronger bones
Milk and dairy products are not the only sources of calcium! Certain types of seaweed, such as kelp, are excellent foods for providing the vitamins and minerals needed to strengthen bones. is a rich source of,” she says. In addition to these minerals, kelp is rich in vitamin K. Vitamin K is “a unique vitamin necessary for bone health,” she says. In addition to building stronger muscles, vitamin K “reduces the risk of fractures in patients with pre-existing osteoporosis.” Another useful compound found in seaweed is fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide. This “encourages the development of osteoblasts,” also called bone-building cells, says Best. So you might be able to replace a glass of milk with seaweed every day!
How to make and eat seaweed
Now that you know all of the incredible benefits of seaweed, how can you start reaping them? Luckily, there are many ways to incorporate seaweed into your diet, especially when it comes to Asian cuisine. You can also eat toasted nori as a crunchy snack. It’s ok to put it in miso soup. You can add seaweed snacks to various dishes such as grains and noodle bowls. And of course, eating sushi is a great way to fit seaweed along with other delicious vegetables. However, there is no wrong way to eat.
Conclusion
Overall, seaweed is a delicious, amazingly nutritious food with many health benefits. Whether you’re looking for a way to keep your heart healthy, boost your immunity, or enjoy a salty snack without gaining weight, adding it to your diet is always a great idea.
