Benefits of Seaweed and How to Make your Roasted Seaweed Snacks…
Seaweeds are widely used in cooking, but their potential health benefits go far beyond helping to flavor sushi rolls and stir-fry dishes.
Many people think of seaweed as an unappetizing greenish slime that’s best left on the beach. But for centuries, this nutrient-packed algae has been treasured for its culinary and medicinal properties, and today you can find it in capsules, juices, and other supplements at health-food stores.
Seaweed is packed with vitamins and minerals. For example, a 3-ounce (85 g) serving of sweet kelp contains:
• 184 calories
• 33% of the RDA for vitamin C
• 10% of the RDA for iron
• 8% of the RDA for calcium
• 2% of the RDA for zinc
The high iodine content in kelp can help to normalize the thyroid function. Kelp is also rich in alginic acid, which can bind with heavy metals and remove them from your body.
Seaweeds are the most abundant source of carotenoids, pigments that give vegetables and fruits their deep colors. For example, the dark green leafy seaweed kombu contains more than 1,100 mg per serving more than twice that of an equal amount of kale or spinach!
Kelp is rich in alginic acid, which can bind with heavy metals and remove them from your body.
Seaweeds are also rich in trace minerals that the body needs in tiny amounts to support vital functions but can’t make on their own.
When it comes to weight loss, seaweed is a food with benefits. It’s low in calories and high nutrient density, including protein, calcium, iron, iodine, magnesium, vitamin C, and B vitamins.
Seaweed also contains compounds like alginate, which can help to make you feel full faster. In addition, it has been shown to reduce the glycemic index of various meals. You’ll still be getting carbohydrates, but they won’t cause as dramatic blood sugar fluctuations as other foods might.
Additionally, seaweed contains fucoxanthin, a compound that has been shown to encourage fat loss. Fucoxanthin is found in both brown and green seaweeds and is currently being studied at respected research centers worldwide for its potential effects on the body’s metabolism.
Several studies have shown that having iodine can reduce your risk of cancer. For example, one study showed that women who had the lowest thyroid hormone levels were twice as likely to develop ovarian cancer as those with normal levels.
Seaweed is also high in plant compounds called lignans, which have been shown to reduce the risk of hormone-related cancers such as breast, uterine and ovarian cancer.
Roasted seaweed benefits:
Seaweed is a healthy snack to have, and this roasted seaweed recipe will take your taste buds on a tasty voyage. This kind of seaweed is easy to find in stores as it’s been preserved for consumption.
It has many natural benefits as well as an interesting texture that most people enjoy. However, you can make it at home with bagged seaweed that’s been pre-soaked, then baked in the oven to give it a crispy texture.
Roasted seaweed can be served as is, but my favorite way of eating this is to break it up into pieces and add some coconut oil, so they become chewy and crunchy at the same time.
Here’s how to make your roasted seaweed snacks…
Ingredients:-
1/4 cup coconut oil (melted)
1 tbsp sea salt
2 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
Preparation:-
Preheat oven to 350F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. Remove the seaweed sheets from the bag and place them on a clean kitchen towel for drying. You will need to cut it in half or even quarters so that they can fit on your baking sheet.
Place seaweed sheets in a single layer and sprinkle with salt (optional). Bake in preheated oven for 5-7 minutes until crispy and lightly browned. Remove from oven and allow to cool for a few minutes after baking.
Melt the coconut oil on the stove or in a container placed in another container filled with hot water. Once melted, drizzle over roasted seaweed sheets, sprinkle on some sesame seeds if desired, then break up into pieces using your hands. Store leftover roasted seaweed snacks in an airtight container.
Benefits of seaweed for skin:
The ancient Greeks used seaweed to treat skin disorders, and even today, some dermatologists recommend adding seaweed baths to your beauty routine.
Seaweeds are effective in treating psoriasis, eczema, and acne. In addition, seaweed contains vitamin A and E, which are known antioxidants that help the skin retain elasticity and a healthy, glowing appearance.
It also contains carotenoids which decrease skin aging symptoms caused by the sun’s UV rays. In addition, seaweeds have been proven to cool inflamed skin and kill bacteria, giving you a significant reduction in acne symptoms.
Benefits of Dried Seaweed:
Dried seaweed is a highly nutritious snack that can be enjoyed by people on a vegan diet and those who are gluten-free. In addition, it has numerous health benefits due to its rich source of essential nutrients.
Seaweed contains high amounts of iodine which helps maintain proper thyroid function, regulates the rate at which the body burns calories, and increases energy levels.
Seaweed is also a good source of iron, calcium, and vitamin A and copper, zinc, potassium, phosphorus, manganese, and B vitamins. Here are the top health benefits of dried seaweed:
1. Rich in Nutrients:
Seaweed is one of the most nutrient-dense foods available and can be used in various recipes, including salads, soups, and even sushi! It’s loaded with essential vitamins and minerals such as iodine, calcium, iron, B6, magnesium, and zinc.
2. May Help Fight Cancer:
Studies have shown that seaweed may help inhibit cancer cell growth and lower the risk of developing certain types of cancer.
3. May Improve Heart Health:
Seaweeds are a good source of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and magnesium which helps to reduce blood cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. This helps to reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other heart-related diseases.
4. May Improve Digestion:
The high fiber content in seaweed helps to improve your digestive system by promoting healthy bowel movements. It also acts as a natural detoxifier that may help you get rid of harmful toxins in your body which contribute to disease and illness.
5. May Aid in Weight Loss:
The high fiber content in seaweed may also help you lose weight by helping to promote feelings of fullness and reducing fat storage.
6. May Improve Skin Appearance:
Seaweeds are a rich source of iodine which helps maintain proper thyroid function, regulates the rate at which the body burns calories, and increases energy levels. They also help calm the skin’s appearance, which helps alleviate acne symptoms on the face and body.
7. May Reduce Eczema Symptoms:
Some studies have shown that seaweed may effectively treat eczema due to its ability to act as an anti-inflammatory agent, detoxify harmful toxins on the skin, provide moisture, and brighten the skin.
8. May Improve Sleep:
Seaweeds contain a high amount of magnesium which helps induce a state of relaxation and reduce stress levels. This is essential for maintaining good sleeping habits as you require a sense of calmness to drift off at night.
9. May Reduce Allergies:
Seaweed is rich in antioxidants which have been known to reduce allergy symptoms when consumed regularly.
10. May Aid in Blood Clot Prevention:
Another significant health benefit of seaweed is its ability to reduce the risk of blood clots and improve blood flow and circulation. This helps promote heart and brain health by ensuring proper oxygenation throughout the body’s vital organs.
Side effects of seaweed:
Although seaweed can provide several health benefits, it should be noted that consuming large amounts may lead to some side effects. Some common side effects of seaweed include:
1. High in Iodine Content:
Seaweed is very high in iodine content which is essential for maintaining healthy thyroid function and regulating the body’s metabolic rate. Consuming large amounts in a short time may lead to an overdose which can potentially cause hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and other iodine-related disorders.
2. May Cause Bloating:
Some people complain that when they eat seaweed, it causes them to experience bloating or swelling in the stomach. This is due to its high fiber content, leading to diarrhea if consumed in excess.
3. May Cause Allergic Reactions:
Since seaweed comes from the sea, it contains trace amounts of mercury and other harmful toxins that can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Be sure to consult your doctor before consuming seaweed if you have a known seafood allergy.
4. May Affect Fertility:
In some cases, seaweed can cause infertility when consumed in excess by men trying to reproduce because it lowers testosterone levels. To avoid this, limit your intake of high-iodine foods such as seaweed and opt for low-iodine foods like beans.
5. May Cause Contact Dermatitis:
Another possible side effect of seaweed is contact dermatitis, a skin rash caused by an allergic reaction to food or other substances. When you handle it, be sure to wear gloves and avoid touching your face so that it does not cause an irritating reaction on the skin.