Seaweed, a staple in Japanese cuisine, offers more than just its delicious taste—it's packed with health benefits, too. Ready to discover its wellness wonders? Delve into this article to uncover the hidden virtues of seaweed.

Types of seaweed

Seaweed refers to various algae and marine plants that grow along coastlines. There are many types of seaweed, such as red seaweed (Rhodophyta), green seaweed (Chlorophyta), blue-green seaweed, and brown seaweed (Phaeophyceae).

Some of the most commonly consumed types of seaweed include:

• Wakame
• Dulse
• Kombu
• Kelp
• Sea lettuce
• Nori
• Arame
• Chlorella

Seaweed is easily found in various waters around the world. However, food preparations using seaweed are usually found in Asian foods such as sushi, salads, or soups. Besides having a savory and delicious taste, seaweed is believed to have several health benefits.

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Seaweed Nutrition Content

The nutritional content of seaweed depends on the location where it grows and the type. But seaweed generally contains vitamins and minerals that are good for health. Some of the contents are contained in seaweed, including:

• Vitamins A, B1, B2, C, E, And K
• Calcium
• Folat
• Kalium
• Iron
• Mangan
• Copper

In 2 tablespoons of wakame seaweed can contain:

• Calories 5 kcal
• Protein 0 grams
• Fat 0 gram
• Carbohydrate 1 gram
• Fiber 0 gram
• Sugar 0 gram

Seaweed is a low-calorie food that is safe to eat daily. However, seaweed is generally high in iodine, which, if consumed in excess, can interfere with thyroid function. In addition, seaweed also contains potassium, which can be dangerous for people with kidney disease.

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Benefits of Seaweed for Health

Supports the work of the thyroid gland

The thyroid gland produces hormones crucial for the body's metabolism. Insufficient iodine can lead to hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones. Consuming seaweed, rich in iodine, can help meet iodine requirements and maintain proper thyroid function.

Rich in antioxidants

Seaweed is rich in antioxidants in the form of vitamins A, C, and E. Antioxidants can prevent cell damage by protecting cells from the effects of free radicals. Free radicals are compounds that contribute to cell damage and cause chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some cancers.

Maintaining the health of the heart

According to WebMD, several studies have revealed that eating seaweed can maintain heart health by lowering blood pressure and bad cholesterol. Uncontrolled blood pressure and high cholesterol are risk factors for heart disease. Eating seaweed can help keep blood pressure and cholesterol levels within normal limits.

Maintaining the health of the intestine

Seaweed contains fiber, which is also beneficial for improving gut health. Fiber in seaweed can help make bowel movements more regular. Fiber in seaweed can reach 25-75% of the dry weight of seaweed. This amount is higher than the fiber content in most fruits and vegetables. Fiber content not only facilitates digestion but also serves as a food source for bacteria in the colon.

Helps control body weight

Eating seaweed can help maintain weight. Seaweed contains few calories, which can help keep your calorie intake low. Brown algae, including kelp, wakame, kombu, and arame, contain fucoxanthin, a chemical compound with antioxidant properties that reduces the risk of obesity.

Seaweed is not only rich in flavor but also has many health benefits. If you have any questions about nutrition, consult your doctor or utilize the consultation feature on the Ai Care app.

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