Food for health conscious people
Seaweed is a popular food among health-conscious people. Eating seaweed is known as a super healthy and nutritious way to add extra vitamins and minerals to your diet.
Seaweed is known as the "ocean elixir" because it contains many nutritional values, good for the heart and intestines. Regular use of seaweed can improve health and protect the body from certain diseases.
Seaweeds that come from the sea can be used, but on the contrary, seaweeds that live in freshwater can be toxic to the body. Seaweeds that can be used will have different colors such as: Red, green, blue-green and brown.
Furthermore, the size of seaweed also varies. Phytoplankton will be extremely small but kelp can grow up to 65 meters long, with roots firmly attached to the ocean floor.
Seaweed is not only considered food for human use but also plays an important role for marine organisms and is also the main food source for ocean creatures.
The nutritional content of seaweed varies depending on the type and location of growth. But all types contain vitamins and minerals including: vitamin A, B2, B5, C, E, calcium, copper, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, zinc...
Seaweed is particularly rich in vitamin K, and is high in protein and fiber, antioxidants (compounds that fight cell damage) in the form of vitamins A, C, and E, as well as in the pigments that give seaweed its color.
According to Webmd, seaweed is an excellent source of iodine. This trace mineral is important for thyroid health, which helps regulate metabolism. The body does not produce iodine, so you must get it from food or supplements.
Potential benefits of seaweed
Improve thyroid function
Thyroid hormones help regulate many body functions, from menstrual cycles to body temperature. Without iodine, the thyroid cannot produce enough of this hormone, which can lead to goiter. Iodine is especially important for pregnant women because it is involved in fetal brain development.
Good for intestinal health
Seaweed contains carbohydrates that act as prebiotics, which are indigestible fibers that feed the beneficial bacteria in your digestive tract. The sugars in seaweed promote the growth of good bacteria and increase levels of short-chain fatty acids that help keep your gut lining healthy.
Support cardiovascular health
Early studies have found a link between eating seaweed and a lower risk of heart disease. Some findings suggest that polyphenols, compounds found in seaweed, may help lower blood pressure, LDL cholesterol – the “bad” cholesterol – and total cholesterol levels.
Stabilize blood sugar levels
Some evidence suggests that polyphenol compounds in seaweed may contribute to blood sugar control. Fucoxanthin, an antioxidant found in some seaweeds, may also play a role in blood sugar control.
Potential risks
Seaweed is safe for most people to eat. But there are a few things to keep in mind when using this sea vegetable:
Too much iodine:
While iodine is important for thyroid health, too much of this trace mineral can be counterproductive.
We only need small amounts of iodine – about 150 micrograms a day. Children, infants and people with thyroid disorders should especially avoid taking too much iodine.
Interaction with certain medications
Seaweed is rich in potassium, which is generally healthy but can be harmful for people with kidney disease. Seaweed also contains vitamin K, which can interfere with blood-thinning medications like warfarin.
Some seaweeds may contain high levels of heavy metals.
Seaweed can contain high levels of arsenic, cadmium, mercury, or lead, depending on how and where it is grown.
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