Food for people who care about health
Seaweed is quite a popular dish for people who care about health. Because eating seaweed is known as a super healthy and nutritious way to add more vitamins and minerals to your diet.
Seaweed is known as the "ocean elixir" because it contains many nutritional values and is good for the heart and intestines. Using seaweed regularly can improve health and protect the body from some 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. Usable seaweed will have different colors such as: Red, green, blue-green and brown.
Furthermore, the size of seaweed also varies. Phytoplankton is 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 consumption, but also plays an important role for marine creatures, and is also the main food source for creatures in the ocean.
The nutritional content of seaweed varies depending on the type and location where it grows. But all types contain vitamins and minerals including: vitamins A, B2, B5, C, E, calcium, copper, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, zinc...
Seaweed is especially rich in vitamin K, contains lots of 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, assisting in regulating metabolism. The body does not make iodine, so you must get it from foods or supplements.
Potential benefits of seaweed
Improve thyroid function
Thyroid hormones help regulate many body functions, from the menstrual cycle to body temperature. Without iodine, the thyroid gland cannot produce enough of this hormone, which can lead to goiter. Iodine is especially important for pregnant women because it is related to fetal brain development.
Good for intestinal health
Seaweed contains carbohydrates that act as prebiotics, which are non-digestible fibers that nourish the beneficial bacteria in your digestive tract. Sugars found in seaweed promote the growth of good bacteria and increase short-term fatty acid levels that keep the intestinal lining healthy.
Support cardiovascular health
Early studies have found a link between eating seaweed and a lower risk of heart disease. Some findings indicate that polyphenols, compounds found in seaweed, may help reduce blood pressure, LDL cholesterol – “bad” cholesterol, and total cholesterol levels.
Stabilize blood sugar
Some evidence suggests that polyphenol compounds in seaweed may contribute to blood sugar control. Fucoxanthin, an antioxidant found in some types of seaweed, also plays a role in blood sugar control.
Potential risks
Eating seaweed is safe for most people. But there are some things to pay attention to when using this marine vegetable:
Too much iodine:
Although 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 per day. In particular, children, infants, and people with thyroid disorders should avoid taking too much iodine.
Interactions with certain drugs
Seaweed is rich in potassium, which is generally good for health but can be harmful to people with kidney disease. Seaweed also contains vitamin K, which can interfere with blood-thinning medications like warfarin.
Some types of seaweed may have high levels of heavy metals
Seaweed can contain high levels of arsenic, cadmium, mercury or lead, depending on how and where it is grown.
