Seaweed is rich in potassium, fiber, omega 3, flavonoids and carotenoids, having health benefits such as helping with weight loss and improving heart health. Furthermore, seaweed has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and is useful in treating stomach ulcers and improving skin health.
Seaweed can be consumed in salads, soups, juices or sushi. When you don’t like the taste of seaweed, you can have all its benefits in capsules, and they can also be used as a food supplement. However, the capsules must be recommended by a nutritionist because it is important that an assessment of the person’s nutritional levels is carried out and, thus, recommend the best supplement and the appropriate quantity.
Seaweed must be stored according to the manufacturer’s rules, however, some types of seaweed can be stored for up to 8 days in the refrigerator and up to 6 months in the freezer.
The main health benefits of seaweed are:
1. Improves brain function
Seaweed can be useful for improving brain function because it is rich in omega 3, which is an essential fat for its proper functioning. Furthermore, because seaweed contains antioxidant properties, it can protect brain cells and help improve memory. Discover other foods that are good for the brain.
2. Helps with weight loss
Seaweed is rich in fiber, which helps increase satiety and reduce appetite, preventing overeating and helping with weight loss. Furthermore, seaweed has thermogenic properties, which helps to stimulate metabolism and increase the calories burned per day.
3. Improves heart health
Due to carotenoids, seaweed helps prevent heart disease and improve heart health. Its antioxidant property helps eliminate free radicals that may be harmful to cells, helping to keep the heart healthy and protected.
Furthermore, seaweed is rich in fiber, which helps reduce bad cholesterol levels, preventing fatty plaques from accumulating in the vessels. As they are rich in potassium, seaweed reduces blood pressure and, consequently, reduces the risk of possible heart complications, such as heart attack. See other ways to improve heart health.
4. Helps treat stomach ulcers
Seaweed can be useful in treating stomach ulcers because it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help repair stomach injuries, renew tissue and protect cells.
5. Speeds up metabolism
Seaweed has a thermogenic action and is rich in flavonoids, which are compounds that accelerate metabolism, favoring the expenditure of calories throughout the day and facilitating fat burning. Discover other foods that speed up metabolism.
6. Keeps skin healthy
Due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, seaweed works to reduce possible skin inflammation, such as folliculitis or cellulite, and allows the skin to renew itself, improving its health. Furthermore, seaweed is rich in omega 3 which helps prevent possible damage caused by the sun and premature aging of the skin, keeping it protected and healthy.
Nutritional information
The following table shows the amount of nutrients in 100 g of seaweed:
How to consume
To ensure the benefits of seaweed, it can be consumed in salads, soup, sauces or vegetable sautés. Furthermore, it is possible to obtain the benefits of algae through the consumption of supplements that contain seaweed, which must be taken according to the nutritionist’s guidance so that they can indicate the daily amount to be taken according to the objective and nutritional needs.
1. Seaweed salad
Seaweed salad can be an excellent option to obtain the benefits of seaweed.
Ingredients:
- 4 lettuce leaves;
- 100g of seaweed;
- ½ carrot;
- 2 teaspoons of sesame seeds;
- 1 pinch of salt;
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil;
- ½ tablespoon of soy sauce.
Preparation mode:
In a bowl of water, place the algae for 10 to 15 minutes so that they become hydrated and softer. Then squeeze well and cut the seaweed into small pieces. Wash the lettuce leaves, cut and place in a bowl, along with the seaweed. Wash and grate ½ carrot and add to the bowl. Add the sesame seeds and soy sauce. Season with olive oil and salt to taste and serve.
2. Spinach and seaweed quiche
A good way to get the benefits of seaweed is through a healthy spinach and seaweed quiche.
Ingredients:
- 300g spinach;
- 150g of fresh mushrooms;
- 100g of seaweed;
- 100g of grated mozzarella;
- 5 eggs;
- Oregano and black pepper;
- 1 pinch of salt;
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Preparation mode:
In a bowl with water, place the seaweed for 10 to 15 minutes so that it remains hydrated and then remove the excess water and cut it. Then, place the olive oil, mushrooms, spinach and seaweed in a frying pan. and season with black pepper, oregano and salt and cook over medium heat.
Beat the eggs and place in a dish along with the mushroom, spinach and seaweed mixture. Add grated mozzarella and bake at 180ºC for 30 minutes or until cooked. Serve on a plate accompanied by a salad.
3. Seaweed soup
Seaweed soup is an excellent lunch or dinner option to get the benefits of seaweed.
Ingredients:
- ½ zucchini;
- ½ leek;
- 1 small onion;
- ¼ cabbage;
- 100g of seaweed;
- 1 pinch of salt;
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Preparation mode:
Hydrate the algae with water for about 10 to 15 minutes and then remove excess water and cut. Then, cut and place the zucchini, leek, cabbage and onion in a pan with water and let them cook. When they are cooked, put them in a blender or food processor, add the seaweed and let them cook for another 10 minutes. Season with salt and olive oil to taste and serve.
