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For those of you who like foods like sushi or onigiri, it is definitely no stranger to seaweed. Seaweed enters the algae group and consists of several types such as brown algae, red algae, and green algae. The food served with seaweed is an average derived from Asia. However, did you know that seaweed is not only delicious, but also beneficial to health.
One of the countries famous for its seaweed-rich cuisine is Japan. This is why, many types of seaweed are known by typical Japanese names such as nori and wakame.
Seaweed is part of a group of algae and aquatic plants that can be found not only in the ocean, but also freshwater such as rivers and lakes. Even so, edible seaweed generally comes from the ocean, while the species that grow in fresh water are usually declared toxic.
Several types of seaweed are commonly consumed, including nori commonly used in sushi and kombu dishes as natural broth ingredients. In addition there is also a wakame commonly found in salad and soup dishes as a thickener for both salty foods and for dessert.
Wealth of seaweed nutrients
Seaweed is very rich in various nutrients and minerals. Even though it looks like a simple food ingredient, it can be said that seaweed has more nutrients than any other type of foodstuff. This is why, seaweed is often also called super vegetables. However, the nutritional content may vary depending on the habitat on which it grows.
Generally, 100 gr of seaweed contains 45 kcals, 10 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of protein, and 1 g of fat. With that amount, seaweed can meet 14-35% daily requirement of fiber, 27-180% magnesium, 15-60% calcium, and 3-20% daily iron requirement.
Dry algae can also contain the same amount of nutrients as seaweed, in just one tablespoon. So also with spirulina that has been declared as the superfood of the future, can meet up to twice the protein per portion.
In addition to the various nutrients above, seaweed is also a source of vitamin B12 is commonly found in meat, milk, and eggs. Seaweed is also very rich in antioxidants so good for the body.
Benefits of seaweed
Eating seaweed can bring these benefits to your body:
Helps maintain or lose weight
Some types of seaweed, such as brown seaweed, contain fucoxanthin pigments, which can help the body's metabolism to convert fat into energy. This is reinforced by a study published in Food Chemistry, found that alginate (a natural fiber found in brown seaweed) can help about 75% to block the absorption of fat in the intestine.
Helps accelerate wound healing
The benefits of seaweed is no less important is to help the wound to recover quickly. Seaweed is rich in vitamin K, and this vitamin coordinates with platelets - the type of cells that can form clots / blood clots. Vitamin K will send a chemical signal in which the platelets collect blood and freeze it, so that when you are injured, the wound will stop flowing. You can choose any type of grass, but please note that wakame has fewer vitamin K content.
Strengthens bones
Seaweed can be an alternative source of calcium for those of you who do not like drinking milk. Calcium intake certainly not only beneficial for bone, but also the function of muscles, nerves, and hormone production in the body.
Quality Blood
Iron content and vitamn B12 in seaweed will help the production process of blood cells in the body. Iron deficiency or vitamin B12 can cause anemia, so seaweed can be an alternative for those who do not eat meat or vegetarian.
Supports metabolic processes
The body needs iodine, which is usually obtained from iodized salt. Iodine serves to help convert food into energy in the cell while maintaining thyroid function. Seaweed can be a good source of iodine to support this function.
Good for diabetics and cholesterol
Seaweed also contains omega-3 fatty acids. A sheet of seaweed contains the same omega-3 fatty acids with two avocados. The function of omega-3 fatty acids is to increase good cholesterol or HDL, as well as reduce bad cholesterol or LDL.
Avoid swelling of the thyroid gland
Iodine content in seaweed is something quite rarely found in other foods. Eating a healthy iodine level is important to maintain a healthy thyroid. Problematic thyroid may cause some symptoms such as weakness, weakened muscles, high cholesterol, even in severe cases can cause serious medical conditions such as goiter, palpitations, and disturbed memory.
Better how much we eat seaweed?
Too much consumption of seaweed can cause excessive iodine in the body. You should eat just enough, not excessive. For those of you who suffer from hyperthyroidism - overactive thyroid gland - you should avoid it, because iodine will further stimulate the thyroid.
Seaweed takes the mineral that is in the ocean, where they live. This plant may absorb arsenic and other heavy metals. When consumed in excess, it certainly will not be good for the health of the body.
Abundance of nutrients contained in seaweed make this food worthy of alternative food sources. Various types of seaweed products that can be consumed and offered in the market, giving you many options. Therefore, study what kind of seaweed product is best for you as a family.
