CANTIKA.COM, Jakarta - Seaweed that can be eaten has become a trendy and sustainable food choice. The increasing popularity of this sea vegetable has brought it to supermarket shelves and all kinds of restaurant menus. However, many of us still do not know about the benefits of seaweed. So, let's find out together, here are a number of health benefits of consuming seaweed.
What is Seaweed?
First of all, what exactly is seaweed? "Seaweed is a generic name that includes several types of plants and algae that grow in water," says registered dietitian Courtney Pelitera. Some popular types that we may know include kelp, spirulina, nori, aonori, and wakame. Kombu is another classic seaweed option.
The taste, aroma, and texture of this sea vegetable vary depending on the type and how it is served. However, one thing they all have in common is the salty and savory taste from the environment where they grow in the sea. Dried seaweed offers satisfying crispness, while fresh or boiled seaweed has a chewy and delicious texture.
6 Health Benefits of Seaweed
In addition to its culinary potential, seaweed is rich in nutrients. "In a very small portion, we can get a lot of vitamin K, riboflavin, potassium, fiber, iron, and iodine. Seaweed even provides calcium," says registered dietitian Sharon Palmer.
Seaweed also contains vitamin A, B complex, D, and E, and K, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, selenium, fluoride, amino acids, and polyphenols - which act as antioxidants. We can also get protein and omega-3 fatty acids in many seaweed varieties.
Thanks to the array of nutritional content, here are the benefits of seaweed for body health:
1. Supports Metabolism Health
The fiber found in most seaweed varieties is a good sign for our overall metabolism health. "Fiber helps regulate digestion, control blood sugar, and help you feel full and satisfied with food," says Pelitera.
The healthy protein and fats found in this sea vegetable also have the same effect of slowing down digestion - good news for those needing extra blood sugar support. This slow digestion is also important in curbing appetite and providing long-lasting energy after meals.
2. Maintains a Healthy Intestine
The fiber content of seaweed is also very important for intestinal health. "Fiber is the key to digestive health," says Palmer. Considering that fiber naturally regulates digestion and acts as a prebiotic in the gut microbiome.
Prebiotics are food for the healthy bacteria in the gut microbiome, which helps this large intestine-based system to thrive. And a well-functioning microbiome is not only beneficial for digestion, but also supports immunity, brain health, and much more.
"The bioactive compounds in seaweed also have benefits for improving the gut microbiome," Palmer adds.
3. Healthy for the Heart
Continuously consuming fiber, complex carbohydrates combined with omega-3 fatty acids, micro-nutrients, and plant compounds in seaweed also promote better heart health.
"Fiber helps control cholesterol levels and blood pressure," says Pelitera. Meanwhile, plant compounds in seaweed show anti-inflammatory action while potassium is good for balancing blood pressure," adds Palmer.
Speaking of inflammation, omega-3 fatty acids are powerful anti-inflammatory agents that are also important in preventing heart disease.
4. Supports the Immune System
The anti-inflammatory potential of seaweed also increases overall immune health, as well as the gut microbiome support offered by the fiber in seaweed.
"Fiber plays an important role in immune health benefits," says Palmer. Furthermore, some micro-nutrients in seaweed strengthen the immune response, including vitamin A, vitamin E, zinc, copper, and selenium. These nutritional contents act as antioxidants in the body, fighting free radicals associated with many acute and chronic diseases.
5. Maintains Thyroid Health
Seaweed and algae uniquely contain a large amount of iodine, a mineral that is often overlooked. Although iodine does not receive as much positive attention as other micro-nutrients, it plays a major role in thyroid function.
However, it is important not to consume seaweed excessively in this case. "Because the iodine content in seaweed is higher, it could potentially be dangerous if consumed in excess," Pelitera warns.
6. Maintains Body Tissues Health
The amino acid content, protein, and iron in seaweed also help build strong and healthy body tissues. "Amino acids play a crucial role in the diet and are used to build muscle and cell structure," says Pelitera. Furthermore, amino acids and whole proteins help the growth, maintenance, and repair of almost every body structure imaginable, from hair, skin, and nails, to organs, hormones, and bones. "Iron can also help maintain the health of red blood cells," concludes Palmer.
So, consider including seaweed preparations in your daily menu.
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