Seaweeds are the most nutritionally dense plants on the planet. They can contain up to 10 times more calcium than milk and eight times as much as beef. The chemical composition of seaweeds is very close to human blood plasma, which greatly helps build our own blood.
Seaweed also has the ability to alkalize the body, and protect us from a wide variety of toxins including heavy metals, by converting them to harmless salts that the body can eliminate.
WEIGHT LOSS
Many people struggling to lose weight have thyroid regulation issues, because they are iodine deficient. Seaweed is the perfect source of iodine, and is healthier than adding supplemental iodine which can actually damage thyroid tissue. Because of seaweed’s ability to help detox the body, it can be useful to help prevent cellulite build-up when consumed regularly. If you eat sea vegetables and bathe in them, it can help to greatly reduce existing cellulite and help stimulate lymphatic drainage.
Here are the various types of seaweeds to try:
Nori – is best known for the seaweed used to make sushi rolls. Make sure you use raw untoasted nori for the most beneficial nutrients.
Kelp – kelp is available in powder for, to be sprinkled in soups and on food. Due to the thick leaves, if you purchase it whole, it is perfect for a hot seaweed bath.
Dulse – a red seaweed that is available in flakes. Dulse has a very salty flavor and is delicious chewed as a snack (took me some getting used to), and can also be used as seasoning on salads, vegetables and soups.
Arame – consists of brown stringy seaweed. My favorite way to use arame is to soak it in water for 5 minutes and then make a salad out of it adding whole edamame beans, shredded purple cabbage, apple slices, and a bit of hemp oil. A super easy superfood lunch!
Wakame – I also soak wakame, and add it to sandwiches and salads. It has a savory flavor and is loaded with minerals and iodine.
Kombu – kimbu has been used in Japan for centuries as a mineral rich flavor enhancer. I use kombu when cooking beans, which increases the digestibility of beans and helps reduce gas! I also add a strip of kombu to all soups, for an extra mineral and iodine boost, and to my sprouts when soaking them, so they can soak up the minerals.
A word on ocean safety:
A lot of people express concern about the safety of consuming seaweeds. However, most reputable brands do extensive testing on their products, such as Maine Coast Sea Vegetables. And they publish the results of those studies, and are perfectly safe to consume!
