How Nutritious is Seaweed

Seaweeds are the most ancient plants on earth, and among the most nutrient-rich foods on the planet. The chemistry & physiology of seaweeds (essentially sea vegetables), is very different to that of land plants. Seaweeds absorb all the minerals and nutrients in seawater (many of which are no longer present in soils today), and are able to concentrate the basic elements which are the building blocks of the human body.

Seaweeds contain all five essential nutrients of a good diet – vitamins, minerals, carbohydrate, protein & fat and if you are not already eating them, we hope this article gives you some incentive to get started!

Compared to land vegetables, sea vegetables have up to 20 times more usable minerals, concentrated calcium & iron, and possess the ideal ratio of potassium to sodium. They are also rich in vitamins, contain all minerals and trace elements identified as health requirements and contain other nutrients, many of which are known to offer protection from radiation or chemical pollutants. (The amount of individual minerals & essential elements varies according to the specific seaweed, but they are naturally presented in balanced proportions for easy assimilation by the body).

They are the richest foods in natural organic iodine, with a high bio-availability, which boosts metabolism, regulates weight, and stimulates cellular activity (this in turn burns fats and eliminates toxins). Seaweeds can offer one of the very few plant-based sources of Vitamin B12, so provides excellent nutritional support for vegans and vegetarians. They also provide an array of other minerals such as magnesium, potassium and calcium.

Proteins in seaweed are offered in a simple form which is easy for human bodies to assimilate. This protein is also low in calories and fat, alkaline, and contains no cholesterol. Red seaweeds tend to offer the highest protein of all seaweeds.

Seaweeds also contain exceptional saccharides in the form of glyconutrients (for example in agar & carrageenan) & complex sugars (like mannitol). The carbohydrates are slow releasing sugars in the form of fibers, supplying plenty of energy with few calories. The fibers in seaweed come in soluble & insoluble forms. These are both are able to bind water, or mineral cations, and may be used by colonic microflora, as fermentable substrate. This provides prebiotic benefits & facilitates the binding, lubrication & evacuation of toxins.

Seaweeds are generally low in sodium and therefore do not have an adverse effect on blood pressure. They are a very positive alternative to those on a low sodium diet as they are naturally salty but also have a far improved mineral content than pure table salt. The alginates they contain actually help balance salts in the body by eliminating excess sodium & environmental toxins.

Seaweeds have unique compounds which attract toxins, and some of them, like Agar and Irish moss, also have a gentle laxative effect, helping the body to eliminate waste more efficiently. Being one of the most alkaline foods one can eat, seaweeds support the neutralisation of acidity in the body.

In summary, the nutritional value of seaweed is unrivaled, and holistic. One does not have to eat great quantities of seaweed in order to enjoy the health benefits they offer. Rather than consume a handful of supplements daily, just start to add a sprinkle of seaweed seasoning to your regular diet. Come in today and see the range of seaweeds available in store or visit our website for further information.

Blog post courtesy of Pacific Harvest