Should I Be Eating Seaweed?!
Seaweed, also known as sea vegetables, is a type of algae that grows in the sea and is a food source for ocean life. It is commonly eaten in Asian countries such as Japan, Korea, and China and is renowned for its versatility in dishes such as sushi rolls, soups and stews, salads, supplements, and smoothies. Seaweed is also highly nutritious and contains beneficial nutrients, including iodine, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
We’ve all heard whisperings of it’s health benefits, so we decided to outline the science-backed benefits of ingesting this healthy algae!
Supports thyroid function: Seaweed contains iodine and an amino acid called tyrosine, which are essential for thyroid function. The thyroid gland relies on iodine to produce hormones that regulate growth, energy production, and repair of damaged cells.
Good source of vitamins and minerals: Seaweed contains a unique set of nutrients, including vitamins A, C, E, and K, folate, zinc, sodium, calcium, and magnesium. It is also a good source of protein and omega-3 fats.
Contains protective antioxidants: Seaweed contains antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, and E, as well as flavonoids and carotenoids. These protect the body’s cells from free radical damage, which is linked to chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
May improve gut health: Seaweed contains prebiotics, which are beneficial for gut health, and may also help reduce inflammation in the gut.
Convinced?
Get your seaweed fix here:
1. Cornish Seaweed are a small team of passionate seaweed foragers and growers based on West Cornwall’s rugged coast. They offer a range of organic dried seaweeds and flakes, supplements and even seaweed crackers! Check out their selection here.
2. The Fish Society offer a selection of high quality and well-priced dried organic seaweeds from Northern Spain. The range include kombu (or kelp), sea spaghetti, wakame, sea lettuce and a seaweed salad. Check out their selection here.
3. Want your seaweed on the go?! Abakus Foods are well known for their delicious seaweed crisps. They come in a number of flavours and 1% of their sales are donated to charities in support of environmental causes. Check out their range here.
4. Get your sea moss fix! Not strictly seaweed, but Gaia Sea Moss is the UK’s No1 provider of 100% Organic Wildcrafted Sea Moss, naturally rich in minerals, protein and iodine. Their sea moss has been harvested in the tropical waters of Jamaica and St Lucia and contains 92 of the 102 minerals that the body is made from. Check out their products here.
N.B. Glorious is not affiliated with any of the mentioned products or treatments. We are not sponsored by them and do not receive any monetary gain from featuring these products. As always, we recommend seeking medical advice prior to ingesting copious amounts of seaweed!