Benefits of Eating Seaweed

The Benefits of Eating Seaweed    •They are the richest source of minerals in the vegetable kingdom  •An excellent source of magnesium, iron, sodium and calcium  •An excellent source of vitamins A, B1, C, E and K.  •They are a wild food and completely organic  •They contain a wide variety of concentrated protein and healthy carbohydrates  •They are an excellent source of iodine  •They hope to balance the body's pH with the alkaline forming effect  •They are low in fat and very low in calories  •They are a high in glyconutrients    Common Types of Seaweed Available  Wakame - long hard strips that can be softened with water. Dulse - a soft chewy, dried whole leaf of a reddish colour or flakes for seasoning. Nori - this seaweed is well-known in sushi and is dark purple or green coloured sheets. Kelp - popular as a health supplement. Kelp is light brown in colour and usually available as flakes or in powder form. Arame - comes in a lacy, wiry form and is sweet and mild in taste.  Health Benefits Of Seaweed  Protection against cancer. - sea vegetables contain large amounts of lignans which are plant compounds that protect against cancers of all kind. Support healthy thyroid function - low thyroid function is often related to the lack of iodine. Kelp is the richest source of iodine which is the component of the thyroid hormones thyroxine and triidithyronine. Kelp can help to regulate proper thyroid function. Source of calcium - 1 teaspoon of kelp mixed in a glass of water contains 1000 times more calcium than a glass of milk. Protects against birth defects and cardiovascular disease - Ocean vegetables contain folic acid which is important for the prevention of birth defects and spina bifida. Folic acid is also known to break down homocysteine which helps to reduce high blood pressure and protect against heart disease. Anti-inflammatory - high magnesium levels present in seaweed act as a natural relaxant and anti-inflammatory. Relief of menopause symptoms - Lignans are found in seaweed and act as a weak oestrogen and along with magnesium may help to restore normal sleep patterns and reduce hot flushes.  Biofuel for Our Future  It seems that seaweed isn't just good for our bodies. Brown seaweed, commonly known as kelp recently made the news when it was reported that it could be farmed and used to produce biofuel. The main advantage to using seaweed is that it doesn't require arable land or water resources for farming it.  Seaweed is increasing in popularity and most health shops now stock many different seaweed varieties. As with all foods, the utmost importance is making sure that the quality is of a high standard. Many of our seas are polluted and the sea vegetables will soak up those toxins and contaminants. Be sure to source high-quality and organic products for the best health benefits.    Learn more: