One of the most nutritious foods that may not be eye-catching at first sight is seaweed. Most of you know about sushi and Japanese cuisine, which is an ingredient. What you may not be aware of is that algae is literally an overgrowth with many beneficial properties.
There are many types of algae, each with a different taste and texture. The most common edible algae are green, brown and red.
But they all have about the same beneficial properties as they are rich in protein, magnesium, potassium, calcium, vitamin A and vitamin C. Most importantly, they are an important source of iodine.
Natural source of iodine
Seaweed is one of the few natural sources of iodine, which is very important for thyroid health.
Sea salt also contains iodine. However, iodine does not have the salt they put into processed foods. Let the consumption of large quantities of salt not be the best for health.
Iodine helps the thyroid gland function properly, which regulates cell metabolism and helps in weight management. The proper functioning of the thyroid is important for the production and regulation of hormones.
Improper functioning of the thyroid gland can have many consequences for the body, such as fatigue, muscle weakness, cholesterol, depression and mood disorders.
The other beneficial ingredients
Due to the fiber and chlorophyll they contain, seaweed is a rich source of antioxidants. In this way, they help the gut function properly and remove toxins and fats from the body.
It is characteristic that some species of algae contain more amount of Beta-carotene antioxidant than carrots!
In addition, some algae are considered the best to give our body the calcium it lacks. Especially in osteoporosis they can be a natural dietary supplement.
Magnesium, pantothenic acid and riboflavin help the adrenal glands, which are also known as stress glands. The adrenal glands are two endocrine glands located above the kidneys. They produce very important hormones such as cortisol, aldosterone, adrenaline and androgens that are related to stress management.
If you do not eat meat the algae can provide you high quality protein, as they contain high levels of protein as mentioned above.
The seaweed
- Dals contain protein and all vital trace elements, as well as beta-carotene and B, C, E vitamins.
- Kelp has an active ingredient in alginine, which absorbs digestive tract toxins, improves digestion and cleanses the blood of heavy metals and environmental toxins.
- Lori is used in many sushi dishes and is rich in protein. One of their characteristic properties is that they help those who have been damaged by smoking, preventing the tar from sitting on the lungs.
- Guacamas contain a significant amount of magnesium and calcium. We usually use them in soups and salads. They have virtually no calories, which makes them ideal for those who want to take care of their weight.
Spirulina: The queen of algae
Spirulina is a freshwater seaweed that has been described as superficial, not unfair.
It has been known since antiquity as a staple food for the peoples of Africa and Mexico. Nowadays this seaweed is of course much more widespread as it is used additionally in the diet in the US, China, India, Thailand, Japan, but also in our country, with Hot Nigrites being their predominant production site.
What makes Spirulina so special? Not only is it a rich source (over 65%) of a high-value plant protein with 8 amino acids, but the protein it contains is of high bioavailability. That is, the protein contained in the plant absorbs almost 95%, which is due to the composition of the plant.
It also contains antioxidants, all of the B vitamins, beta-carotenoids, enzymes and many other nutrients missing from our normal diet.
Of course, spirulina is a valuable ally in weight loss. It gives a sense of satiety, while detoxifying the body simply and physically, while also activating metabolism. One of the two main constituents of spirulina is chlorophyll, which is a serious antioxidant and contributes potently to the elimination of toxins in the body.
Bibliography:
Albertus J. Smit, (2004), Medicinal and pharmaceutical uses of seaweed natural products: A review, Journal of applied Psychology, http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.624.5721&rep=rep1&type=pdf.
V. K. Dhargalkar, Neelam Pereira, (2013), Seaweed: Promising Plant of the Millennium, National Institute of Oceanography, http://drs.nio.org/drs/bitstream/handle/2264/489/Sci_Cult_71_60.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y.
By Dr Angel,
Αggeliki Koskeridou
Holistic Doctor – Counseling Psychotherapist
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
MSc Health Psychology
insta: dr_aggelikikoskeridou_official
