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seaweeds

The Health Benefits of Seaweed

June 14, 2011 by rfcamat Leave a Comment

Nori
Nori, an edible seaweed

Seaweed is a generic term for a variety of marine plants that have played a vital role in human diet, civilization, and health throughout history. Seaweeds encompass members from many taxa of algae including brown algae (Phaeophyta), green algae (Chlorophyta), and red algae (Rhodophyta).  Most seaweed can be obtained along the coast, near estuaries or in shallow to deep water near coastlines and islands. Edible seaweed is either eaten raw, dried, or cooked usually by boiling and frying.

Seaweeds are rich in minerals derived from the sea. Iodine is a particularly abundant element in seaweeds. It prevents the occurrence of goiter in humans. It is responsible for thyroid maintenance, ensuring that hormone production remains unhampered. Calcium content of seaweeds is also very high. This mineral is responsible for maintaining bone health and other body functions. Iron and magnesium, two important minerals, are also found in seaweeds at significant amounts. These minerals increase red blood cell production.

Seaweeds have been known to protect against infection by viruses and bacteria.  Sufficient intake of seaweed can lower inflammation in certain body regions. Seaweed has sufficient amount of potassium chloride that can alleviate the symptoms of hay fever and other allergies.

Kelps (Laminaria digitalis and others)

These cold water plants are excellent sources of iodine. They are used as food and medicine in various countries. They are good dietary sources of B vitamins, particularly folate. They contain essential minerals like iron and magnesium. They also contain compounds that ease digestion while reducing fat absorption. Their high growth rate and large size make them easily harvestable, allowing many people to enjoy their health benefits. People in Scotland, Japan, China and Korea all have kelp in their respective cuisines.

Carrageenan or Irish moss (Chondrus crispus)

This plant has been heavily utilized by the food industry due to its capability to form gels. It is a prime component of gelatinous desserts. It is a favorite in western European cuisines, being made into blancmanges. It is a primary source of retinol, as well as iodine, magnesium, calcium, iron and other ions. It is utilized throughout the history of Western Europe as a treatment for tuberculosis, common cold, and urinary disorders. It has also been used to alleviate diarrhea and treat infections.

Dulse/ Dilisk/ Sol (Palmaria palmate)

 

Palmaria (Rhodomyna) palmata is known as dulse in Scotland, referred to as dilisk in Ireland, and named sol in Iceland. It is widely used as edible seaweed both for human and animal consumption. It contains a significant amount of protein as well as other vitamins and minerals. Of particular note is its beta-carotene content, the precursor of vitamin A, a powerful antioxidant that keeps the skin and eyes healthy. The seaweed is also a component of several facial products that invigorate the skin and limit wrinkles.

Nori (Porphyra)

Nori is an integral part of Eastern Asian cuisine. It is usually rolled into mats and served with rice and other ingredients to make sushi. Nori is particularly rich in potassium and vitamin A. It also contains vitamin C, magnesium, and riboflavin.

Conclusion

Throughout history, western and eastern cultures have recognized and enjoyed the health benefits of seaweed. Being the primary source of goiter treatments, seaweed has proven invaluable to civilization. The various health properties of seaweed are significant: it gives essential vitamins and minerals, reduces fat absorption, provides low fat, and treats human illnesses.  Humans from the past until the present have availed themselves of the health benefits of seaweed. Why not join them and experience the impact of seaweed on your health.

References

  • Chapman V.J. (1950) Seaweeds and their uses. London Methuen.
  • Smith, G.M. (1944). Marine Algae of the Monterey Peninsula, California. Stanford University., 2nd Edition.

Filed Under: Alternative Medicine, Health Tagged With: health benefits, seaweeds

Health Benefits of Kelp

June 12, 2011 by rfcamat Leave a Comment

Kelp in Tasmania
Kelp in Tasmania

Kelps are common marine plants. They belong to the brown algae group (Phaeophyta) under the order Laminariales, having approximately thirty genera. Kelp is known to have various medicinal uses. The health benefits of kelp include supplementing diet, preventing diseases and treating them.

Kelp thrives in cool, temperate waters. They form massive plantations or forests that become habitat to other marine  organisms. These fast growing plants have two life stages: a diploid spore releasing stage and a haploid gamete stage that cycle into each other.  Green, leaf-shaped structures compose the body or thallus of the algae. The kelp is anchored to the seafloor by means of the holdfast (pseudo root), preventing waves from washing them away. Some species have gas-filled bladders that help kelp maintain a surface presence, enabling them to access to sunlight easier. They are fast growing and large organisms with some species approaching growth rates of fifty centimeters per day and reaching approximately eighty meters in height.

Throughout the years, the health benefits of kelp have been enjoyed by cultures around the world. They have been used in ethnic cuisine, usually as a spice, although many cultures use them as vegetables and garnishes. Japanese cuisine extensively uses kelp as flavoring, food wrapper and even as candies or snack. They are either lightly cooked, eaten raw or simply immersed in vinegar.

Kelp was also a very valuable commodity early in history as a source of soda ash. Being mineral rich, it has, throughout history, been used as a fertilizer. Currently, there are many products which have components derived from kelp. Toothpaste, dog food, gelatin, and ice cream all have ingredients coming from kelp. With its high iodine content, it has been used as a medicinal treatment for goiter. Its fast growth rate, a lack of any need for irrigation and the ease by which it could be harvested makes kelp an ideal crop. Coupled with high methane and ethanol yield, kelp is seen as a viable alternative source of fuel. Since it is not really a “food” crop, utilizing kelp for fuel would not deprive the world of a vital food source.

One of the many health benefits of kelp is the fact that it is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. Vitamins B1, B5, and B9 are all present in kelp with a single serving able to fill about 50% of a person vitamin B9 (folate) needs. These vitamins are essential in maintaining energy and vigor. It is also an excellent source of calcium, iron, magnesium, sodium, zinc and iodine. These are some of the basic building blocks of the human body, essential in most processes that allow us to live a healthy life.

Aside from being an excellent addition to one’s diet, kelp also has many remedial and preventive health benefits. As mentioned, the high iodine content of kelp helps prevent and treat instances of goiter. Kelp can aid indigestion.  Indigestion is usually caused by the body’s inability to break down sugars and other substances. Kelp contains enzymes that allow it to break sugars, preventing indigestion and also reducing the occurrence of flatulence. Its high fiber content also relieves constipation, allowing the digestive system to efficiently remove waste material. Kelp can make our stomachs more efficient, and yet recent research has shown that a substance found in kelp could also help reduce the chance of obesity. Known as alginate, this substance can reduce the body’s fat absorption even better than some over-the-counter drugs.

The health benefits of kelp are substantial. Coupled with its properties as a very viable, easy to grow crop, it would not be surprising to find much more uses for kelp in the future.

References:

  • Druehl, L.D. (1988). Cultivated edible kelp: Algae and Human Affairs. Lembi, C.A. and Waaland, J.R. (Eds.)
  • Kazuko, Emi (2002), Japanese Cooking. Hermes House , p. 78,
  • Sky News (2010). Is Seaweed The Answer To A Dieter’s Prayer?

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Filed Under: Health, Medicine Tagged With: health benefits, kelp, seaweeds

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