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Seaweed is a sea vegetable that is the form of algae grown in the sea. One can say they are the food source for ocean life. These are also called edible seaweed. They turn their colours from red to green and then brown to black. They grow at the rocky shorelines and are most commonly consumed in Asian countries like China, Japan and Korea. This product is used as an ingredient in various dishes and seaweed snacks like sushi rolls, stews and soups, salads and smoothies. Here is more information about this snack and its benefits.
BENEFITS OF SEAWEED:
- They have a good source of minerals and vitamins:
Various types of seaweed contain a different set of nutrients. Sprinkling, a bit of dry seaweed on the food will help in increasing the taste level, flavour and texture. It is also the best way to take vitamins and minerals. Seaweed includes calories, copper, carbs, manganese, protein, iron, fat, thiamin, fibre and riboflavin and it also includes a small amount of vitamin A, K, E, and C.
- It contains protective antioxidants:
Antioxidants have the power to make unstable substances in one’s body. These substances are free radicals less reactive and would prevent cell damages. The production of free radicals in the body can lead to various diseases like heart disease and diabetes. The seaweed also boasts many beneficial plant components, including carotenoids and flavonoids. Researchers say the main carotenoids are found in brown algae like wakame and, it also has an antioxidant capacity like vitamin E.
- Helps one to lose weight:
Seaweed snacks contain a huge amount of fibres that do not include any calories. The fibre helps one to feel full for a longer time and delay the hunger pangs. In return, this will reduce the intake of the food. The seaweed also has anti-obesity effects and a substance in this ingredient called fucoxanthin helps people reduce body fat. This substance also reduces blood sugar levels and aids in weight loss.
- It reduces heart disease risk:
As mentioned earlier, this ingredient helps in reducing heart diseases. The factors that increase heart diseases are smoking, high cholesterol, being physically inactive, overweight and high blood pressure. Heart diseases can also be caused due to the clotting of blood. Seaweed prevents blood clotting in the body as it contains carbohydrates known as fucans.
TYPES OF EDIBLE SEAWEEDS IN THE OCEAN:
- Wakame
It is a dark green seaweed known as sea mustard, mostly found in miso soup. It has a silky smooth texture and a sweet taste that is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.
- Sea lettuce
It is an edible blue-green alga that is found along the coastlines. This substance is also known as green nori.
- Kombu
It is one of the most famous seaweed in East Asia. One of the largest islands in Japan known as Hokkaido largely produces this seaweed. It is cooked in water using bonito flakes. It is also the main ingredient of dashi which is soup stock. This soup is the foundation of many Japanese dishes. It is also steamed in water to make Japanese tea that is known as kombucha.
- Irish moss
It is a purple-red alga hugely found in a few of the places of the US and Europe. It is also found in a few dessert dishes like ice cream and tapioca as it contains the quality of carrageen known as sugar molecules that are mostly used as thickening agents.
- Nori
It is also known as purple laver. It is a deep red-purple seaweed that turns dark green when it gets dried. Nori is mostly used by the chefs of Japanese restaurants to wrap rice balls and sushi rolls. They are used as dry sheets and for flavouring traditions of Japanese dishes like okonomiyaki and yakisoba.
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