Got Seaweed?

Sea Vegetables

 

Have you ever eaten seaweed?  I’m sure all of you have, but you may not have known it.

 

Seaweed has amazing properties! Sea vegetables are one of the richest sources of minerals in the vegetable planet. J

Sea vegetables or seaweed are marine algae which are abundant all over the world.  They are among the most ancient life forms on earth.In many parts of the world, they have been harvested and eaten long before land-based agriculture occurred.

 

Many health benefits have been suggested for sea vegetables.

-They are virtually fat-free making them low in calories.

-They are also rich in minerals calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, iron, iodine, potassium, and sodium.

 

Example: ¼ C. cooked hijiki contains greater than ½ of the calcium found in 1 C. of milk, and contains more iron than one egg. WOW!!!

-Vitamins A, thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), pyridoxine (B6), B12, C, and E are also found in seaweeds.  Seaweed also contains a substance (ergosterol) that converts to vitamin D in the body.

 

-They are also an excellent source of a complete vegetable protein.  Seaweed is a complete protein meaning that one does not have to combine other vegetable proteins to make it a complete protein (also with rice and beans).  This is great for a vegetarian!

 

-Other key nutrients are carotene, chlorophyll (antioxidants), enzymes, and fiber.
Other benefits are that seaweeds can help reduce cholesterol and also remove metallic and radioactive elements from the body- removal of strontium.

 

-Seaweed can also help to prevent goiter because of its iodine content.  Those with thyroid conditions may want to avoid preventing excess iodine intake. While seaweed contains some sodium due to its natural milieu (saltwater), excessive intake should be avoided by those on sodium-reduced diets.

 -A final possible benefit is that seaweed has antibiotic properties that have shown to be effective against penicillin-resistant bacteria.

 

Seaweed Salad Recipe:

 Ingredients:

• 3/4 ounce dried wakame seaweed ( whole or cut)
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar ( not seasoned)
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon finely grated ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup shredded carrot
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted

• Soak seaweed in warm water to cover, 5 minutes. Drain, rinse then squeeze out excess water. If wakame is uncut, cut into 1/2-inch-wide strips.
• Stir together vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, pepper flakes, ginger, and garlic in a bowl until sugar is dissolved. Add the seaweed, scallions, carrots, and cilantro, tossing to combine well. Sprinkle salad with sesame seeds

Here is a link to favorite seaweed to snack on!!

http://www.gimmehealth.com/