What are Sea Vegetables?
Sea Vegetables, also known as edible seaweed are simply algae that you can eat. Sea Vegetables can also be used in food preparation, especially as seasonings. Sea Vegetables are also highly fibrous. They are normally classified into three groups of multicellular Algae, namely:
A fun fact about Sea Vegetables: Contrary to what seems more believable, Marine Algae are Edible Seaweed, while the ones that grow in Freshwater are toxic!
List of Edible Sea Vegetables:
Wondering which Sea Vegetables you should consider eating? Not sure if they are edible? Well, here’s a list of Edible Sea Vegetables to help you out:
- Kelp: To increase your iodine intake.
- Wakame & Kombu (Types of Kelp): Rich in Magnesium and Calcium.
- Chlorella: Contains high amounts of Proteins and Carbohydrates.
- Arame: Rich in Iodine.
- Sea Spaghetti: Contains Proteins.
- Dulse: Has high amounts of Calcium and Magnesium.
- Limu Kohu: Includes Bromine- and Iodine-containing organic compounds.
- Spirulina: Rich in Carbohydrates.
- Nori: Light snack for some minerals and nutrients.
- Irish Moss: High in Zinc, Bromine, Calcium and other Minerals.
- Sea Lettuce: High in Proteins and Dietary Fibres.
- Alaria Esculenta: Increases food’s mineral content.
Uses of Sea Vegetables:
Sea Vegetables are used in a variety of fields from Food, Fertilizers to Health and Industry. Seaweeds have got it all covered.
- Food And Nutrition:
Edible Seaweeds are used in food preparation in many countries, including Japan, Korea, and China. Sea Vegetables like Nori, Wakame, and Kombu are consumed by a large number of people for their nutritional values.
Sea Vegetables can be eaten as snacks or used as seasonings. They also make a great addition to soups and even some beverages.
Sea Vegetables have high nutritional values. They’re rich in Iodine, Proteins, Minerals, Vitamins and even Fibre and Carbohydrates.
- Cosmetics & Bath Products:
Seaweeds like Irish Moss and Wracks are now being used for creating cosmetics, and bath products. You can now purchase Seaweed Powder, Seaweed Body Lotion, and other similar cosmetic products.
Seaweed bath products are said to have healing properties against arthritis. On the other hand, it is believed that Seaweed cosmetics cleanse your skin and nurture it back to health.
- Medicinal Uses:
Many of the Seaweeds are also used for medicinal purposes. The most commonly used Seaweeds are:
- Haizao:
Haizao disperses goiter, tumor and accumulated phlegm. It is also known to cleanse heat from the body.
- Kunbu:
Kunbu is known to disperse accumulated fluid and soften hardness. It also resolves phlegm.
- Nori:
Nori helps heal leg swellings, urinary infection and sore throat.
- Seaweed Fertilizers:
Seaweeds like Kelp are spread on the soil in order to nourish the soil. They also provide the soil with growth supporting substances. Many seaweeds have anti-fungal qualities that make them good fertilizers.
Seaweeds are not dug into heavy soils, as they’re water soluble and can end up creating large amounts of seaweed gels.
Sea Vegetables and Nutrients:
Sea Vegetables are rich in various Minerals and Proteins. This makes them a healthy addition to your daily food.
Nori is rich in Vitamin A and C and helps keep your eyes and joints healthy.
Iodine, Calcium, and Magnesium are Minerals found in large quantities in different Sea Vegetables.
Dried Algae provides Fats, Calories as well as Fibre. Spirulina and Chlorella are extremely rich in Proteins, namely, Fibre and Magnesium.
Sea Vegetables also act as antioxidants.
Health Benefits of eating Sea Vegetables:
Sea Vegetables have a high concentration of minerals, vitamins, and proteins. Not only that, it is also easy to consume, making it a healthy food choice.
Sea Vegetables help avoid indigestion and are good sources of Fibre and prebiotics.
Sea Vegetables also contain Omega-3, which is really useful for vegetarians.
Note: Sea Vegetables have high amounts of Iodine and carbohydrates. Therefore, they should be consumed in a limited amount.
Sea Vegetables for Thyroid:
The Thyroid is one of the most important of the endocrine glands in our body. The thyroid produces two hormones called Thyroxine and Thyronine. These hormones regulate body temperature, enable the growth and development of cells and also affect the brain’s cognitive functions. The Thyroid gland uses Iodine and Tyrosine to produce these hormones.
- Iodine:
Sea Vegetables, especially the brown ones, are rich in Iodine, and consumption of such sea vegetables provides more iodine to the thyroid glands.
- Selenium:
Selenium is a mineral that helps with the conversion of Thyroxine into Thyronine. This selenium is also a mineral that is found in a variety of sea vegetables.
Thus, it can be said, that if taken in proper amounts, Sea Vegetables are no less than a boon for the thyroid glands.
Sea Vegetable Supplements:
Want to try Sea Vegetables but are unsure where to start? Here are a couple of sea vegetable supplements to get you started:
- Emerald Sea Raw Organic Seaweed:
Emerald Sea Raw Organic Seaweed is a blend of seven different seaweeds. Each capsule of Emerald Sea Raw contains nutrients, vitamins, minerals, omega 3’s and omega 6’s, enzymes, organic iodine and more, providing all benefits of the seaweed.
Benefits:
- Naturally increases energy level.
- Helps maintain steady metabolism and control weight.
- Keeps the digestive system healthy.
- Promotes healthier skin, nails, and hair.
- Seatrition’s Daily Ocean Blend:
View it on AmazonSeatrition’s Daily Ocean Blend is a unique blend of 12 different seaweeds. It guarantees 300 mcg of Vegetable Iodine in every capsule.
Benefits:
- Boosts immune system.
- Helps to maintain cholesterol level and blood pressure.
- Keeps the digestive system healthy.
- Increases metabolism.
- Nature’s Way Kelp:
Nature’s Way Kelp is a reasonably priced supplement that uses just one type of sea vegetable to provide the optimum amount of Iodine. (400 mcg!)
Benefits:
- Helps with weight management.
- Assists in maintaining Thyroid levels.
- Naturally increases energy level.
Conclusion:
Sea Vegetables are goldmines full of the healthiest vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Some sea vegetables in your daily meals or snacks will benefit you in more ways than one. From increasing your metabolism to maintaining your thyroid levels, Sea Vegetables have got it all covered.