Seaweed: 6 Reasons to Include in the Diet
For the inhabitants of the countries of South-East Asia, a variety of seaweed is an essential component of the daily diet. Algae are popular not only for their high taste, but also for their numerous healing properties.
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Russians are not very familiar with this kind of food, which is upsetting: seaweed is so healthy that it should be eaten as often as possible. Let's take a closer look at their amazing properties.
Improving bowel function
Red (nori) and brown (kelp and wakama) algae contain huge amounts of fucoxanthin. This pigment, getting into the gastrointestinal tract, promotes the accelerated removal of fats from it. In addition, most algae contain alginate, which protects the intestinal and gastric mucosa from damage, preventing the development of gastritis and peptic ulcer disease.
All types of algae are rich in fiber, essential for the proper functioning of the intestines.
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Strengthening immunity
The daily use of algae heals the intestines, contributes to the creation of conditions for enhanced reproduction of beneficial microflora. This has a positive effect on the state of the immune system. In addition, marine plants contain substances that activate the production of leukocytes, which perform a protective function in the body.
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Blood pressure normalization
Seaweed is rich in Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Regular inclusion of these plants in the diet improves blood composition, reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular pathologies, and normalizes blood pressure. It is not for nothing that in countries whose population constantly eats algae, the percentage of diseases such as stroke and myocardial infarction is lower than the world average.
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Regulation of the level of female hormones
Frequent consumption of algae has been shown to help normalize blood estrogen levels. Taking into account the fact that an excess of this hormone increases the risk of developing malignant neoplasms of the mammary gland and ovaries, the inclusion in the diet, in particular, of kelp and nori is desirable for every woman. Special attention should be paid to algae as we approach menopause.
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Maintaining Thyroid Health
All seaweed is rich in iodine, which is required for the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. Disruption of the work of this organ leads to such troubles as obesity, heart rhythm disorders, problems with the reproductive system. Lack of iodine in the body negatively affects the physical and mental development of children.
The population of most developed countries eats table salt, fortified with iodine. However, when this trace element is obtained from seaweed, the body assimilates it more efficiently.
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Removal of toxins from the body
Red and brown algae contain fucoidan, which has the ability to remove toxins from the body (including carcinogenic ones). Chlorella (green alga) and spirulina (blue-green alga) are extremely rich in chlorophyll, which cleanses the blood of harmful waste products and lowers cholesterol levels.
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The positive qualities of seaweed are extremely varied. For example, spirulina contains many valuable amino acids, the consumption of which contributes to the building of muscle mass, and this makes it highly demanded in sports nutrition. The amount of iron and protein in red algae is such that the latter may well "compete" with meat, and in the countries of the East they are often consumed by people who decide to give up animal food. Nori seaweed is widely used not only in the manufacture of sushi and rolls, but also in cosmetics as a component of masks that perfectly tighten and refresh the skin.
Eating at least 30 g of algae at least three times a week helps to significantly improve health, tones, and increases efficiency.
An absolute contraindication to eating seaweed is allergic reactions to seafood and iodine intolerance. Caution should be shown to pregnant women and nursing mothers: active compounds of trace elements, which are rich in these products, are able to overcome the placental barrier and penetrate into breast milk, which can affect the health of babies. Seaweed should not be given to children under three years of age. People with kidney disease, endocrine system problems and certain types of skin diseases should consult a doctor before including such foods in their diet.
One nuance is important: algae quickly absorb and accumulate various toxins, including the salts of heavy metals contained in sea water. Therefore, they need to be purchased only at trusted retail outlets, which guarantee a preliminary safety check and high quality of the goods.
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Maria Kulkes Medical journalist About the author
Education: First Moscow State Medical University named after I. M. Sechenov, specialty "General Medicine".
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