Let's learn about the amazing health benefits of eating seaweed!

Have you ever eaten sushi? Or maybe you've heard of Japanese and Korean cuisine. You've probably seen these dishes wrapped in a thin leaf that's often dark green, sometimes black. That's the seaweed we're going to talk about. But this isn't just limited to sushi. This is a superfood that's incredibly nutritious and has many health benefits. So let's talk about it in more depth today.

Let's first see, what are these seaweeds?

Simply put, seaweed is a type of algae and marine plants that grow in the sea, especially on rocky shores around the world. They come in a variety of colors. You can see different types like red, green, blue-green, and brown.

Imagine, people who lived by the sea have been eating these since before history. Today, people around the world eat more than 145 types of seaweed. Although not very popular among us, this is an indispensable dish in Asian countries like Japan and Korea. They are used in many things like soups, salads, and sushi.

These are some of the types of seaweed we commonly hear about:

• Wakame
• Kombu
• Nori - This is what is most often used to wrap sushi.
• Kelp
• Sea lettuce

What are the benefits of eating seaweed for our bodies?

Seaweed is a storehouse of nutrients. Scientists are still researching its health benefits. Let's take a look at some of the main benefits that have been discovered so far.

Helps maintain proper thyroid function

Seaweed is a rich source of iodine . Iodine is essential for the healthy functioning of the thyroid gland in our neck. This thyroid gland controls many things in our body, including metabolism, energy production and use, menstrual cycles, and body temperature.

If the body does not get enough iodine, the thyroid gland cannot produce the required amount of hormones. We call this condition hypothyroidism . It can also cause a condition called "Goiter" in which the thyroid gland swells. Iodine is essential for the development of the baby's brain, especially during pregnancy .

Improves intestinal health

Prebiotics in seaweedPrebiotics are carbohydrates that act as a natural food source for the "good" bacteria in our digestive tract. They help to promote the growth of good bacteria and keep our intestinal walls healthy.

Very good for heart health

Early research has found a link between eating seaweed and a reduced risk of heart disease. Some studies show that compounds called polyphenols found in seaweed can lower blood pressure, bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol), and total cholesterol levels.

May help control blood sugar levels

There is also evidence that certain compounds in seaweed may help control blood sugar levels. Polyphenols, as well as an antioxidant called fucoxanthin, found in some types of seaweed, are believed to contribute to this.

Can strengthen the immune system

Although research on this is limited, we know that the antioxidants and prebiotics found in seaweed contribute to a healthy immune system.

May contribute to reducing cancer risk

Early research has found that a carbohydrate called ``Fucoidan`` found in brown seaweed has anti-cancer properties. However, this is still in its early stages, so a definitive link has not yet been found. So don't think of this as a definitive cure.

Nutritious seaweed

The nutritional composition of seaweed varies depending on the type and region where it is grown, but all types contain valuable vitamins and minerals.

They are especially rich in vitamin K. They also contain protein and fiber. They are also very low in calories.

Are there any things to be careful about when eating seaweed?

Seaweed is safe for most people to eat, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

1. Excessive intake of iodine

Although iodine is essential for our thyroid gland, it is not good to get too much of it in the body. It can also affect the functioning of the thyroid gland. Especially young children, pregnant mothers, and those who already have thyroid diseases should avoid taking too much iodine.

2. Conflict with some medications

Seaweed is high in potassium . While this is good for a healthy person, consuming too much potassium can be harmful for those with kidney disease . Also, the vitamin K in this food can interact with blood-thinning medications like warfarin . If you are taking such medications, be sure to talk to your doctor before eating seaweed.

3. Risk of containing heavy metals

Depending on the environment in which seaweed grows, it can sometimes contain harmful heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead. Therefore, it is important to purchase good quality products from a trusted source.

Okay, how do we add these to the food?

Dried seaweed can now be found in large supermarkets in Sri Lanka, especially those selling international foods. Dried nori leaves (sushi sheets) and dried wakame are now common.

Here are some simple ways to add seaweed to your diet:

• Make a delicious soup using dried kombu or kelp.
• Make a delicious salad by adding vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, and finely chopped scallions to fresh or soaked wakame.
• Crumble a dried nori leaf and spread it over rice and a vegetable salad.
• Eat dried nori leaves as a snack. Some stores also sell them packaged.
• When boiling something like beans or peas, add a piece of kombu to it.