What Are the Health Benefits of Eating Seaweed?
Learn about the benefits of eating seaweed and how to incorporate it into your diet besides sushi.
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Seaweed has long been in use in many Asian cuisines. But it’s still used relatively infrequently as a dietary component in the US – most Americans probably consume seaweed most often when eating sushi. That’s too bad, because seaweed has some powerful health benefits. Seaweed is potent with antioxidants and packed with minerals – particularly iodine, but also iron and calcium. Seaweed is also a source of vitamins, including vitamin K and a spectrum of B vitamins, as well as vitamins A and C.
See alsoHow To Roll Your Own Sushi
Scientific studies suggest seaweed has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help protect against cardiovascular disease as well as other chronic health conditions. Lignan-rich seaweed has been linked to improved hormone regulation and balance–specifically the regulation of estrogen levels–and may offer protection against some cancers.
How can you add more seaweed to your diet? This versatile sea veggie is great raw in salads and simmered in soups. Dried seaweed can also be added to soups and stews, as well as to vegetable dips and smoothies.
See alsoSushi Salad.