The #1 Reason To Eat More Seaweed Is…

by DailyHealthPost Editorial

seaweed

3. Great for Weight Loss

Some studies show that kelp can even help in cases of obesity. Since kelp is a significant source of calcium it can also help you lose weight.

A study published in June 2011 in Nutrition Reviews, revealed that increased calcium intake can actually promote “statistically significant weight loss in overweight and obese individuals.” (16)

So, the next time you think of losing weight, just add a little seaweed to your diet.

4. Ecologically Sustainable

Seaweed grows extremely fast so it’s very sustainable—some species grow 5 to 10 inches a day! And the best part is that nature does most of the work.

This hardy plant latches on to a rock bed on the ocean floor and then the seedlings go from there, cleaning the surrounding waters as they grow, which can be anywhere from 20 to 200 feet in length depending on the species.

Buying and Eating Seaweed

There are two hard and fast rules when buying and eating seaweed.

  • Always buy the best quality possible. Like your typical garden veggie, look for minimally processed varieties that are dried without additives or preservatives, and those harvested from clean waters. Like when buying organic, spend the extra money, you won’t be sorry.
  • Check with your doctor before eating a lot of this sea veggie because it does contain high amounts of iodine. So, if you have kidney or thyroid issues, or if you are pregnant or are on prescription medications, it’s always best to know if iodine will be an issue.

How to Eat Seaweed

Dulse: This type of seaweed comes dried, powdered, in strips and flakes, or as a whole leaf. You can add dulse to salad dressings and any marinades or you can even sprinkle it on eggs or add it to your smoothie. And according to Bon Appétit, you can even fry dulse in a little olive oil until crisp, and then use it as a healthy bacon alternative. (17) Who would have thought?

Nori: If you eat sushi, you are probably familiar with nori—the crispy, dark green sheets used to wrap your sushi. But nori is also a wonderful topper for any type of rice or in a salad. You can even try it on top of your veggies or meat dishes as nice, slightly salty surprise.

Kelp: Kelp is a great substitute for noodles. After rinsing them off to get rid of the briny taste, simply add a little pesto and your favorite veggies and meat if your wish. You can even add kelp noodles to soups.
And here is a quick and easy recipe to get you started on your seaweed adventures!

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Wakame, Kale, and Avocado Salad with Orange Dressing

Ingredients for salad:

  • ¼ red cabbage, finely sliced
  • 3 to 4 leaves kale, finely sliced
  • 1 avocado, cubed
  • Wakame fronds (you can also use ripped up nori sheets)
  • Flaxseeds, sesame seeds, and chia seeds
  • 1 teaspoon Himalayan rock salt

Ingredients for dressing:

  • 1 orange, juiced
  • Zest from one orange
  • 1 part avocado oil (use equal parts orange juice and avocado oil)
  • 1 tsp. honey
  • ¼ teaspoon grated ginger

Directions:

Place your cabbage, kale, and salt in a bowl. Lightly massage the cabbage and kale for a minute until they begin to soften (like they were slightly cooked). Add the remaining salad ingredients and put everything into a serving bowl.

To make the dressing, add all of the ingredients to a jar and shake until blended. Drizzle over the salad. Serve with grilled chicken, or add a boiled or poached egg on top and you have a healthy, delicious meal!

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