Let’s get down to business! You clicked on this article because you didn’t know that seaweed was such a healthy food option. Or maybe you do know it’s good for you, but you’re not sure exactly what benefits it could possibly offer for our bodies. Whichever the case, you’re about to find out why.
The main thing that sets seaweed apart from the typical vegetables you find at the supermarket is the fact that it grows in the ocean. Seaweed typically absorbs the properties of the water they grow in. Although both soil and seawater can be subject to environmental pollution, soil is more prone to losing its minerals. This means that vegetables that grow in seawater, which is full of minerals, will yield higher mineral counts than soil-based vegetables. What do these minerals have to offer for our bodies? In short, they assist your body with a large number of functions that cannot be seen with the naked eye but are still vital to leading a healthy life, from blood pressure regulation to proper muscle contraction.
You may actually know some of these minerals. Seaweed contains significantly more calcium than milk and high levels of antioxidants in general. High iodine content helps to stimulate the thyroid system and amp up a healthy metabolism. Kelp, largely considered to be the most nutritional type of seaweed, is chock full of protein, fiber, and Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K.
Image Source: Kristin Duvall
Beyond containing these minerals and vitamins, seaweed contains some other amazing qualities. These include, but are not limited to:
- Alkalizing properties: Seaweed neutralizes the acidity within our blood, which generally comes from a highly acidic diet containing a large amount of coffee, meat, and alcohol.
- High chlorophyll content: Chlorophyll helps detoxify waste products and has antioxidant properties.
- Blood purification: The composition and structure of seaweed are similar to blood plasma in that it can actually regulate and purify our blood.
- Calorie content: It’s very low!
For all that it offers, seaweed is relatively easy and affordable to incorporate into your diet. It’s found at the local supermarket, health stores, and even sold wholesale at Costco. Get your seaweed fix today!
Feature Image Source: Seaweed by The Shopping Sherpa
