Bhakti Paun Sharma
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Written By: Bhakti Paun Sharma | Published : January 18, 2017 2:05 PM IST
Seaweed has been drawing interest lately as a significant nourishment source with various health benefits. Spirulina is one of the seaweeds. It is frequently regarded as healthy natural supplements, containing a rich supply of numerous nutrients, including protein, complex starches, iron, and vitamins A, K, and B complex. It additionally has a high supply of carotenoids, for example, beta-carotene and yellow xanthophylls which have antioxidant properties. Shalini Arvind, Chief Dietitian Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore tells us why adding seaweed to your diet is essential:
Health benefits of seaweed:
Minerals: As seaweed retains minerals from the sea, it is rich in numerous minerals. It has a high content of calcium, iron, magnesium and iodine. In fact, seaweed is one of the richest sources of calcium and Vitamin C in plants. Calcium and iron have a tendency to amass at much more elevated amounts in seaweed than in earthly plants. Seaweed also provides large quantities of iodine vital for thyroid function.
Fibre: Seaweeds are rich in soluble fibres, for instance, alginates, carrageenan, and agar. Once you have a good amount of fibre in your diet, you would not reach out for other calorie-dense junk food, limiting your consumption of difficult to knock-off calories . Seaweed is likely to have an effect on satiety and weight control similar to ordinary fruits and vegetables. It aids digestion too. The fibre content in seaweed strengthens the gut walls and increases the amount of good bacteria in the gut. Good gut bacteria can help prevent and treat kidney stones.
Other nutrients: Seaweed contains very small amounts of fat, and a few assortments are rich in protein. Vitamins A, C and E are found in seaweed, and it is also one of the few vegetable sources of vitamin B12, making it a useful adjunct to a vegetarian or vegan diet. Seaweed supplements are sometimes part of treatment plans for osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease. Research suggests seaweed may play a role in decreasing the symptoms of osteoarthritis.
The polysaccharides present in seaweed prevent cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, stabilize blood sugar levels and also improve liver function. It is likewise rich in chlorophyll, greasy and nucleic acids, and lipids. Seaweed is high in various sound supplements including fundamental amino acids, antioxidants, minerals, dietary fibre and polyunsaturated fatty acids.
How to use seaweed?
You may add seaweeds on breakfast cereals or over the salads and sprouts or add to smoothies or sabzis after cooking. Edible seaweeds need to be grown in clean environment and unpolluted waters ensuring the quality of the seaweed.
Limitations
One of the variant- hijiki, contains arsenic and thus should be avoided. The frequently high sodium substance of seaweed is to be considered by the people who need to look out for their salt intake.
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