A lot has been known recently about the benefits of seaweed, even though it is a very young he alth product. Active use of it to keep the body in better shape and rejuvenation began only about half a century ago. To date, scientists have managed to absolutely accurately prove the high biological activity of marine flora, as well as the maximum concentration in it of substances that are necessary and useful for humans. In this article, we will talk not only about the benefits, but also about the harm that seaweed can cause, about their medicinal properties and existing contraindications for use.
Nutritional value
The benefits of seaweed are very diverse. It has long been observed that people who regularly eat them have a higher level of intelligence and are very energetic.
First, let's look at the nutritional benefits of seaweed. Of course, each species differs from the other in its special and unique chemical composition. But at the same time, it is worth recognizing that these representatives of the marine flora have common features that determine their dietary and nutritional identity.
In particular, the benefits of seaweed are based on what they contain:
- carotenoids;
- vitamins A, B, C, D, K, M, PP, folic acid;
- lipids with polyunsaturated fatty acids;
- polysaccharides;
- chlorophyll derivatives;
- micro and macro elements;
- vegetable enzymes;
- phenolic compounds;
- vegetable sterols.
Due to the fact that the calorie content of seaweed is very low, they can be considered a full-fledged dietary product. That is why many recommend eating as many salads as possible, saturated with the aromas of the sea, washed down with natural green tea. At the same time, algae swell in the stomach, which helps fight hunger. This is important advice for those who are on a diet, trying to get rid of excess weight.
The calorie content of algae is different. The highest in nori is 349 kcal. The rest are much lower: chuka - 90, spirulina - 79, kelp - 43, fucus - 35.
Useful substances
Talking about the benefits and harms of seaweed, we must dwell on the list of useful properties that are contained inthese amazing plants. Due to their unique chemical composition, they are really capable of a lot.
Due to the content of alginates, this product has pronounced anticarcinogenic properties. With their help, it is possible to remove heavy metal s alts and radionuclides harmful to us from the body. In addition, alginic acid s alts are considered radioprotectors, that is, they protect a person from harmful radiation. That is why seaweed is a good preventative against leukemia and cancer.
Various plant pigments provide algae with anti-mutagenic activity. First of all, it is chlorophyll, lutein, carotene.
Antioxidant properties provide a wide range of vitamins that have the ability to effectively slow down the aging process in the body.
Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of marine plants are due to immunocorrectors. These are special biologically active components, which are abundant in algae. They affect macrophages and lymphocytes, are involved in the synthesis of immunoglobulins. Just because of the lack of the latter, a person suffers from diseases of the genitourinary system and diseases of the respiratory tract.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids provide the synthesis of prostaglandins. These are hormone-like substances that are found in almost all tissues of our body, including in the walls of blood vessels. They have a stimulating effect on the smooth muscles of the intestines and uterus. The consequence of this is the regulation of blood pressure, this is important during contractions,even used in obstetric practice.
Finally, brown seaweed, due to its high content of fatty acids, provides the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and obesity.
The main thing is not to harm
It should be remembered not only about the benefits and harms of the healing properties of seaweed. A large number of various substances in some cases can be dangerous for the body, especially if a person suffers from any diseases, has a natural predisposition to certain ailments.
Potential danger is the excessive consumption of iodine. Perhaps this is the main benefit and harm of seaweed. These plants contain potentially dangerous amounts of iodine. However, the very fact that the Japanese eat a lot of algae is considered to be the reason why they are among the he althiest people on the planet. Moreover, in the traditions of Asian culture, it is customary to eat algae with foods that prevent the rapid absorption of iodine by the thyroid gland. For example, such substances are found in cabbage, broccoli, bok choy (a type of Chinese cabbage).
In addition, you need to know that algae are water-soluble, so the iodine content is affected by processing and the cooking process itself. For example, if you boil kelp for a quarter of an hour, it will lose almost all the iodine it contained.
At the same time, there is still a danger of regular use of algae to cause problems with the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. Excessive iodine intakemay indicate fluctuations in weight, as well as swelling in the throat area. In this case, you should immediately stop using iodine-containing products and seek medical help.
In addition, algae can absorb and store minerals in fairly high amounts. This is another risk to our he alth as these minerals can include heavy and toxic metals. For example, mercury, cadmium or lead.
However, in most countries of the world, the content of heavy metals in seaweed is still well below the maximum concentrations, so you should not worry too much about this.
But if you regularly eat algae, there is a chance that over time heavy metals will begin to accumulate in your body. To avoid this danger, it is recommended to buy organic algae, which contain significantly lower levels of these potentially harmful substances.
Fucus
Now let's take a look at specific examples of what effect certain types of these marine plants have on the human body. For example, let's evaluate the benefits and harms of fucus seaweed.
This is brown algae, which in everyday life is also called "sea oak" or "sea grapes". Mostly because of the resemblance.
Fucus are green-yellow ribbons strewn with paired air bubbles. Their length can reach one and a half meters. They grow on rocky soils in coastal areas. On an industrial scale, they are mined inarea of the White Sea.
The calorie content of this plant is low (35 kcal per 100 g of product), and the benefits of fucus seaweed provide a high content of vitamins and minerals. In particular, calcium, potassium, zinc, magnesium, iodine, sulfur, iron, phosphorus, barium, selenium and many others.
Fucus has unique effects on the human body. For example, it is able to remove radionuclides and heavy metals, normalize metabolic and digestive processes, normalize blood cholesterol levels, and even effectively prevent the formation of blood clots. If you regularly eat these algae, you can prevent diseases associated with the thyroid gland, heart, nervous system, and also protect yourself from diabetes.
Medications prepared on the basis of fucus have analgesic, wound healing, sedative, diuretic and sedative effects. In addition, these algae cleanse the body of toxins, are considered natural fat burners, so they are prescribed to everyone who is trying to lose weight.
Finally, fucus has anti-cancer and antiviral properties, strengthens the immune system. Fucus is an edible algae. It is actively added to salads, dried, used in spices and spices. When raw, it tastes like a cucumber.
The main thing is not to overdo it. In excessive amounts, it can have a negative effect on the body. Here are the benefits and harms of fucus seaweed.
Seaweed
On the benefits of the seakelp algae is perhaps the best known. In our country, this is one of the most common types of this plant, which is also called "seaweed".
This is another variety of kelp that is a rich source of iodine. Moreover, iodine is contained in a rare organic form, which contributes to the effective treatment of the thyroid gland, stimulation of metabolism, and prevention of endemic goiter. Laminaria help with radiation exposure, s alt deposition, obesity, sclerosis.
According to the content of vitamin C in sea kale, it may well compete with citrus fruits. It is important to remember that the benefits and harms of kelp seaweed. They are not recommended for use in food for kidney problems, especially pyelonephritis, as well as tuberculosis.
You will be able to get the maximum benefit if you use fresh kelp, as when preparing salads, adding vinegar, some of the valuable properties are lost. Here are the benefits and harms of kelp seaweed.
Spirulina
Spirulina is a type of green algae that is rich in proteins that are easily absorbed by our body. For example, for 100 g of powdered product, there are 60 to 70 g of protein. This is a very high concentration (three times higher than in soybeans). Spirulina also contains 18 various amino acids, and eight of them are indispensable for our body, since it cannot synthesize them itself.
It is generally accepted that this algae is one of the mostedible on the planet. However, in the most useful fresh form, only the inhabitants of the coast of the African Lake Chad, as well as the Mexicans from Texcoco, can afford it. Only there spirulina grows naturally.
Everyone else has to be content with semi-finished products and dietary supplements prepared on its basis. Useful substances in this case are many times less.
Let's take a closer look at the benefits and harms of spirulina seaweed. It has a positive effect on patients with type 2 diabetes. For example, it can significantly reduce blood sugar levels in just one and a half to two months. This algae is used in the treatment of arthritis, cardiovascular and even oncological diseases. Spirulina helps the immune system, protects the liver from harmful effects, the gamma-linoleic acid contained in it helps keep the skin smooth and attractive for a long time. In this regard, the benefits of algae, scallops are quite comparable.
At the same time, seaweed is not recommended for use during pregnancy and lactation, with autoimmune diseases and phenylketonuria. A negative effect may occur when taken together with drugs such as Methotrexate, Humira, Enbrel, Prednisolone, Remicade.
This seaweed powder may contain heavy metals and toxoids. To avoid possible overdose, it is strongly recommended not to exceed the dosages specified by the manufacturers.
Chuka
Chuka is a sea delicacy rich in iodine and various mineral components. So far, this unusual delicacy is not widely known, but in vain. It contains a huge amount of nutrients that can strengthen our body, rid it of various dangerous diseases.
The benefits of Chuka seaweed are obvious. They improve the functioning of the cardiac system, strengthen the walls of blood vessels, and are considered effective prevention against heart attacks.
Moreover, algae help eliminate excess cholesterol from the blood, which helps in the fight against atherosclerosis. In addition, the benefits of seaweed from Chuka lettuce also lie in the fact that they normalize the digestive system, cleanse the intestines of toxins, and help the pancreas to work better.
Due to their low calorie content and high energy value, they are highly valued by nutritionists. In general, algae have a general strengthening and regenerating effect on the body. Regular use of chuka will help you cleanse the kidneys and liver, rejuvenate the body.
There are also contraindications when using this product. It can cause allergies. In addition, due to the high content of iodine, the product is not advised to be given to children under 12 years of age, as this can provoke hormonal imbalance. The same can happen to patients who have thyroid problems. It is important that only those algae that have grown in ecologically clean areas can be used for food. Chuka from polluted reservoirsabsorbs pesticides, toxins and other harmful substances, which as a result may end up in the human body.
Here's the benefits and harms of chuka seaweed. They should be taken with extreme caution during pregnancy. In the first trimester, this is fraught with heartburn, and in the later stages, premature delivery and early contractions.
Dry Seaweed
If raw and fresh seaweed is not available to you, then you often have to be content with dry ones. Recently, they have taken an increasingly important place in the kitchens of domestic housewives when preparing certain dishes.
The main benefit of dry seaweed is that they manage to retain the maximum amount of useful and nutritious substances that are originally contained in these plants.
You can buy them at he alth food stores or pharmacies. True, in their pure form they have a very specific taste, and it makes no sense to preserve or cook them, since in this case no useful substances remain at all. However, there is still a way out.
How to cook dry seaweed?
There is a simple and effective way to cook dried seaweed. For example, you can make a kind of balm out of them, which will allow you to save all the useful substances.
Pour 50g of dried seaweed into a 500ml jar. On a fine grater, grate a small onion and half a head of garlic. After adding to the seaweed, pour a teaspoon of seasoning for Korean carrots and pour onetablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
Now add water, mix and leave to infuse for 30 minutes. If all the water has been absorbed, you can add a little more, it is best to do this in several steps so that there is no excess left at all. All the water that algae can absorb, they will absorb in an hour. Finally, pour in two tablespoons of linseed or vegetable oil and mix thoroughly.
Our balm is ready. Add it when preparing a salad, two teaspoons. Also, dried algae themselves can be mixed with herbs when dressing first courses. The main thing is to turn off the fire before that so that they do not boil.
For face and body
Algae help improve not only he alth, but also appearance. For facial skin, kelp sea salad is best suited. These plants help to slow down the aging process and preserve youth.
Using algae for the skin of the whole body, it is possible to restore its elasticity and prevent cellulite. In addition, this is very important when losing weight. Algae can lighten the skin, as they contain acids that normalize the production of melanin and eliminate age spots. In addition, they remove excess moisture from the body, relieving swelling.
Even hair masks and special decoctions are prepared from kelp, which are used when rinsing. It helps to give hair extra shine, glue split ends, and reduce their fat content.
