If you are exploring ways to lead a healthier lifestyle, then you may have heard whispers about the benefits of eating seaweed.
While seaweed certainly isn’t the most appetizing-looking food, and it is something that you generally won’t consider eating in your day-to-day life, there is no denying that this plant is good for you.
In this guide, we’re taking a look at seaweed to tell you exactly what it is, how healthy it is, and how eating it could benefit you and your lifestyle.
Generally, seaweed is seen as a healthy plant to consume, but why is this? Keep on reading to find out all you need to know about seaweed!
What Is Seaweed?
First things first, let’s take a really quick look at exactly what seaweed is. Seaweed is a name given to a broad category of plants and algae that generally grows in the sea, or in rocks that are below the watermark.
You will often see seaweed when you visit the beach, and that is why you probably wouldn’t consider eating it when you first see it.
However, evidence suggests that consuming seaweed could be a really healthy lifestyle choice.
There is no denying that algae are the total opposite of appetizing. There is nothing attractive about these plants that grow in water, and for many people, just the thought of the texture of this algae is enough to put them off.
But luckily, most of the time the seaweed that you eat will be very different from the seaweed that you see on a trip to the beach.
Seaweed that has been harvested for consumption is generally dried and made into snacks. Even moist seaweed, to be used for sushi, is a far sight different from the slimy seaweed that you encounter in the sea.
Seaweed comes in a variety of different forms, so you can easily pick up a different style depending on your preference.
That means that you will likely be able to get the health benefits of seaweed without having to consume it in a style that you dislike.
Is Seaweed Healthy?
Now that we’ve taken a look at exactly what seaweed is, let’s answer the question you’ve been waiting for – is it healthy?
Well, you’ll be pleased to hear that seaweed is healthy and that there are lots of health benefits you can access by eating seaweed.
As we said earlier, seaweed is a type of algae, and algae is a great source of nutrients. Algae is typically very high in vitamins and minerals, and seaweed is no different.
So, when you eat seaweed, you will be gaining access to all of these vitamins and minerals. That is the main reason why people consume seaweed.
In Western cuisine, seaweed isn’t eaten as part of most people’s diets. The only meal that most Westerners consume that contains seaweed is sushi.
However, more and more people are starting to add it to their diets. It is really easy to add seaweed to lots of different Western dishes, and it is a great way to get access to natural vitamins and minerals.
Now that we’ve established that seaweed is healthy for those who eat it, let’s take a look at some of the specific health benefits that are associated with eating seaweed.
What Are The Benefits Of Eating Seaweed?
So, we know that seaweed is healthy, but what exactly is it about seaweed that makes it so healthy? Well, the main thing that makes these algae healthy to eat is the fact that it is incredibly high in natural nutrients.
There are lots of different vitamins and minerals found in seaweed, and all these different vitamins and minerals will come with their own individual health benefits. Some of the main potential benefits of eating seaweed include the following.
Improved Heart Health
Seaweed is naturally very high in soluble fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which have been associated with improving heart health.
It is thought that omega-3 fatty acids help to lower blood pressure, and this puts less strain on the heart. So, eating seaweed has been associated with improved heart health. Especially among those who suffer from high blood pressure.
Improved Blood Sugar Levels
Another health benefit associated with consuming seaweed is improved blood sugar levels. Some research has suggested that consuming seaweed as part of a healthy, balanced diet can help to balance your blood sugars.
This could prove particularly beneficial for those suffering from type 2 diabetes, and those with a natural predisposition to this condition.
Improved Gut Health
In addition to aiding the heart and blood system, it is also thought that seaweed can help benefit your gut. There are lots of different options of foods for improving gut health, and seaweed is among them.
As seaweed is naturally high in dietary fiber, and short-chain fatty acids, consuming a small amount of seaweed as part of your regular diet will have a great impact on your gut health.
Improved Thyroid Health
It is also thought that consuming seaweed will help with your thyroid health. Seaweed is high in iodine and the amino acid tyrosine, both of which are nutrients that your thyroid needs in order to work healthily.
So, consuming seaweed as part of your regular diet could have a massively positive impact on the health of your thyroid.
Helps Your Immune System
Finally, consuming seaweed can really help your immune system. As we have said, seaweed is very high in vitamins and antioxidants, and these can really help your immune system to grow stronger.
So, eating a small amount of seaweed as part of your diet could help protect you from illness.
Is It Safe to Eat Seaweed?
Yes, generally it is safe to consume seaweed. While you shouldn’t pick up seaweed from the beach to eat, if you purchase seaweed either in dried or powdered form, then it will generally be safe to eat.
That being said, if you are somebody who struggles with thyroid health, you should speak to your doctor before consuming any seaweed.
While seaweed can help improve thyroid health in a preventative fashion, if you already struggle with thyroid issues, then consuming seaweed could potentially be dangerous.
Seaweed is generally incredibly high in iodine, so if your body is already experiencing issues with high iodine levels, then consuming seaweed could prove very dangerous.
Having too much iodine in your body really can be detrimental to your health, so if you know that you struggle with iodine levels, we would recommend avoiding seaweed.
However, for most people (who are in good health), consuming seaweed will only be beneficial to their health.
Of course, if you have any doubts, you should consult with your doctor before adding it to your diet.
Summary
In conclusion, yes, seaweed is seen as a healthy food to consume. Seaweed is a type of food that is packed with lots of nutrients, so you will see a lot of benefits if you consume this food.
It is packed with vitamins and minerals, all of which will have a positive impact on your body. So, if you are considering adding seaweed to your diet, then it is probably a good idea.
Thanks for reading!