Why was the sand wet? Because the sea weed. Yes, it’s easy to make jokes about seaweed – but it’s just as easy to find numerous health benefits to the natural super food. Here are 5 reasons to chow down on seaweed.
1 Seaweed Boosts Digestion
If your gut has been giving you trouble, seaweed may help. A recent University of Newcastle Upon Tyne study found that eating alginate – a substance in seaweed – strengthens the gut lining, keeps you fuller for longer, and is low GI – so you don’t get as hungry.
Another study discovered that eating a lot of seaweed improves the balance of bacteria in your digestive tract. And if you’re feeling a tad gassy, seaweed can reduce that too.
2 Seaweed is a Low Calorie Snack
Chock-full of nutrients, with only 30 calories and zero fat, seaweed is a wonderful snack to have on the go. It absorbs plenty of nutrients and minerals from the sea – including magnesium, iodine, calcium and folate.
3 Seaweed Helps the Heart
Many studies have shown that communities with a seaweed diet live longer, and have lower cholesterol levels and healthier arteries. Consider adding a few pieces of seaweed to a stir fry, soup or salad – and add years to your life!
4 Seaweed Can Balance Hormones
Feeling a tad hormonal? Before you reach for the chocolate, have a little seaweed instead. A Harvard University paper showed that not only does kelp lower rates of breast cancer, it could also replace hormone replacement therapy.
5 Seaweed is Easy to Eat
There are few ingredients as versatile as seaweed. You can add nori sheets to soup, sushi or a sandwich. Toss a few pieces into a stir fry, place them on pizza, bury them in a casserole (the kids won’t even know!) or make chips by baking sheets in the oven with a little oil
