Eat Me: Eight reasons seaweed is great for you

Seaweed or sea vegetables are forms of algae that grow in the sea.

They are a food source for ocean life and range in colour; red, green, brown and black.

Experts advice that this “wonder crop” should be eaten in small quantity instead of in large quantities at once.

Kelp, Wakame, Nori, and Kombu are some of the most common species of seaweed.

Here are eight reasons why you should consider adding it to your diet.

Natural salt alternative

Seaweed contains 85 percent less sodium than table salt, which is just the right amount for the correct balance of body fluids.

It gets its salty flavour from minerals like potassium and magnesium, making it a healthy salt alternative.

Promotes well-being in women

Seaweed is highly recommended for women who have iron deficiency. Iodine is critical to thyroid hormone production.

The thyroid maintains your metabolism, mood, memory, heart health and body temperature, as well as healthy skin and hair.

Iodine is recommended for pregnant women and those who breastfeed.

Weight management

Seaweed is high in dietary fibre, which helps you stay fuller for longer and can reduce the temptation to snack. Fibre also boosts your metabolism and promotes good gut health.

Alginates in seaweed act as a bulking agent, slowing fat absorption.

Provides relief from menopause symptoms

Thyroid hormones can be low during menopause, resulting in hot flashes, irritability and tiredness.

A  good serving of seaweed can provide relief from these symptoms.

Strong bones and teeth

With high levels of calcium and magnesium, seaweed contributes to both healthy bones and strong teeth.

Seaweed is one of the best vegetable sources of calcium, as it’s more absorbable than in supplements

Reduces fatigue

Seaweed contains iron, magnesium and B Vitamins, all of which help to reduce tiredness.

Iron oxygenates the blood while magnesium and B vitamins help the body deal with stress.

Great for post-workout recovery

Magnesium and electrolytes reduce muscle cramps after strenuous exercise, while protein contributes to muscle building.

A two gram serving of seaweed flakes contains almost five percent of your reference daily intake (RDI) of magnesium, more than the same amount of chia or sunflower seeds.

Fires up the libido

The highly nutritive properties of mineral-rich seaweeds have been found to support sexual function.

As natural sources of iodine, taking seaweed in measured quantity supports thyroid function and thereby helps to improve desire and sexual performance in both men and women.