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When you think of seaweed, what comes to mind? For many, it might conjure images of marine plants swaying gracefully beneath the sea's surface. But did you know that these unassuming sea plants are full of nutritional potential? Seaweed isn't just a magnet for marine life; it's packed with nutrients that can contribute to a balanced and healthy diet. Let's dive into the fascinating world of seaweed nutrition and discuss the benefits, as well as some important cautions and considerations. (Psst, you can try our delicious seaweed energy snack bars here)
Nutrient-Rich
Seaweed is a unique food source that boasts an impressive nutritional profile. On a gram-for-gram basis, it's brimming with essential vitamins, minerals, and other bioactive compounds that can support your well-being. Here are some of the key nutrients found in seaweed:
1. Vitamins: Seaweed contains vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, and several B vitamins. These vitamins play vital roles in various bodily functions, including immune support, energy production, skin health, blood clotting and more.
2. Minerals: Seaweed contains essential minerals such as iodine, calcium, magnesium, and iron. Iodine is particularly abundant in seaweed and is crucial for proper thyroid function. A healthy thyroid is essential for regulating metabolism and energy levels.
Caution:
Some varieties can be high in iodine, and excessive iodine intake can have adverse effects on thyroid health. If you have a thyroid condition or are concerned about iodine levels, consult a healthcare professional before adding seaweed to your diet (this includes our seaweed snack bars which are made with kelp and dulse)
3. Fibre: Seaweed is a source of dietary fibre, which promotes digestive health, regulates bowel movements, fuels your beneficial gut bacteria, balances blood sugar levels, and contributes to a feeling of fullness.
Consideration:
Because seaweed is eaten in relatively small amounts compared with land vegetable counterparts, the contribution of whole seaweed to the current recommended intake of dietary fibre (30 g/day) is limited. Because of this, research is looking into using isolated/extracted fibres from seaweeds. That's not to say that you wont get a benefit from eating whole seaweed though! We love to add whole seaweed into meals or snacks like oat bars, energy balls, smoothies, burgers, salads, stir frys, stews and much more! Did you know that our healthy seaweed energy snack bars are high in fibre?
4. Antioxidants: Seaweed contains antioxidants like flavonoids and carotenoids that help protect your cells from oxidative stress. Antioxidants help support overall health and are known for their potential to reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Some seaweed varieties, like certain types of red algae, contain omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats have anti-inflammatory properties and are beneficial for heart, brain, skin, hormone and gut health! Keep in mind that the total amount of omega 3 provided per portion of seaweed is still quite small, so be sure to consume plenty of other omega 3 rich food sources as part of a balanced and healthy diet.
6. Protein: While seaweed protein may not be as concentrated as other protein sources, on a gram-for-gram basis, seaweeds have a protein and amino acid profile comparable to that of beef and they contain all 9 essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source.
Considerations
Seaweeds are consumed in much smaller quantities than other protein sources coming from land plants and/or animals and there is variability of both the content, and the bioavailability of protein from whole seaweeds. Seaweed protein extracts may be a future way to reap the benefits of seaweed based protein.
Our seaweed energy snack bars contain 7g plant based protein per snack bar!
7. Polysaccharides: Seaweed contains polysaccharides (complex starch and fibres) such as Fucoidan, which have been studied for their potential to feed specific health promoting gut bacteria species.
In summary, edible seaweeds have the potential to provide a rich and sustainable food source with many potential health benefits. Just keep in mind that seaweed is consumed in much smaller quantities than land vegetables and livestock - but it certainly packs a punch for a humble sea-vegetable!
Why not give our seaweed energy bars a try? They are super tasty, naturally sweet and we promise they don't taste fishy! Just pure moreish sweet deliciousness!
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