Seaweed contains sodium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, chlorine, sulfur and phosphorus. It is also a great source of iodine, iron, zinc, copper, selenium, molybdenum, fluoride, manganese, boron, nickel and cobalt.
Brown algae contains the highest levels of iodine, followed by red and green algae. One gram of dried brown algae contains 500-8,000 µg of iodine; and it's all natural and tasty! Iodine is very important for thyroid function and as table salt is contraindicated for hypertension, obesity and cardiac patients, seaweed can provide iodine without the 'bad' salt. Seaweed is lowfat, and is a source of high fiber. This type of fiber can be a cholesterol fighter and help with a person's glycemic levels. Most of us here in the Western hemisphere are familiar with the Japanese Nori (which is actually red to purple, which, when processed becomes a dark green in color) and Kombu which can be used in soups, salads, and drinks.
Seaweed and Chinese Medicine: Seaweeds are used in Chinese Medicine to dry phlegm and soften masses such as goiter. A most famous herbal formula Haizao Yuhu can be used to treat ovarian cysts, lipomas, breast lumps, lymph node swellings, and obesity.
Here's Your Healthy Tip of the Day: Get 'out of the box' and go to a Japanese market. Purchase some prepared seaweed dishes and taste them. There are plenty of cookbooks on how to prepare some really sophisticated and sensuous seaweed plates to impress your dinner guests. You'll be eating low fat, healthy food and broadening your food sources as well! Bon Appetit!
