Is Seaweed a Superfood?

Seaweed is a catch-all term for several species of marine algae.  Seaweed is commonly divided into three types based on color, brown, red and green algae.

Seaweed has been consumed around the world for centuries and in fact, has been a vital food and medicine source in the East Asia, Scandinavia, the British Isle, the Caribbean and Maritime Canada.

There are many benefits of seaweed and it is packed with nutrition. Seaweed contains vitamins A and C and also a source of iron, calcium and most importantly, iodine which is vital for maintaining a healthy thyroid.  An unhealthy thyroid can lead to a myriad of troubling conditions such as high cholesterol, fatigue, muscle weakness, goiters and heart arrhythmia.

The many types of seaweed are consumed in many different ways,  Nori, which is probably the most popular seaweed, is widely used for wrapping sushi, dried and eaten as tasty chips and salad preparations.  Others, like purple sea moss and kelp are steeped and used in smoothies, teas and soups.  Pan fried and roasted dulse has become quite popular as it takes on the flavor profile of crispy bacon.

What is important is that the nutritional and medicinal value of seaweed is beyond dispute.  Here is a list of many of the nutrients, vitamin and minerals found in seaweed:

      •   Calcium

      •   Choline

      •   Copper

      •   Folate

• Iodine

      •   Iron

      •   Magnesium

      •   Manganese

      •   Niacin

      •   Omega-3 Fatty Acids

      •   Omega-6 Fatty Acids

      •   Pantothenic Acid

      •   Phosphorus

      •   Potassium

      •   Riboflavin

      •   Selenium

      •   Sodium

      •   Thiamin

      •   Vitamin A

      •   Vitamin B12

      •   Vitamin B6

      •   Vitamin C

      •   Vitamin E

      •   Vitamin K

      •   Zinc

These nutrients are important in maintaining overall health, so don't be afraid of incorporating seaweed in your diet.