Recently, seaweed has been gaining popularity in the health and nutritional circles. It is chock full of beneficial vitamins and minerals, plus it can help people lose a significant amount of weight when it is added to an already balanced diet.
However, some people are still don’t realize just how nutritious this sea-dwelling algae actually is. As a result, seaweed nutrition is something which all modern people should make themselves aware about.
Serving Size
It doesn’t take much seaweed to satisfy the needs of the stomach and body. Within just two tablespoons (or 1/8 of a cup), there are only about 4 calories. In that same serving size there is absolutely zero grams of fat (polyunsaturated and monounsaturated) and there is no cholesterol either. It is recommended, for optimal health and fitness, that the average person consume at least 4 to 12 grams of seaweed each day.
Nutritional Value
One of the main reasons why seaweed nutrition has been studied so closely is because of its inherent density in essential vitamins and minerals. While only containing about 5 mg of sodium per serving, it offers at least 1% of your daily recommended value of protein. In addition, it contains 10% of your daily Vitamin A and 6% of your Vitamin C. If that weren’t enough, it is also a significant source of vital iron as well.
Weight Loss Benefits
The latest studies on seaweed nutrition are now pointing out its added ability to help people cut down on their body fat. It turns out that a special chemical found within algae, kelp, and seaweed actually prevents the stomach from digesting fatty ingredients. This advantage has been shown to help numerous people get a handle on their fitness, and it isn’t just a fad diet either. In fact, seaweed has been used for literally centuries as a staple in a well-balanced diet.
Special Precautions
Seaweed, which comes in about 9,000 different varieties, can be highly beneficial to your health if you consume it correctly. Although side effects of overconsumption are noticeable, they are pretty minor. Some people reported yellowing of the skin, while others experienced far worse symptoms such as increased serum thyroid-stimulating hormone, certain skin reactions, goiters, and even sometimes indigestion or intestinal issues. While studies on seaweed nutrition are still underway, it is vital that you speak with your doctor before adding any to your diet.
