From Salads to Smoothies: 5 Delicious Ways to Include Seaweeds in Your Diet

 In 600 BC, Sze Teu wrote in China, "Some algae are a delicacy fit for the most honoured guests, even for the King himself."

Plants from the ocean have been a staple in the human diet, and has been used in Japan, Korea and China since prehistoric times. The term 'seaweed' is a general name for edible macro algae that grows in the ocean and is an excellent source of nutrition. Incorporating seaweeds into your diet can provide various health benefits, including improved heart health, digestion, and increased energy levels. There are thousands of edible species, but only about 10 are consumed the most. 

The most popular edible seaweeds, also called macroalgae are nori, sea moss, Irish moss, kombu, kelp, hijiki, dulse, and bladderwrack. We also have the microalgae such as spirulina and chlorella. 

What Make Seaweeds So Nutritious?

 Seaweeds are also a great source of dietary fiber, which can help you feel fuller for longer and can help regulate your digestive system. This can help you maintain a healthy weight. These unique plants are also packed with calcium, iodine, magnesium, and potassium, critical for healthy bones and teeth. It also contains iron and zinc, essential for immunity and energy. 

 Additionally, seaweeds contain vitamins A, E, and C, which can help reduce inflammation and fight free radical damage. They also have a compound called alginate, which can help to support digestion and lower cholesterol. With its abundant nutrient content, seaweed is an excellent choice for those looking to boost their health. 

5 Ways to Add Seaweeds to Your Diet 

1.  Seaweed salads are a great way to get your daily dose. You can make a simple seaweed salad by combining hydrated sea moss cut into small pieces with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a light dressing.

2.  Sprinkle a teaspoon of dulse flakes on a salad or mix in with your cooked grains. You don’t even have to rehydrate it! Rich in calcium, potassium, B12, and beta-carotene, it brightens up any side dish or salad with a nice flavor and color.

3.  Wraps and smoothies are another great way to incorporate seaweeds into your diet. You can make a wrap with nori seaweed, avocado, and your favorite vegetables. Adding your favorite sea moss gel or powder to your smoothies, shakes, and teas is easy to power up your favorite drinks.

4,  Seaweed chips are a great way to get your daily dose of minerals. They’re easy to find in most grocery stores, especially if they have an ethnic foods section. You can also make your own seaweed chips by baking nori seaweed brushed with tamari and sesame seed oil. Bake for 15 minutes at 300°F / 150°C. Sprinkle with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

5.  Sometimes, a comforting and nourishing seaweed soup is exactly what the soul needs. You can make a simple seaweed soup by combining Irish moss or bladderwrack flakes and sea moss gel with your favorite vegetables and a light broth. Or you can add bladderwrack and sea moss to your favorite soup recipes. 

Tips for Incorporating Seaweeds into Your Diet 

When incorporating seaweeds into your diet, choosing wildcrafted or wild-harvested is essential. These are free from pesticides and other chemicals and have more nutrients. Please avoid cheap, pool-grown moss because they have to use chemicals to help the plants grow.

It is also essential to start small when incorporating seaweeds into your diet. Start by adding a small amount of seaweed to your meals and gradually increase the amount as you become more comfortable with the taste and texture. 

Finally, try experimenting with different types of plants from the ocean. Many different types of seaweeds are available, each with its unique flavor and texture. 

Conclusion 

Incorporating seaweeds into your diet can provide various health benefits, including improved heart health, digestion, and increased energy levels. There are many creative ways to integrate seaweeds into your diet, including seaweed salads, wraps, smoothies, chips, and soups. 

Choose wild-harvested, start small, and experiment with different types of seaweeds. At Atlantic Gold Sea Moss, we are committed to providing our customers with the highest quality seaweeds, powders, capsules, sea moss gels, and plant-based skin care products. Our products are sustainably sourced, fairly traded, and are perfect for incorporating into your diet.