Quite a lot has been known about the benefits of seaweed in recent times, even though it is a very young healing product. Actively use it to maintain the body in better shape and rejuvenation began only about half a century ago. To date, scientists have already been able to absolutely accurately prove the high biological activity of marine flora, as well as the maximum concentration in it of substances necessary and useful for humans. In this article, we will talk not only about the benefits, but also about the harm that algae can cause, their healing properties and the existing contraindications for use.
The nutritional value
The benefits of seaweed are very diverse. It has long been noticed that people who regularly eat them have a higher level of intelligence and are very energetic.
First, consider what the benefits of seaweed are in terms of nutritional value. Of course, each species differs from the other in its special and unique chemical composition. But at the same time, it is worth recognizing that these representatives of marine flora have common features that determine their dietary and nutritional identity.
In particular, the benefits of seaweed are based on the fact that they contain:
- carotenoids;
- vitamins A, B, C, D, K, M, PP, folic acid;
- polyunsaturated fatty acid lipids;
- polysaccharides;
- chlorophyll derivatives;
- micro and macro elements;
- plant enzymes;
- phenolic compounds;
- sterols of plant origin.
Due to the fact that the calorie content of seaweed is very low, they can be considered a full-fledged dietary product. That is why many people recommend eating as many salads as possible, saturated with the aromas of the sea, washed down with natural green tea. At the same time, algae swells in the stomach, which helps fight hunger. This is an important tip for those who are on a diet, seeking to lose weight.
Calorie algae is different. The highest nori is 349 kcal. The rest are much lower: chuka - 90, spirulina - 79, kelp - 43, fucus - 35.
Useful material
Talking about the benefits and harms of seaweed, you need to dwell on the list of useful properties that are contained in these amazing plants. Due to their unique chemical composition, they are really capable of a lot.
Due to the content of alginates, this product has pronounced anticarcinogenic properties. With their help, it is possible to remove from the body harmful salts of heavy metals, radionuclides, harmful to us. In addition, salts of alginic acid are considered radioprotectors, that is, they protect a person from harmful radiation. That is why seaweed is a good prophylactic against leukemia and cancer.
Various plant pigments provide antimutagenic activity to algae. First of all, it is chlorophyll, lutein, carotene.
Antioxidant properties provide a wide range of vitamins that have the ability to effectively slow down the aging process in the body.
Marine plants have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to immunocorrections. These are special biologically active components, which are many in algae. They affect macrophages and lymphocytes, are involved in the synthesis of immunoglobulins. Just because of the lack of the latter, a person suffers from diseases of the genitourinary system and diseases of the respiratory tract.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids provide the synthesis of prostaglandins. These are hormone-like substances that are found in almost all tissues of our body, including in the walls of blood vessels. They have a stimulating effect on the smooth muscles of the intestines and uterus. The consequence of this is the regulation of blood pressure, it matters during labor, even used in obstetric practice.
Finally, brown algae, due to their high fatty acid content, provides prophylaxis for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and obesity.
The main thing is not to harm
It should be remembered not only about the benefits and harms of the healing properties of algae. A large number of various substances in some cases can be dangerous for the body, especially if a person suffers from any diseases, has a natural predisposition to certain ailments.
Excessive iodine intake is a potential hazard. Perhaps this is the main benefit and harm of seaweed. These plants contain a potentially dangerous amount of iodine. Moreover, the fact that the Japanese eat a lot of algae is considered the reason that they are one of the healthiest people on the planet. Moreover, in the traditions of the Asian culture, it is customary to eat algae with products that impede the rapid absorption of iodine by the thyroid gland. For example, such substances are found in cabbage, broccoli, bok choy (a variety of Chinese cabbage).
In addition, it is necessary to know that algae are water-soluble, therefore, the iodine content is influenced by the processing and the preparation process itself. For example, if you boil kelp for a quarter of an hour, it will lose almost all the iodine that it contained.
At the same time, there is still a danger with the regular use of algae to earn problems with the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. Excessive iodine intake can be indicated by weight fluctuations, as well as swelling in the throat. In this case, you should immediately stop the use of iodine-containing products and seek the help of a doctor.
In addition, algae can absorb and store minerals in themselves in fairly high quantities. This is another risk to our health, as these minerals can include heavy and toxic metals. For example, mercury, cadmium, or lead.
However, in most countries of the world, the content of heavy metals in seaweeds is still significantly lower than the limiting concentrations, so you should not be very worried about this.
But if you regularly eat algae for food, there is a chance that over time, heavy metals will begin to accumulate in your body. To avoid this danger, it is recommended to buy organic algae, in which the content of these potentially dangerous substances is much lower.
Fucus
Let us now examine with specific examples what influence these or those species of these marine plants have on the human body. For example, we evaluate the benefits and harms of Fucus seaweed.
These are brown algae, which in everyday life is also called "sea oak" or "sea grape". Mostly because of the resemblance.
Fucus is a green-yellow ribbon strewn with paired air bubbles. Their length can reach one and a half meters. They grow on rocky soils in coastal zones. On an industrial scale, they are mined in the White Sea.
The calorie content of this plant is low (35 kcal per 100 g of product), and the use of fucus seaweed provides a high content of vitamins and minerals. In particular, calcium, potassium, zinc, magnesium, iodine, sulfur, iron, phosphorus, barium, selenium and many others.
Fucus has unique effects on the human body. For example, it is able to remove radionuclides and heavy metals, normalize metabolic and digestive processes, normalize blood cholesterol levels, and even effectively prevent blood clots. If you regularly eat these algae, then you can prevent diseases associated with the thyroid gland, heart, nervous system, as well as protect yourself from diabetes.
Medicines prepared on the basis of Fucus have a painkiller, wound healing, sedative, diuretic and sedative effect. In addition, these algae cleanse the body of toxins, are considered natural fat burners, so they are prescribed to anyone who is trying to overcome excess weight.
Finally, fucus has anticancer and antiviral properties, strengthens the immune system. Fucus is an edible algae. It is actively added to salads, dried, used in spices and spices. In its raw form, it tastes like a cucumber.
The main thing is not to overdo it. In excessive quantities, it can have a negative effect on the body. This is the benefit and harm of Fucus seaweed.
Sea kale
Perhaps the best known of the benefits of seaweed kelp . In our country, this is one of the most common species of this plant, which is also called "sea kale".
This is another variety of brown algae, which is a rich source of iodine. Moreover, iodine is contained in a rare organic form, which contributes to the effective treatment of the thyroid gland, stimulation of metabolism, and prevention of endemic goiter. Laminaria helps with radiation exposure, salt deposition, obesity, sclerosis.
According to the content of vitamin C in sea kale, it may well compete with citrus fruits. It is important to remember that the benefits and harms of kelp seaweed. They are not recommended for eating with kidney problems, especially with pyelonephritis, as well as tuberculosis.
You will be able to derive the maximum benefit if you use kelp fresh, because when preparing salads, adding vinegar, some of the valuable properties are lost. That is the benefit and harm of kelp seaweed.
Spirulina
Spirulina is a type of green algae that is rich in proteins that are easily absorbed by our body. For example, per 100 g of product in powder form accounts for 60 to 70 g of protein. This is a very high concentration (three times higher than in soybeans). Also, the composition of spirulina includes 18 various amino acids, and eight of them are indispensable for our body, since he himself does not know how to synthesize them.
It is generally accepted that this algae is one of the most edible on the planet. However, in its most useful fresh form, only the inhabitants of the coast of the African lake of Chad can afford it, as well as the Mexicans from Texcoco. Only there spirulina grows in vivo.
All the rest have to be content with semi-finished products and biologically active additives prepared on its basis. There are many times less useful substances in this case.
Let us dwell on the benefits and harms of spirulina seaweed. It has a positive effect on patients with type 2 diabetes. For example, it can significantly reduce blood sugar levels in just one and a half to two months. This alga is used in the treatment of arthritis, cardiovascular and even cancer. Spirulina helps the immune system, protects the liver from harmful effects, the gamma-linoleic acid contained in it helps to keep the skin smooth and attractive for a long time. In this regard, the benefits of algae and scallops are quite comparable.
At the same time, algae is not recommended for use during pregnancy and lactation, with autoimmune diseases and phenylketonuria. A negative effect may occur when taken together with drugs such as Methotrexate, Humira, Enbrel, Prednisolone, Remicade.
The powder of this alga may contain heavy metals and toxoids. To avoid possible overdose, it is strongly recommended not to exceed the dosages determined by the manufacturers.
Chuka
Chuka is a marine delicacy saturated with iodine and various mineral components. So far this unusual delicacy is not familiar to many, but in vain. It contains a huge amount of nutrients that can strengthen our body, rid it of various dangerous diseases.
The benefits of chuka seaweed are obvious. They help improve the functioning of the heart system, strengthen the walls of blood vessels, and are considered effective prevention against heart attack.
Moreover, algae helps eliminate excess cholesterol from the blood, which helps in the fight against atherosclerosis. In addition, the benefits of seaweed from chuk salad are that they normalize the digestive system, cleanse the intestines of toxins, and help the pancreas work better.
Due to their low calorie content and high energy value, they are highly appreciated by nutritionists. In general, algae have a restorative and restorative effect on the body. Regular consumption of chukes will help you cleanse your kidneys and liver, rejuvenate your body.
There are contraindications for the use of this product. It can cause allergies. In addition, due to the high iodine content, it is not recommended to give the product to children under 12 years of age, as this can provoke a hormonal imbalance. The same thing can happen to patients who have thyroid problems. It is important that only algae grown in ecologically clean areas can be used as food. Chuka from contaminated water bodies absorbs pesticides, toxins and other harmful substances that may end up in the human body.
This is the benefit and harm of chuka seaweed. With extreme caution, they should be taken during pregnancy. In the first trimester, this is fraught with heartburn, and in the later stages, premature delivery and early contractions.
Dry seaweed
If raw and fresh algae are not available to you, then you often have to be content with dry ones. Recently, they occupy an increasingly significant place in the kitchens of domestic housewives in the preparation of certain dishes.
The main benefit of dry seaweed is that they manage to maintain the maximum amount of useful and nutrients that are originally found in these plants.
You can buy them in diet stores or pharmacies. True, in pure form they have a very specific taste, and there is no sense in preserving or cooking them, since in this case no useful substances remain at all. However, there is still a way out.
How to cook dry seaweed?
There is a simple and effective way to cook dry seaweed. For example, you can make a kind of balm from them, which will allow you to save all the nutrients.
Pour 50 g of dried seaweed into a 500 ml jar. On a fine grater, rub a small onion and half a head of garlic. After adding to the algae, sprinkle a teaspoon of seasoning for Korean carrots and pour one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
Now add water, mix and leave to infuse for 30 minutes. If all the water has been absorbed, you can add a little more, it is best to do this in several steps, so that there is no excess at all. All water that algae can absorb, they absorb in an hour. Finally, pour two tablespoons of linseed or vegetable oil and mix thoroughly.
Our balm is ready. Add it in the preparation of the salad in two teaspoons. Also, dried seaweed itself can be mixed with herbs when dressing first courses. The main thing is to turn off the fire so that they do not boil.
For face and body
Algae helps to improve not only health, but also appearance. For face skin, a marine kelp salad is best. These plants help slow down the aging process and preserve youth.
Using algae for the skin of the whole body, it is possible to restore its elasticity and prevent cellulite. In addition, it is very important when losing weight. Algae are able to lighten the skin, as they contain acids that normalize the production of melanin and eliminate age spots. In addition, they remove excess moisture from the body, removing swelling.
Even masks for hair and special decoctions, which are used when rinsing, are prepared from kelp. This helps to give the hair an extra shine, glue the secant ends, and reduce their oiliness.