Seaweed, namely brown algae, is the most valuable natural food for humans and animals, which contains many useful nutrients. Seaweed is countless, and their benefits are undeniable. One of the most common types of seaweed is fucus. Or another name - sea grapes, a representative of the buckwheat family. Sometimes bubbly fucus is called sea oak. The homeland of this species of algae is the northern coast of the United States of America. Fucus is rich in biologically active compounds, such as fucoidan, alginic acid and iodine, which are necessary to ensure the normal functioning of the body and saturate it with a substance useful for thyroid gland health - iodine.
Fucus in the fight against excess weight
Normalization of the thyroid gland as a result of regular consumption of sea grapes in food helps increase the metabolic rate and the breakdown of fats. It also has a positive effect in the treatment of cellulite, the fight against excess weight and a decrease in appetite. It should be noted an important factor that the use of seaweed alone for weight loss is not enough. A healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition and a comprehensive diet in combination with the use of algae - this is the key to normalizing weight and maintaining the body in excellent physical shape.
The benefits of sea grapes
The use of Fucus is very effective in reducing the pain and inflammation of the joints that result from arthritis. Seaweed is also used in cosmetology, in the manufacture of creams, lotions, as well as in the form of herbal infusions and tablets. Summing up the positive aspects of the inclusion of algae in the diet, we can say that they positively affect the functioning of the body as a whole; contribute to the elimination of radionuclides and heavy metals from the body; strengthen immunity; improve metabolic processes, the state of blood vessels; prevent blood clots. Sea grapes can be consumed both fresh and processed. Wine and vinegar are made from the fruits of Fucus. Delicious jam and jams are made from sea grape berries.
How to use fucus
When purchasing sea grapes, it is necessary and important to pay attention to important factors:
1. Appearance of sea grapes - small green berries.
2. Berries must be elastic and firm. If bubbly fucus looks wilted, it is better not to buy it.
Since this delicacy is in demand and never stale, it is almost impossible to buy algae of poor quality. Sea grapes must be poured with cold water and left in the container for 10-15 minutes. All unnecessary components (sand and dirt) will separate from the berries and settle to the bottom. Then the grapes must be thoroughly washed under running cold water. Before eating fucus, cool and drizzle with lime juice or a weak solution of apple or rice vinegar. Sea grapes - seaweed, which are a great addition to vegetable salads and various seafood dishes. Adding Fucus to a canned tuna salad will add spice and a unique taste to the dish. When using this unusual treat, grapes like small eggs burst in the mouth and have a slightly salty taste, as well as a slight aftertaste of iodine.
Warnings
The beneficial properties of sea grapes are undoubtedly great, but, as you know, any delicacy is useful in moderation. And this rule is no exception for Fucus. Excessive consumption can lead to side effects. For example, oversaturation of the body with iodine-containing products can lead to goiter or other thyroid diseases. It is also necessary to pay attention that, along with their useful properties, brown algae can be poisonous, since together with sea water they absorb the heavy metals in it. Seaweed (Fucus) is not recommended for expectant mothers and lactating women, in the postoperative period, as well as for hormonal problems. When using medications for the thyroid gland, as well as medications that thin the blood, it is contraindicated to use algae. But in general, the mineral substances contained in seaweed, with proper use, can be freely and quickly absorbed by the body.