One study found 2. That said, there is an ongoing debate about whether your body can absorb and use the vitamin B12 from seaweed 16 , 17 , Seaweed contains a wide range of vitamins and minerals, including iodine, iron, and calcium.
Some types can even contain high amounts of vitamin B Antioxidants can make unstable substances in your body called free radicals less reactive 19 , Furthermore, excess free radical production is considered to be an underlying cause of several diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes In addition to containing the antioxidant vitamins A, C and E, seaweed boasts a wide variety of beneficial plant compounds, including flavonoids and carotenoids. Fucoxanthin has been shown to protect cell membranes better than vitamin A While the body does not always absorb fucoxanthin well, absorption may be improved by consuming it along with fat Nevertheless, seaweed contains a wide variety of plant compounds that work together to have strong antioxidant effects Seaweed contains a wide range of antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C and E, carotenoids and flavonoids.
These antioxidants protect your body from cell damage. Gut bacteria play an enormous role in your health. Seaweed is an excellent source of fiber, which is known to promote gut health This is higher than the fiber content of most fruits and vegetables 29 , Fiber can resist digestion and be used as a food source for bacteria in your large intestine instead. These polysaccharides can also increase the production of short-chain fatty acids SCFA , which provide support and nourishment to the cells lining your gut Seaweed contains fiber and sugars, both of which can be used as food sources for the bacteria in your gut.
Seaweed contains a lot of fiber, which does not contain any calories The fiber in seaweed may slow stomach emptying, too. This helps you feel fuller for longer and can delay hunger pangs Seaweed is also considered to have anti-obesity effects. In particular, several animal studies suggest that a substance in seaweed called fucoxanthin may help reduce body fat 32 , 33 , One animal study found that rats who consumed fucoxanthin lost weight, whereas rats who consumed the control diet did not.
The results showed that fucoxanthin increased the expression of a protein that metabolizes fat in rats Other animal studies found similar results.
For example, fucoxanthin has been shown to significantly reduce blood sugar levels in rats, further aiding weight loss 35 , Seaweed may help you lose weight because it contains few calories, filling fiber and fucoxanthin, which contributes to an increased metabolism. Factors that increase your risk include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking and being physically inactive or overweight.
Interestingly, seaweed may help reduce your blood cholesterol levels 37 , Heart disease can also be caused by excessive blood clotting. Seaweed contains carbohydrates called fucans, which may help prevent blood from clotting 40 , In fact, one animal study found that fucans extracted from seaweed prevented blood clotting as effectively as an anti-clotting drug Researchers are also starting to look at peptides in seaweed.
Initial studies in animals indicate that these protein-like structures may block part of a pathway that increases blood pressure in your body 42 , 43 , Seaweed may help reduce your cholesterol, blood pressure and risk of blood clots, but more studies are needed.
By the year , million people worldwide are expected to have type 1 or type 2 diabetes Still not convinced? Here are Berman's three reasons why you should eat seaweed for dinner tonight:. Seaweed can help control your appetite. The fiber can help you feel full on very few calories," she says. It's chock-full of vitamins and minerals. Seaweed contains amino acids, which, as you may recall from first-period biology, are the building blocks for protein.
Studies have also shown that seaweed might help block fat absorption, Berman says, noting that more research is needed. Other studies have suggested that ingestion of seaweed may reduce the risk of breast cancer due to its anti-estrogenic effects.
So is seaweed the new wonder food? Store fresh seaweed in the refrigerator. Dried seaweed should be placed in an airtight container after opening. Follow the expiration dates listed on the package for maximum freshness. Looking for a reputable food company online or at the grocery store will help you avoid heavy metals and other toxins.
The easiest way to eat seaweed is by using dried seaweed wrapper nori , the kind you find in sushi restaurants. Use it to wrap almost anything. You can also break into pieces and sprinkle dried seaweed flakes onto a salad or other dishes for a nutritional boost.
Seaweed is also popular in Asian soups, such as miso soup. Get nutrition tips and advice to make healthy eating easier. Seaweed, wakame, raw. FoodData Central. Department of Agriculture. Published April 1, Therapeutic effects of fucoidan: A review on recent studies. Mar Drugs. Department of Health and Human Services and U. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, — Published December Risks and benefits of consuming edible seaweeds.
Nutr Rev. Asthma and dietary intake of fish, seaweeds, and fatty acids in Korean adults. Antioxidant fucoidans obtained from tropical seaweed protect pre-osteoblastic cells from hydrogen peroxide-induced damage. Eden, kombu sea vegetable. Updated March 19, Folate: Fact sheet for health professionals. Updated March 29, Shellfish and fish allergy. American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Updated February 13, Vitamin K: Fact sheet for health professionals. Barone J.
Berkeley Wellness, University of California. Updated Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellFit. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification. I Accept Show Purposes. Table of Contents View All. Table of Contents. Nutrition Facts.
Health Benefits. Adverse Effects. When It's Best. Storage and Food Safety. How to Prepare.
0コメント