Why Seaweed is the Next ‘Big Thing’ in Wellness
Calling it – why seaweed is the next ‘big thing’ in wellness
One thing I love about the wellness space is that there’s always something new! A new product, an amazing new recipe, a great new healthy restaurant option! It’s also very cool that research continues to back up what our innate wisdom already knows - that our bodies, our minds, and our spirits are deeply nourished by whole unprocessed foods, time spent in nature, and awareness around all of it.
In recent past we’ve seen ‘all things’ kale…then cauliflower achieved ‘see-it-everywhere’ status…and of course, we can’t forget ‘zoodles’, or the chia craze. And, while all of these are all still amazing plant-powered foods…and still ‘going strong’ – if I had to call THE NEXT BIG THING I’d vote for seaweed hands down.
Including seaweeds in your diet can bring about so many amazing health benefits and it’s fun to explore and experiment with all the different varieties to take your nutrition to the next level.
You can find seaweed tablets, seaweed powders, as well as many different varieties in their natural, dried form.
Seaweeds are really vegetables and are loaded with beneficial key minerals that are difficult to get in our diets like iodine and manganese. Kelp, otherwise known as ‘seaweed’ is actually one of the best sources of thyroid boosting natural iodine we can get in our diets. Seaweed also has 10 times more calcium than milk - which is important for muscle function, bone development and blood flow.
Some studies have also suggested that brown kelp consumption can be linked to longevity! More research is needed here but I’m definitely excited about the potential of seaweed to help us live longer and healthier.
Another key health perk of incorporating seaweeds in your diet is their ability to boost fiber intake. Consuming enough fiber aids digestion and can help promote regular elimination. Plus, seaweeds are full of probiotics that feed the good bacteria in your gut.
I’ve always been drawn to the ocean - even as a kid growing up in Colorado my art projects always involved me drawing a beach with palm trees. Now I’m blessed to live minutes from the ocean and it’s still a source of grounding, potential, renewal, and raw power and beauty. The sea is vast and abundant offering up many different types of seaweed. A few of my favorites are chlorella, raw (untoasted) nori sheet, dulse and kelp noodles (more about these in a minute).
Here’s a breakdown of a few of my favorites and how I use them:
Chlorella
A microscopic, single cell plant powerhouse that contains a high level of chlorophyll, giving it a deep, rich emerald color. Chlorella also contains an abundance of protein – approximately 65% by weight! It’s also been shown to absorb heavy metals in the body. I get my chlorella in tablet form from Sunfood and chew a small handful each day.
Raw organic nori sheets
The sushi rolls you find at your favorite sushi place most likely use toasted nori. I recommend going for the untoasted, raw sheets and then getting creative making your own rolls! You can roll in just about anything – think leftover quinoa or rice, plus some cooked yam along with avocado slices and julienned vegetables (cucumber, carrots) and shredded cabbage or kimchee.
Spirulina
Said to have fed the Aztecs and in recent times to feed the astronauts, spirulina is a power-packed, single-cell food overflowing with antioxidants. You’ll normally find it in tablet, liquid or powder forms and it contains an amazing source of high-quality protein full of all 8 essential amino acids. This is a great addition to your diet if you are eating primarily plant-based.
Raw kelp noodles
These may look similar in shape to any pasta you may be used to but they are actually made from a brown seaweed that’s very high in iodine. Iodine is a mineral that many Americans are low on and it’s essential for healthy thyroid function. And, hypothyroidism (not enough thyroid hormone in the body) is linked to weight gain, goiter, and fatigue.
One caveat, the reverse is also true so if you already have issues with too much iodine/hyperthyroidism, it may be best to avoid raw kelp noodles or keep to once a week.
As far a preparation, these have a slight snap and almost crunchiness and are different in texture to other kinds of pasta you may be used to. Preparation is basically rinsing them off (I prefer soaking mine in warm water for 10 minutes or so) and then you can toss them with any sauces you like – healthy dairy-free, nut-based alfredo, to pesto or marinara. Sea Tangle is the brand I buy at my local health foods store and you can find them online too.
One last key takeaway
Look for unprocessed dried seaweed varieties without any preservatives or additives when shopping. Choosing organic sea vegetables is also super important because seaweeds soak up anything in their environments including heavy metals and toxins.