OH! Magazine - Australian Version January 2017 | Page 12

( Nutrition )
ASHLEIGH
FELTHAM

SUPER SEAWEED
Ashleigh Feltham explores the health benefits of seaweed.
n case you don’t already know
much about seaweed, there are
four groups of seaweed algae:

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•
1.
2.
3.
4.

Green algae (Chlorophyceae)
Red algae (Rhodophycae)
Blue-green algae (Cyanophyceae)
Brown algae (Phaeophyceae).

The red, brown and green seaweed types
have been studied and suggested to have
the health promoting factors for your
health.
Here are seven reasons you should
consider including seaweed in your diet
1. Seaweed has been reported to help you
lose weight
How? Components called polysaccharides
and polyphenols slows the activity of the
enzymes or small parts of a reactions,
needed to break down and use the food
and drink we take into our body from
working properly. So when you include
seaweed as part of your meal the amount
of energy your body gets from what you
eat is less. Over time this may help with
weight loss.
2. It provides lots of ‘goodies’ that
contribute to a healthy body
•
•

Dietary fibre (which helps you stay
regular and feeling fuller for longer).
Omega-3 fatty acids (a really healthy

YOU CAN CONTACT ASHLEIGH VIA:
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•
•

form of fat for your body which
promotes lots a healthy heart and
may improve mood).
Essential amino acids (so you can
build strong muscles).
Vitamins A,B,C and E. (helping your
body function optimally)
Phytochemicals
(helping
your
immunity and cells to stay healthy)

2. Sushi
Sushi is becoming cheaper and cheaper
to buy ‘on the go’ or why not try making it
at home (the fresh seaweed has an
amazing crunchy texture when fresh, and
you’ll get to add all the ingredient you
know you like).
3. Kelp noodles

3. Seaweed may decrease your risk of:
• cancer
• type 2 Diabetes
• high blood pressure.

These can be bought from many health
food shops and even come in different
flavours such as berry.

4. Seaweed may help your thyroid work
well.

4. Use seaweed instead of the flavouring
in two minute noodles

5. Seaweed may prevent viruses, fungi and
bacteria in your body by influencing the
health of the gut.

Instead of adding the flavouring that
comes with those traditional two minute
noodles, use some fresh or dried seaweed
instead.

6. Seaweed may help the tissues in your
body to heal.
7. Seaweed may delay the aging process.
So now that you understand why it could
be a useful addition to your diet, here are
a few ideas to help you include it:
1. Eat dried seaweed as a snack
Either by itself of adding it as a wrap
substitute to have with a small tin of tuna.

5. Miso
This delicious soup includes seaweed (be
mindful of the salt content in miso,
especially if you have high blood
pressure).
6. Experiment with noodle or rice dishes
at home and see how you can include
seaweed as a green vegetable. Maybe it
could replace the spinach in a dish?
By introducing seaweed to your diet, not
only can you boost your health, but you’ll
also add variety to the food you eat!