Page 94 - FoodFocusThailand No.195 June 2022

SOMETHING ABOUT FOODING ABOUT FOOD
SOMETH

Seaweed: Vegetables from

the Sea amidst the Veggie Mania

Vegetable consumption is growing in popularity The Health Benefits of Seaweed
because of current healthy trends such as plant- Seaweed is rich in minerals and trace elements. In fact, it contains higher
based eating, sustainability eating, and an increasing levels of these nutrients than most other foods. For this reason, many
consider seaweed to be “the vegetables of the sea.” Depending on where
number of vegetarians and flexitarians. This draws it is grown, different types of seaweed contain varying amounts of
our attention to a specific plant or vegetable – nutrients. Iodine content, for example, varies significantly between types,
seaweed, despite the fact that seaweed is not a and one serving (45 g.) of seaweed can easily contain vitamin A, C, E,
and K, as well as a day’s worth of iodine or more. Some also claim that
vegetable but rather a marine macroalgae that can seaweed is an excellent (plant) source of vitamin B12, which is primarily
grow in salt water. Seaweed comes in a variety of found in meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products. Yet it remains unknown
colors, ranging from red to green and brown to black. whether the form of vitamin B12 discovered from algae is active in human
bodies. In addition, seaweed is high in antioxidants. It also contains a
Asian consumers, especially those in Japan, Korea, the Philippines, high concentration of sulfated polysaccharides (sPS), a beneficial plant
China, and even Thailand, are familiar with seaweed as a food compound thought to contribute to seaweed’s health benefits.
ingredient. Statistically, the global seaweed industry generated $4.09 1. Support heart health Certain beneficial nutrients found in seaweed
billion in 2017 and is anticipated to generate $9.07 billion by 2024, may help keep your heart healthy. Seaweed is high in soluble fiber and
witnessing a CAGR of 12.0% from 2018 to 2024. As a result, the high in long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, both of which may be beneficial
current rate of growth and trends will make seaweed more appealing to heart health. Furthermore, animal studies suggest that the sPS found
than ever. in seaweed may have the ability to lower blood pressure and prevent
blood clotting. It may also aid in the reduction of LDL cholesterol and total
The Most Popular Type of Edible Seaweed cholesterol levels.
1. Nori Nori is an edible seaweed that belongs to the red algae 2. Maintain blood sugar level and prevent diabetes type 2
family. It is usually processed into dried food and sold in the form of a Including seaweed in your diet may lower your chances of developing
paper-like sheet. It has a distinct flavor and a delicious taste and is type 2 diabetes. Certain compounds found in seaweed, according to
researchers, may help to stabilize blood sugar levels and prevent type 2
frequently used in various Japanese recipes, like miso soup. diabetes. Fucoxanthin, an antioxidant that gives brown algae their
2. Wakame also known as sea mustard, is a dark green seaweed.
It has a silky-smooth texture and has been cultivated in Japan for distinctive color, is just one of many. It is thought to aid in the reduction
centuries. Wakame brings a unique taste and texture to soups and of insulin resistance and the stabilization of blood sugar levels.
salads. Furthermore, the type of fiber found in seaweed may slow the rate at
which carbohydrates are absorbed from a meal. This can make it easier
3. Kombu is one of the most popular edible seaweeds in East
Asia. It adds a delicate umami flavor to every dish it touches. When for your body to keep your blood sugar levels stable.
cooked in water with bonito (skipjack tuna) flakes, it becomes dashi, 3. Prevent the spread of cancer cells Consuming seaweed may
the soup stock that serves as the foundation of many Japanese dishes. help reduce your risk of developing certain types of cancer, too. According
Besides savory recipes, Kombu is often steeped in boiling water to to researchers, seaweed, for example, may help lower estrogen levels,
potentially lowering a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer. Moreover,
make a Japanese umami-rich seaweed tea known as kombucha a class of compounds found in brown varieties such as kelp, wakame,
(which is different from a popular fermented Western probiotic tea).
There are several different kinds of kombu, each with a slightly different and kombu may help prevent cancerous cells from spreading.
taste. Seaweed still has other health benefits we have not mentioned,
4. Irish moss Irish moss is a purple and red alga found on the including aiding in weight management due to its high fiber content. Iodine
from seaweed can also help keep the thyroid functioning normally. On
Atlantic coasts of the United States and Europe. It has the appearance the other hand, excessive consumption of seaweed can be dangerous
of a miniature tree, with branches fanning out from the stem. Due to
the amount of carrageenan, it contains, Irish moss is used as a because too much iodine can disturb the kidney system and the heavy
thickening agent and stabilizer in desserts and milk products, such as metals in the ocean can be transferred to our bodies through eating
ice cream. seaweed. So, if you prefer to use seaweed in your dish, make sure to
jcomp
proceed with caution as you would with any other food.
5. Dulse Dulse is a reddish seaweed found in the colder waters
of the Atlantic and North Pacific oceans. It has a leathery, soft texture
with a bacon-like flavor and can be cooked in oil until crispy. Dulse
has a wide array of culinary applications. It can be found in soups,
baked into chips, and used as a meat seasoning. More Information Service Info C014
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