Is Seaweed Salad Healthy?

Japanese seaweed salad contains fresh sea vegetables like wakame, kombu, kelp, sargassum, arame, nori, hijiki, dulse and the likes. These traditional Japanese sea vegetables are gaining popularity in all parts of the world, owing to their easy-to-use nature, pleasant textures, delicious flavor, and remarkable nutritional value.

They are cultivated in environmentally protected seas. These days, dry seaweeds are available in packets. The simple answer to the question 'is seaweed salad healthy' is 'YES'. Here follows the explanation.

The lacy wiry delicate seaweeds are packed with various essential nutrients. The vegetables can be dark purple-black, green, dark green, reddish, or of different shades, but they all are known for their nutty, salty, sea flavor and superb taste.

Thousands of types of seaweed salads can be found in sushi bars and Japanese restaurants. The vegetables obtained from the sea are added to various dishes. They help enhance the taste of soups, stews and other dishes.

• Seaweeds prevent glucose level fluctuations. They in fact help stabilize blood glucose levels. Thus, they lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.
• Wakame is rich in calcium, iron, niacin, thiamine, vitamin A, potassium, vitamin C, iodine and other vitamins and minerals. In fact, all seaweeds are good sources of vitamins and minerals.

• Minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, iodine, zinc and iron along with vitamins help strengthen the immune system and bones as well. Sea vegetables contain almost all minerals found in the ocean.

• Sea vegetables offer one of the broadest ranges of minerals and antioxidants that help improve the function of the immune system, cancel the effects of free radicals on the body, prevent various diseases and disorders and promote healthy and slow aging. So the question 'is seaweed salad healthy' should not arise at all.

• Sea vegetables act as appetizers and help improve appetite. They are also used for garnishing. When added, they help improve the nutritional value of food.

• Being an excellent source of iodine, they prevent hypothyroidism and its serious consequences. They are good sources of vitamin C, E and K which help improve your skin quality and strengthen your hair and nails. Various B vitamins help avoid congenital defects in infants and help boost energy levels.

• The vegetables that grow in the sea exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anticoagulant, anti-thrombotic and antiviral properties. The 'fucoidans' present in these weeds increase the nutritional value of these weeds. These sea vegetables work great for osteoarthritis.

• Regular consumption of these vegetables helps improve cardiovascular health. They contain sulfated polysaccharide that offers cardiovascular benefits. They prevent unnecessary clotting of the blood. They help lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.

• Consumption of red marine algae promotes the production of white blood cells and is known to improve immunity. They help prevent yeast infections and control the growth of the virus that causes herpes. It is believed that they help cure ulcers and tumors, and are effective for diseases like HIV/AIDS.

• Red algae helps to cure cold sores. They are used to treat urinary infection, asthma, goiter, disorders associated with the stomach. They help to get rid of skin problems like boils, and improve skin texture.

• Seaweed nutrition facts inform us that they help lower the risk of allergies, inflammatory conditions and infectious diseases. They also reduce the risk of various types of cancers, for example, colon cancer.

• These nutritious vegetables contain alginate which helps to increase the rate of metabolism. This promotes healthy weight loss. The vegetables boost your energy levels. They also help increase mental alertness.

Regular consumption of seaweed can offer you flawless skin and lustrous hair. It can improve your overall health and can prevent aging. So enjoy your bowl of seaweed salad and stay fit.