Raw Food Spotlight: The Health Benefits of Seaweeds
Seaweeds for Cleansing the Lymph
– by Stephanie Gadsden
You cannot ignore the superfood that is seaweed!
Reported to have higher amounts of nutrients than most land vegetables, seaweed has been used for thousands of years to enhance health.
With a list of nutrients this big there is really no health element seaweeds won’t fix.
Nutrients in Seaweed
Seaweeds contain up to 40% of the minerals needed for human nutrition, being a potent source of calcium, iron, zinc, iodine, potassium, selenium, magnesium, chromium, plus more!
Seaweeds contain the essential fatty acids omega 3 and 6 in perfect ratio, plus are packed full of protein, with a serving of seaweed containing all essential amino acids.
These green goddesses of the deep are full of fiber to support bowel health and act as a natural vitamin B complex to increase energy and enhance vitality.
Types of Seaweed
Seaweeds come in many different, shapes textures and colours. Some are firm others are soft. Have some fun with the different varieties to see what suits your taste.
Seaweeds that are a MUST to try are:
Lymphatic Drainage
Our lymphatic circulation is a major component of our immune system, so optimal functioning is essential.
Seaweed supports proper drainage and circulation of lymph, transporting metabolic wastes and other toxins from your body’s cells back into the blood, where they can be eliminated.
So to give your insides a regular spring clean, enjoy seaweed daily!
Seaweed and Lymphatic Health
Seaweeds act as powerful detoxifiers. The cleansing properties of seaweeds can be used to relieve conditions exacerbated by lymphatic congestion.
Due to seaweeds’ high potassium content they are excellent regulators of fluid. So if you suffer from that “bloated, full feeling” it might be time to add some seaweed to your next meal.
Unfortunately, we live in a “toxic society” and our body’s are constantly exposed to pollutants from the air we breath, the foods we eat and the water we drink. Seaweeds are excellent for cleaning up our system as they contain sodium alginate. This incredible phytochemical binds to toxic heavy metals and removes them from the body.
Seaweeds are an essential to include in your diet to regulate and maintain proper circulation of lymphatic fluid. They work to ensure that our lymphatic system is operating at its best by assisting in the removal of wastes and by returning balance back to our body.
… And who doesn’t need that?! 😉
How to Eat Seaweed
Seaweed is best eaten raw or after soaking so it is a perfect food to awaken the raw diva within!
- Kelp and Kombu often come pre-dried so soak them for 15-20 mins before consuming. Great in salads or as seaweed noodles. They have a leathery texture so to make them more delicious, chop finely.
- Dulse: This salty seaweed can be used as a salt substitute. Sprinkle flakes over any meal.
- Wakame: You will find this green sea vegetable hanging out in your Miso Soup. Can also be added to salads.
- Nori is the most famous seaweed, as its dark sheets are the wrapping of sushi. Nori is a delicious layer to add to vegetable stacks or cut into fun shapes for the kids! Make sure you source the raw nori sheets – these can be identified by their purplish colour, as the commonly found green nori is often toasted.
Seaweed Wrap Up!
Seaweeds potent cleansing properties cannot be ignored.
Experiment with kelp, kombu, dulse, wakame, and nori to get your lymphatics moving!