Not so long ago, the outlandish seaweed, its benefits and harms, medicinal properties, which are described in detail in this article, is now familiar to many. Otherwise called kelp, it has a brown tint and is very common in coastal states.
A salad made from kelp very quickly restores strength and completely cleanses the body of toxins. It is often used in cooking, and is also consumed in a variety of diets.
Composition, description
Where does seaweed grow? The main habitat of the plant is considered to be the Far East. The algae grows on the bottom of the seas and has a specific unpleasant odor, which makes it very attractive to gourmets.
The benefits of seaweed for the body are very great. These qualities are due to its composition.
Main components of the product:
- vitamin substances of groups E, C, D, A, B;
- protein with the amino acids it contains;
- minerals with alginates;
- polyunsaturated acids;
- microelements with high molecular weight polysaccharides;
- huge content of iodine in microelements.
Many people are looking for information about how much iodine does seaweed contain? 100 grams of product contains 16 grams of iodine. This is a very high figure because daily norm iodine is 30 grams.
Interested in what sea kale looks like? Laminaria belongs to the genus of brown algae. Its length reaches from 5 to 15 meters. The thallus of the plant includes ribbon-shaped plates 20-50 centimeters wide. They gradually pass into the stem, and then into the root of the plant. The algae attaches to the soil with its processes, called rhizoids, and can reproduce, and does this with the help of spores.
Sea kale photo:
Industrial procurement of raw materials
The process of catching algae from under water is very labor-intensive. Not everyone thinks about the question, where and how does seaweed grow? If collection was carried out using a similar method, the product would have a very impressive price. Usually kelp is caught from the bottom using special scythes and grabs. In this case, multimeter-long algae appear on the surface. Often the extraction of raw materials is carried out after a strong storm, when it is washed ashore by waves. Then it is recommended to hurry up, because slowdowns can lead to rapid spoilage of the marine ingredient.
The resulting raw materials immediately begin to be chopped, and then sent for further processing. Sometimes it is cut into small ribbons to be dried afterwards. Before starting this process, the workpiece is dried, removing sand, silt and rotten thalli. A similar process is carried out in the sun or in specialized ovens.
How is seaweed beneficial for the human body? A huge part of the world's population is interested in this question. This valuable product is close in composition to human blood plasma. Some of the components found in kelp are completely absent in land plants.
Positive qualities of the product:
- significant iodine content in the product;
- reduces blood cholesterol levels;
- fights thrombophlebitis;
- reduces the likelihood of a heart attack;
- reduces the likelihood of developing viral diseases in the body;
- actively fights cancer;
- helps with hormonal disorders;
- supports blood vessels;
- relieves sore throat;
- increases immunity;
- has a positive effect on the functioning of the thyroid gland;
- removes toxic substances and radiation from the body.
Many people who received a large dose of radiation were saved from exposure with the help of seaweed.
Negative properties of kelp:
- individual intolerance to the product by the human body;
- sensitive perception of iodine;
- inflammation in the abdominal cavity;
- pyoderma of chronic type;
- hemorrhagic diathesis;
- kidney disease;
- nephritis;
- nephrosis;
- acne;
- children under 3 years of age.
The components that make up the seaweed give it a lot of medicinal effects:
- effective in curing peptic ulcers and intestinal problems;
- has a hemostatic effect;
- has an antiseptic effect;
- used as a wound healing agent;
- normalizes the microflora of the body;
- removes toxic substances;
- high-quality antiviral and antifungal agent;
- cures chronic rhinitis and ENT diseases.
Sea kale for weight loss
Knowing how many calories are in seaweed, many nutritionists advise including it in the strictest diets in order to lose excess weight. A product such as seaweed has a calorie content per 100 grams of 24.9 kilocalories. It should also be taken into account that sea kale, the nutritional value of which is very high, has the following indicators: proteins - 0.9 grams, carbohydrates -3 grams, fats -0.2 grams.
During diets, kelp is used based on numerous factors. The presented algae gives the body a feeling of fullness and absorbs all the liquid. In addition, the useful components it contains allow it to replace many high-calorie foods.
Sea kale for diabetes
Brown algae growing at the bottom of the sea got its name because of its similarity to ordinary white cabbage. In fact, kelp is not even a vegetable. This product is recommended for use in diabetes mellitus of the first and second types. This - good remedy, which prevents the development of atherosclerosis. One of the components of algae is tartronic acid, which performs a protective function for blood vessels circulatory system, and also prevents cholesterol from accumulating on the walls of the arteries.
The product stabilizes the course of a disease such as diabetes:
- has a beneficial effect on the process of weight loss;
- activates the regeneration of cells and tissues;
- has a beneficial effect on cardiovascular diseases;
- normalizes insulin production;
- has a beneficial effect on metabolic processes;
- removes toxic substances from the body;
- reduces blood glucose levels;
- stabilizes blood pressure.
The benefits of seaweed for women
This product has a lot of useful properties and is considered one of the most important for the female body. Its most important qualities:
- has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the thyroid gland;
- has a rejuvenating effect;
- eliminates excess weight;
- actively fights gynecological diseases;
- prevents the development of cancer.
To lose weight, it is enough to consume only 50 milligrams of kelp per day. Wrapping a person in seaweed can reduce the likelihood of breast cancer.
Sea kale during pregnancy
How are seaweed beneficial for pregnant women? During pregnancy, any woman must eat very well so that she can give birth to a healthy baby with strong immunity. Only natural products will bring many benefits and will provide the child with all the necessary microelements. Laminaria is considered one of the richest foods in terms of the number of microelements it contains. The significant content of iodine in the product makes brown algae an indispensable component for expectant mothers, they are advised to be consumed by both early and late pregnancy women.
Positive properties of the product for expectant mothers:
- the high content of iodine and folic acid will save the life of the baby and make it possible to avoid spontaneous miscarriage;
- contains significant amount iron, which allows the young body to grow and develop properly;
- kelp contains a significant amount of calcium, which enters the human body and allows the skeleton, endocrine system and kidneys to form correctly;
- vitamin A will allow the baby to avoid vision problems;
- potassium, sodium, phosphorus strengthen the immune system of the future organism.
Important! People who are prone to allergic reactions should be careful when using the product.
Can a nursing mother eat seaweed?
Can kelp be consumed by a nursing mother while breastfeeding? Many women are trying to understand this issue. They are interested in it because it has an incredibly large number of useful properties.
Positive properties of seaweed:
- cleanses the body of toxins;
- promotes rapid postpartum recovery;
- has a beneficial effect on the heart muscle;
- normalizes intestinal function;
- contains a certain amount of protein.
Constant consumption of seafood will become preventive measure for diabetes, endocrine and cancer diseases. Laminaria can relieve a person from stress, cope with chronic fatigue. Not only can women eat seafood, but they even need it. Their correct use will bring many benefits and help achieve positive results.
The introduction of algae into the diet should be carried out according to the following plan:
- When using for the first time, you should limit yourself to a serving of 50 grams. This will allow a person to determine whether the baby has an individual intolerance.
- If the allergic reaction does not make itself felt, then you can consume 150 grams per day daily.
- It is recommended to eat kelp no more than 3 times a week. This period will be enough to strengthen the body's immune system.
Laminaria thallus, seaweed application:
- It has a mild laxative effect and is used to improve bowel function. The preparation is simple: you need to take 1 teaspoon of dry seaweed powder, pour in half a glass of boiling water, and leave for several hours. Drink the infusion at night, it turns out a little salty, you can add honey if desired.
- 1 tsp. dried seaweed, taken in the morning on an empty stomach, helps with dizziness.
- An effective remedy for high cholesterol - add 1 tsp to 1/4 cup of hot boiling water. kelp powder, leave for an hour, drink in small sips 2-3 times a day, before meals. This composition also helps with hypertension.
- To improve overall tone, it is good to take half a teaspoon of powder before breakfast with water.
How to make a salad
Lenten salad with seaweed
- This dish is dietary, it is easy to prepare. Mix kelp, onions and vegetable oil. Take all ingredients according to your taste. If you use dry seaweed, pre-soak it for 10-15 minutes, then squeeze it out and chop it finely.
- Another option for a delicious salad: add cucumbers, boiled beets, grated on a fine grater, and a boiled egg to the kelp.
On a note! Instead of salt, use kelp powder; it can be added to all your favorite dishes.
In the northern seas, olive-brown water “forests” grow along the coasts. These are thickets of bladderwrack or kelp, popularly called “sea kale”. The association with an edible vegetable is not accidental - seaweed has long been used in cooking.
In addition to its pleasant taste and nutritional value, the plant has many healing properties. It saturates the body with vitamins and iodine, relieves pain, relieves inflammation and helps improve metabolism.
What is sea kale
The algae plant lives in coastal waters, where its dense stalk can attach to rocks. Laminaria expands upward, forming a wavy plate - a greenish-brown thallus that grows up to 20 m in length.
Sea kale reproduces by zoospores, alternating asexual and bisexual generations. Male and female plants consisting of several cells develop on the plate. By crossing, they give rise to a new asexual individual of kelp.
The natural habitat of the algae is the northwestern coast of the Pacific Ocean. In Russian Primorye, China and Japan, the plant is cultivated on marine farms for medicinal and culinary purposes.
Laminaria develops normally only in cool water - up to +23ᵒ C. Most microelements and antioxidants accumulate in algae that have lived for 1-1.5 years and collected at a water temperature of +21ᵒ C.
Composition, calorie content
The most valuable property of sea kale is the ability to concentrate iodine absorbed from sea water in the plates. It is known that 1 g of dried seaweed contains 3 adult daily doses of iodine. The full composition of useful components of kelp is shown in the table.
| Substance | Volume in % of normal (per 100 g) | Functions in the body |
| Beta carotene | 3 | Supports healthy skin and vision, slows down cell aging |
| Riboflavin | 3,3 | Synthesizes hormones, blood cells and antibodies, participates in metabolism |
| Thiamine | 2,7 | Regulates carbohydrate-fat metabolism, is responsible for the work nervous system |
| Vitamin C | 2,2 | Synthesizes muscle protein and fights infections |
| Magnesium | 42,5 | Regulates the functioning of the cardiovascular, nervous and genitourinary systems |
| Sodium | 40 | Provides balance of salts and liquids |
| Potassium | 38,8 | Normalizes the condition of muscles, nerves, blood vessels, supplies oxygen to the brain |
| Iron | 88,9 | Increases immunity, produces enzymes and proteins |
| Phosphorus | 6,9 | Forms brain tissue, nerves, bones |
The healing properties of seaweed have been known for a long time. However, this product has still not received due recognition in Western cuisine. Meanwhile, seaweed is affordable and nutritious; it supplies the body with many vitamins, minerals and other beneficial substances.
What is sea kale
Sea kale is a product obtained from brown seaweed - kelp, for example, Laminaria japonica Aresh, L. saccharica L. These algae are found mainly in the Pacific Ocean, so the product is popular in the Far East, in the traditional cuisine of China and Japan. However, in these countries, seaweed is also a medicinal remedy.
Kinds
About 30 species of kelp are found in nature, although not all of them can be eaten due to unpleasant odor or taste. Three main types are used to supply sea kale to the market:
- Japanese kelp, which is considered the most valuable in terms of chemical composition. Medicines are also made from this type of algae.
- Sugary kelp. It is found mainly in the White, Kara and Barents Seas. It is inferior in composition to Japanese and less pleasant in taste, but it is often used for canning with various additives.
- Laminaria digitalata. It has a bitter-salty taste. It is rarely used in cooking, but it has found wide application in pharmacology, where it is used to produce drugs against atherosclerosis.
Sea kale can be divided into two large groups– those species that are used in medicine and those that are eaten. In addition to taste, they also differ in iodine content.
As for ready-made seaweed used for food purposes, it is also produced in several forms - frozen, canned (pickled) and dried.
What is the difference between seaweed and chuka?
Many people believe that seaweed and chuka are the same thing. In fact, chuka is already ready dish, salad. Moreover, in Russia and countries Far East This concept has slightly different meanings.
It should be noted that chuka salad is a Japanese dish. The word "chuka" means "Chinese". Moreover, this is not just one dish, but a variety of types of salads, and they are distinguished by one common feature - their ingredients are cut into thin strips. Moreover, the most commonly used vegetables are cucumbers, sometimes carrots, meat or ham can also be added to it, and also transparent rice noodles Harusame. The dressing for it is made with vinegar and sesame oil. Also sometimes added to the dish tree mushrooms kikurage. There are no algae in these salads.
In Russia, “chuka” is a seaweed salad, which in Japan is called “kaiso sarada”. But it also does not contain seaweed; it is based on wakame algae (botanical name - Undaria pinnate), which has a pleasant delicate taste. The only thing they have in common with seaweed is that both products belong to the category of brown algae and are cut into strips. By the way, seaweed is called “kombu” in Japanese; it is added to miso soup and even tea is brewed based on it.
Composition and calorie content
Sea kale - low calorie product. Its energy value is only 49 kcal per 100 g of product.
But the main thing about it is its chemical composition. Kelp is considered one of the best natural sources of iodine. Research shows that 1 kg of seaweed contains the same amount of this element as 100 thousand liters of sea water. That is why kelp is useful for those who suffer from certain diseases of the thyroid gland, since a lack of iodine leads to significant disruptions in the functioning of the thyroid gland. endocrine system. It's enough to just compare the numbers: daily requirement in iodine for healthy person is 100–150 mcg. A serving of dry kelp (100 g) contains up to 160–800 mg of this element.
In addition to iodine, seaweed contains:
- Vitamins B1, B2 and B12, useful for metabolic processes and central nervous system activity.
- Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), which is often called an anti-stress vitamin - it is necessary for the normal production of adrenal hormones, the formation of antibodies and strengthening vascular system, normal absorption of other vitamins.
- Folic acid (vitamin B9), which is necessary for the normal functioning of the immune and cardiovascular systems, for cognitive activity.
- Ascorbic acid and carotenoids.
- Polysaccharides - mannitol, fructose and a specific substance laminarin. They have anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects, and are also very useful for intestinal function.
- Magnesium, potassium, iron, nickel, zinc, copper.
- Bromine, which makes the body more resistant to stressful situations.
- Organic acids.
- Alginic acid – up to 13–54%, this substance has the ability to remove heavy metals from the body; it is not for nothing that alginates are called natural enterosorbents.
Kelp also contains oligosaccharides, which have an anti-inflammatory effect. In addition, they are useful in the treatment of juvenile acne.
It should be noted that sea kale contains sterols - these are substances that fight bad cholesterol. They have a beneficial effect on the condition of blood vessels and allow a person to maintain youth for a long time. It is in the consumption of such algae that the secret of Japanese health lies. A recent study was conducted that proved that genetic characteristics have nothing to do with it. The Japanese who remain to live in the Land of the Rising Sun are 10 times less likely to experience atherosclerosis compared to those who migrated to Western countries. And all because of the use of kombu - seaweed.
Studies have also proven that regular inclusion of this product in the diet can significantly improve blood counts thanks to sterols. These substances prevent high blood clotting and thereby prevent the formation of blood clots.
General benefit
This product is useful at any age. Sea kale has a beneficial effect on the body as a whole, strengthens the immune system, improves memory and cognitive abilities. A number of studies show that it is very beneficial for vision. Also, seaweed can normalize blood pressure and stop inflammatory processes. Therefore, it is useful both for hypertension and for arthritis and some other joint diseases.
For women
For the fair sex, seaweed is useful for several reasons:
- normalizes reproductive function;
- helps to lose excess weight;
- prevents premature aging;
- reduces the risk of cancer;
- supports normal activity of the thyroid gland.
In the absence of contraindications, women are recommended to regularly include seaweed in their diet to reduce the risk of developing malignant tumors breast, uterus and other organs reproductive system. This effect of kelp is due to its ability to normalize estrogen levels in the body. And the action of sterols allows you to normalize the menstrual cycle.
For men
Representatives of the stronger sex often ignore seaweed - like any herb. But in fact, you should not underestimate its benefits for the male body. The fact is that with regular consumption of seaweed, physical performance increases. A number of experiments were conducted that confirmed that kelp helps to increase physical endurance and prevents the development of oxidative stress in the blood, characteristic of those who are engaged in such work.
Of course, iodine is just as important for men as it is for women. After all, the lack of this substance negatively affects both cognitive abilities and the state of the nervous system. Seaweed allows you to quickly replenish iodine deficiency, which improves attention and increases reaction speed, which is important for both sports and professional activities.
During pregnancy
Sea kale is useful even at the stage of pregnancy planning, not to mention the period of bearing a baby. The fact is that it provides the body with a sufficient amount of folic acid, without which the normal development of a child is simply impossible. In addition, it contains a lot of useful iodine, which is also necessary for normal pregnancy.
When breastfeeding
Sea kale contains not only iodine, but also useful amino acids, which, among other things, improve the absorption of this element. In the postpartum period, many women experience iodine deficiency, and during breastfeeding it becomes especially noticeable. So seaweed can significantly improve the situation.
Thanks to this product, it will normalize faster hormonal background. Sea kale also allows you to remove toxins and eliminate the characteristic postpartum period depression. Regular consumption of seaweed strengthens the bones of mother and child. In addition, these algae are useful because they can reduce blood viscosity, and ultimately this has a beneficial effect on cardiovascular activity.
For children
Children need vitamins and minerals, important role Iodine also plays a role in their development. But at the same time, you should not include seaweed in the diet of young children. Some pediatricians believe that it should not be offered to children under two years of age, others believe that it should be waited until three years. The point is that in early age the child’s digestive system may simply not be able to cope with such a product, since the appropriate enzymes will not be produced.
At the same time, even older children should be given seaweed with caution. The fact is that there is always a risk of developing food allergies– therefore, the product should be introduced into the diet with caution. In addition, a child should not eat seaweed raw, since it is not known how it was stored in the store or how it was transported - during this time pathogenic microorganisms could well have appeared in it.
For children, dried seaweed is considered the healthiest option. Pediatricians recommend giving it for anemia, as well as to prevent diarrhea. In addition, dried seaweed is recommended to be added to the diet when treating childhood obesity.
If after the age of three there is some lag in physical and mental development, this may be due to iodine deficiency. In this case, seaweed can become the most simple solution Problems.
Ideally, the pediatrician recommends giving seaweed at boiled, since it does not contain any marinade that could harm the stomach. In addition, such a product is guaranteed to be subjected to heat treatment. True, it is not always possible to persuade a child to eat just such cabbage. Other options will be discussed below.
Sea kale chips: benefits and harms
It is no secret that not everyone likes the specific taste and aroma of this product, which is explained by the combination of sea salt and iodine. However, there are cooking methods that can cope with this problem. In the East, thin slices are made from dried seaweed, which are eaten in pure form, they also complement the first and second courses. And in Asia they drink with them green tea, also rich in antioxidants.
In this case, thin plates are called chips. They can be healthy - it all depends on how exactly the manufacturers tried to soften their taste and aroma. For example, seaweed chips cooked in sesame oil will be quite healthy - unlike their potato counterparts. However, this does not apply to the spicy and salty seaweed chips. It's just not a very unhealthy snack.
Some companies produce chips with healthy additives - wasabi, ginseng (they are very useful for increased physical activity), dried fruits or ginger. You shouldn't get carried away with such chips either, although their energy value is relatively low. The same standards apply to them as for seaweed in general, discussed below.
Is canned seaweed healthy?
Sea kale is a source of iodine and retains its beneficial features even during conservation. Of course, in this case it contains fewer vitamins, because some of them are destroyed after heat treatment. But iodine is mostly retained, so high-quality canned seaweed remains healthy.
In jars, cabbage is sold seasoned with vegetable oil and onions, which increases its fat content. As for foreign impurities, they are due to the fact that the algae were mainly caught from the sea and managed to absorb the harmful elements contained in the water. These could be, for example, heavy metals or polychlorinated biphenyls. Fortunately, in most enterprises, raw materials are tested before being packed into cans, so there is no health hazard.
Another important point– this is the salt content; for some manufacturers it may be higher than normal, which neutralizes the ability of seaweed to lower blood pressure. Vinegar-based marinades, which are used for preservation, can be harmful to the digestive system.
It should be noted that some companies have tried to reduce the harm caused by the processing inherent in canning. Today, some of them use preservation technology. It does not use vinegar, only table salt and an antiseptic, heat treatment is also minimal, and most importantly, it is tightly packaged in a special container. As a result, seaweed preserves everything useful material. Such preserves are often produced with the addition of vegetables, fish and seafood, meat and pickled beets, garlic, and tomato sauce.
The benefits and harms of dried seaweed
Dried seaweed retains all the beneficial properties of fresh seaweed. It consists of 5–20% vegetable protein, 6–12% is from carbohydrates, and it contains up to 0.6% iodine. At the same time, it also contains other vitamins and minerals; it has a low energy value, so it is often recommended to be used for fasting days.
The fact is that dried seaweed undergoes only slight heat treatment. But this stage cannot be avoided, since fresh kelp consists almost entirely of water. When dried, excess moisture leaves it, but all the beneficial properties remain.
Is it possible to eat seaweed while losing weight?
Sea kale is considered wonderful dietary product, which can and should be used for weight loss and treatment of obesity. This is due to its composition, as well as the presence of anti-inflammatory properties (the latter are very important in cases where there is a relationship between excess weight and diabetes).
Theoretically, in order to get rid of extra pounds, it is enough to simply eat up to 50 mg of dried kelp per day and at the same time stick to strict diet. If a person is not ready for this either physically or psychologically, a different approach can be used. Seaweed can be made the main component of the diet. The fact is that it contains almost all the substances necessary for the body, so such a diet will only be beneficial for health.
At the same time, sea kale contains fiber. In the stomach it swells, there is a feeling of fullness, the feeling of hunger is dulled, and appetite decreases. But only seaweed needs to be prepared first, bay cold water at 10 o'clock. After this, it must be cooked in the manner indicated below.
With such a diet, seaweed can and should be combined with other products. The diet should include boiled eggs, as well as dietary meats. One day, seaweed can be combined with eggs, another – with meat. It is recommended to drink tea or rosehip decoction. The diet must be followed for two weeks. If it is still difficult to maintain such a diet, the duration can be reduced to one week. Maximum amount seaweed – 300 g per day.
Wraps are also made based on seaweed, which can reduce the volume of the hips and cope with cellulite.
The benefits of seaweed are considered proven - it is used for hypertension, arthritis, inflammatory gynecological diseases, etc. However, there are certain features use of seaweed in one case or another.
For diabetes
Sea kale is very useful for diabetes. The substances it contains stimulate the synthesis of insulin and normalize the functioning of the pancreas and parathyroid glands, so diabetics not only can, but literally need to consume it on a regular basis. Moreover, it contains tartanic acid, which prevents the deposition of bad cholesterol and helps reduce weight - both of which are very important for diabetes.
Sea kale also helps fight the complications of this disease. It helps prevent vision loss and adrenal dysfunction that occur with diabetes. Sea kale also improves cerebral circulation and has an anti-inflammatory effect, accelerates the healing of wounds and ulcers, which also plays an important role.
Important: glycemic index seaweed - 22 units.
For pancreatitis
Sea kale has anti-inflammatory properties. But in acute pancreatitis it is not recommended to include it in the diet. It can be used only for chronic forms of the disease in remission. And it should be remembered that boiled or dried seaweed is included in the diet - the substances included in its composition will help normalize the function of the pancreas. But you can’t eat pickled juice, even if vinegar was not used to prepare it - it will cause increased production of pancreatic juice, which can cause an exacerbation of the disease.
For gastritis
This is an inflammatory disease, and during its exacerbation, sea kale cannot be eaten, only at the stage of stable remission. At the same time, it is recommended to include boiled seaweed in the diet (for example, add it to soup) or dried, using it instead of salt.
For the intestines
Sea kale generally has a beneficial effect on the human digestive system. But when inflammatory diseases intestines, the same restrictions apply as with the above pathologies of the pancreas and gastric mucosa. That is, seaweed is added to the diet only in the presence of stable remission and only in boiled or dried form.
For constipation
As noted above, seaweed contains polysaccharides. They are prebiotics, that is, they create favorable environment for the propagation of beneficial intestinal microflora. That is why seaweed is considered effective means for constipation caused by dysbiosis or irritable bowel syndrome.
However, seaweed has another mechanism of action that puts it on par with the most effective mild laxatives. Thanks to this mechanism, it helps with functional constipation, which is associated with a deterioration in the functioning of intestinal receptors. The fiber contained in seaweed swells in the stomach, and it enters the intestines having already greatly increased in volume. This leads to irritation of the receptors, which causes bowel movements. Moreover, unlike many other remedies, seaweed is not addictive, it simply helps the intestines perform its duties, and therefore the product can be included in the diet on a regular basis.
For gout
This disease is associated with a disorder salt metabolism. It causes the deposition of crystals of uric acid salts in certain joints. Seaweed helps prevent the formation of such complications. A specific recipe for its use will be discussed below.
For colitis
This disease is associated with inflammatory processes in the intestines. Sea kale swells in the stomach, and, moving further through the gastrointestinal tract, irritates the receptors of the mucous membrane. Therefore, in acute forms of colitis (or during exacerbation of a chronic disease), it is contraindicated.
For the liver
Seaweed is very beneficial for the liver. It contains various polysaccharides, of which the most valuable for the liver are alginic acid and mannitol. The latter is widely used in pharmacology, since it acts as an enterosorbent that neutralizes and removes toxins. But at the same time, mannitol stimulates bile secretion.
As for alginic acid, it can also bind and remove from the body some dangerous substances, in particular salts heavy metals. Thus, both of these components help the liver perform its functions, providing it with additional protection.
Kelp, among other things, contains many plant proteins, antioxidants, minerals and fats, which also have a beneficial effect on liver cells.
For hemorrhoids
Despite the fact that, in general, seaweed has a beneficial effect on the condition of the intestines, it is contraindicated for hemorrhoids.
For cholecystitis
If this disease is not accompanied by the formation of stones, then there is no reason to refuse seaweed. On the contrary, it will be very useful because it will help get rid of swelling and remove toxins. Also, seaweed can partially replace forbidden salt for this disease.
In China, seaweed is used as medicinal plant for many centuries. In domestic folk medicine she is assigned a somewhat more modest role. Nevertheless, seaweed can be used for a wide variety of pathologies.
Recipes:
- For diseases of the upper respiratory tract seaweed is recommended for inhalation. To do this, take 2 tbsp. dry raw materials, pour 1 liter of boiling water and leave for 10–15 minutes. It is best to do this in a teapot - when the mixture is infused, insert a sheet of paper rolled into a cone into its spout and breathe steam over it for 10–20 minutes.
- Laminaria infusion will help with rheumatism and inflammatory joint diseases. To do this, take 2 tbsp. dry kelp and leave in a thermos for 12 hours. Then take a bath, pouring the resulting infusion into hot water.
- For gout, a remedy based on seaweed is taken orally. To do this, take 1 tsp. without a slide of crushed dry kelp per 150 ml of hot water (not boiling water). The product is infused until it cools down. Take it at night, but keep in mind that it can act as a mild laxative.
- To combat atherosclerosis, take 1 tsp. dry kelp powder and pour 50 ml of boiling water. Leave until it cools down. The entire volume is divided into three equal parts and taken three times a day before meals.
Sea kale in cosmetology
Sea kale is widely used in cosmetology. It is mainly useful because it helps to improve the functioning of the sebaceous glands. In this regard, masks based on seaweed are used to treat acne. Also, thanks to the high concentration of vitamins, minerals and hormone-like substances, they rejuvenate the skin, tighten it, and improve the shape of the face. In a word, the importance of this algae in cosmetology is difficult to overestimate.
For face
Various masks are made for the face based on seaweed, which relax muscles, tone the skin, nourish and moisturize it, help cleanse pores and remove dead cells, and even provide regeneration to a certain extent. Examples include the following recipes:
- Rejuvenating mask. For 3 tsp. dry kelp take 5 tsp. boiling water and mix the ingredients thoroughly until a homogeneous mass is obtained. Cover the container tightly with a lid to allow the mixture to infuse. This will take 10 minutes - a slimy mass should remain in the container, into which a few drops of freshly squeezed lemon juice should be added and mixed. The product is applied to cleansed facial skin and left for 30 minutes. Then wash off with warm water, but not hot water. The mask is done three times a week; more often it is not necessary, especially since lemon has some whitening effect.
- A nourishing mask based on seaweed, peach oil and honey, suitable for dry skin. Take 1 tsp. dried seaweed, pour in so much water that when stirred, you get a mass similar in consistency to cream. Then add 1.5 tsp to this composition. peach seed oil and the same amount of honey. The product is mixed and applied to cleansed facial skin for 20 minutes, and then washed off with warm water.
- Whitening mask based on seaweed. Take 1 tbsp. swollen raw materials (from dry kelp), add a little fresh juice lemon and 1 tbsp. sour cream. Apply the mixture to previously cleansed facial skin and leave for 10 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water.
There are many variations on the theme of such masks. For example, for normal skin The nourishing mask is prepared not only from seaweed and peach oil, but also with the addition of raw egg whites and lemon juice. For problem skin prone to inflammation, use aloe juice.
For hair
Sea kale, rich in vitamins and minerals, can accelerate hair growth, including by improving blood supply to the hair follicles, and also nourishes the scalp and helps get rid of seborrhea. The following tools are used for this:
- Mask for hair growth. For 2 tbsp. dry seaweed powder, take 100 ml of water (it’s better to take mineral water, but not carbonated water), 2 tsp. burdock oil. Some recipes add onion juice, but this is optional. The seaweed is filled with water in advance (about 1.5 hours before applying the mask). The oil is slightly heated in a water bath, then the components are mixed and applied to the scalp and the entire length of damp hair. Be sure to lightly massage the skin. After this, the head is wrapped in plastic wrap and a towel to create Greenhouse effect. After 40 minutes, wash off the mask. If onion juice was used, do not hold it for longer than 20 minutes, otherwise there will be a burn on the skin.
- Hair strengthening mask. Take 2 tbsp. seaweed powder, the same amount colorless henna, a glass of water to dilute these components. The dry components are diluted with water separately, then combined and mixed thoroughly. Then add 1-2 tsp to the composition. coconut oil, previously melted in a water bath. Apply to damp hair along the entire length for half an hour.
Both masks are washed off with shampoo and then rinsed with water and a small amount of lemon juice. This consolidates the effect and helps get rid of the unpleasant odor.
Harm and contraindications
Many people fear that eating seaweed may cause iodism. In fact, this is a disease in to a greater extent associated with the consumption of inorganic iodine. And the element contained in seaweed is perfectly absorbed by the body and does not cause any harm. But this product also has its side effects and contraindications.
- with urticaria;
- tuberculosis;
- furunculosis;
- hemorrhagic diathesis;
- pathologies of the endocrine system;
- chronic rhinitis.
Symptoms of an allergy to seaweed
Mostly allergic reactions occur in people with hypersensitivity to iodine. In this case, the symptoms can be purely external - urticaria or other types of allergic rash, accompanied by itching. But in some cases, the problem may be more serious - difficulty breathing, swelling, severe rhinitis, and in severe cases - bronchospasm and Quincke's edema. If such reactions occur, you should stop contact with the allergen and take an antihistamine.
To choose seaweed, you need to know what to look for. If we're talking about about frozen cabbage or preserves described above, you should give preference to a product in transparent packaging, since it will be easier to see:
- When choosing frozen seaweed, it is important to consider: in the bag it should have a clearly defined dark green straw shape. A yellowed product is most likely spoiled. A bright green color indicates a fake. Under no circumstances should you buy mash. If ice is visible in the package, you should also refuse the purchase. The thicker the seaweed straw, the better - this means that the seaweed has matured for quite a long time and contains many vitamins.
- When choosing pickled seaweed, it is also recommended to give preference to transparent packaging in order to see the texture - it should be clear. The origin of the seaweed must be indicated on the packaging. The Barents Sea is considered not the best option; the ideal product should come from the Pacific Ocean, and it can be produced in both Russia and China - this does not have special significance. The cabbage should be covered by a third and no more with brine. The composition may include additives - vegetable oil, spices, lemon juice. What it shouldn't contain is vinegar and preservatives. Food supplement E211 is considered approved by the Ministry of Health, but it destroys the beneficial substances contained in seaweed.
- Dried seaweed is sold by weight or in bags. The second option is considered preferable. The package must be intact, without signs of damage. If it is transparent, you can check purely visually that there are no foreign impurities in its contents. Plates of dried kelp should not be glued together.
Seaweed can also be purchased in tins. The advantages of such canned food are that they have passed heat treatment, so they add less preservatives. However, in essence, the buyer is purchasing a “pig in a poke” because he cannot look inside the can.
You should not buy seaweed by weight. So the buyer simply does not know what spices and additional ingredients were used in the production of the product.
Storage conditions depend on both the type of cabbage and its packaging. For example, frozen seaweed can be stored in the freezer for quite a long time - up to 30 days. Canned food in the refrigerator, if packaged in plastic, will keep for up to 72 hours after opening. Product in tin can After opening, it is recommended to transfer it to a glass container, where it can be stored for no more than two days (of course, in the refrigerator). Dried seaweed is stored in a dark, dry and cool place. The shelf life is 3 years.
Is it possible to freeze
Sea kale can be frozen - it does not lose its beneficial properties. Shredded kelp is frozen in briquettes at a temperature of -15-18°C, but this is most often carried out in industrial conditions.
How to dry seaweed
Theoretically, you can dry seaweed at home, but only if you can organize a suitable place for drying. This should be a rocky area, protected from the wind. It will be necessary to install a canopy on it, since the technology involves natural drying of kelp.
Laminaria should be thoroughly washed in sea water so that there is no sand or other natural contaminants left on it. The petioles need to be trimmed. The algae should be sorted out and only whole ones should be left. To dry, they need to be carefully laid out and straightened. In order for the process to proceed in natural conditions, it is necessary to dry only in good weather, and the seaweed should be laid out on the flooring early in the morning. If you do this later, the top layers of seaweed will be overdried. In addition, the most valuable part - the thallus - can curl. Interestingly, this most often happens in the first half of the day, so you need to turn them over every 2-3 hours.
In general, the most productive period for drying is considered to be a sunny day from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. During this time, algae lose up to 70% of moisture. In this case, the seaweed acquires a smooth surface on which no salt deposits are visible. It can be stored for a long time. At night it should be put under a canopy, and in the morning it can only be laid out when the area is dry from dew. As a rule, it will be possible to dry the seaweed within two days. Drying seaweed for longer is not recommended, as mold may appear on it.
How to cook seaweed: recipes
Salads are most often prepared from pickled or boiled seaweed, trying to soften the specific taste and smell of the product. In addition, kelp can be added to various vegetable, meat and fish dishes; it can also be combined with seafood. In Russian cuisine, it is added to traditional soups - for example, cabbage soup or rassolnik. You can cook with it and vegetable stew, to which seaweed gives a slightly unusual taste.
But no matter what dish is prepared with it, you need to properly prepare the raw materials. So, frozen seaweed must first be washed in running water and then cooked for literally 1–3 minutes.
There will be more work with dried seaweed. First, it should be washed in cold water, then soak for 10–12 hours so that it swells. The recommended proportion is 5-6 parts of liquid to 1 part of kelp. Water can be taken either fresh or slightly salted. Then this mixture should be brought to a boil and left on low heat for 15–20 minutes. Drain the broth and boil the kelp again. This can significantly improve its taste and aroma. When the seaweed is ready, you can pour mushroom brine over it - the taste will be unusual, but piquant and pleasant.
Experienced chefs offer such recipes.
Salad with seaweed, potatoes and eggs
This great option for the winter menu, when the diet lacks vitamins. For 300 g of pickled seaweed, take 4 eggs, 1 sour apple, 1 boiled potato, 2-3 tbsp. olive oil for dressing. You don’t need to add salt to this salad. Place seaweed in a salad bowl and add pre-chopped boiled eggs, apple, chopped into strips and sprinkled lemon juice, as well as finely chopped potatoes. You can add regular lettuce leaves. Some recipes recommend cutting eggs into large slices and decorating the dish with them.
Salad based on frozen seaweed
To prepare you will need: 200 g of frozen seaweed, 100 g of white cabbage (can be replaced with Chinese cabbage), 1 fresh cucumber (it is better to take the so-called “English” one - long and with smooth skin), greens, a little salt or herbs, olive oil for refills. The seaweed should thaw, after which it is washed, chopped and boiled in lightly salted water for no longer than 15–20 minutes. Then the liquid is drained, and the cabbage is placed in a colander, cooled, mixed with chopped vegetables, poured with dressing and sprinkled with chopped herbs.
Rassolnik with seaweed
To prepare you will need 200 g of pickled kelp, 1 potato, 1 carrot, 1 medium-sized onion, 3-4 pickles, 1 tsp. butter, salt and sour cream - to taste. Rassolnik is being prepared traditional way. You can add rice or pearl barley. The seaweed is sauteed, added to an already boiling pickle and cooked for 3–5 minutes. Serve with sour cream.
Omelet with cabbage
Children can be given an omelet with seaweed. You need to take 2 eggs, break them, pour 30 ml of milk into the container with them and beat thoroughly, and immediately before baking in the oven add 2 tsp. dry seaweed, previously filled with warm water to swell. The omelette is prepared in the oven or in microwave oven 4-5 minutes, then put it on a plate with vegetables and offer it to the baby.
This product is consumed boiled, stewed, or dried. Not everyone tolerates the taste and smell of seaweed well. To get the benefits, you can add it instead of salt to soups, fish dishes and salads - it will have virtually no effect on the taste.
How much can you eat per day
An adult can eat up to 250–300 g of boiled, stewed or pickled seaweed per day. The maximum amount of dry kelp due to the higher concentration of iodine is 2 tsp.
Children are recommended to eat no more than 15 g of seaweed per day. Gradually, the amount can be increased, but taking into account the fact that you can eat up to 60 g of kelp per week. This applies to boiled or stewed kelp. In dry form, the maximum dosage is 1 tsp. in a day.
Is it possible to eat at night
Sea kale is a low-calorie product, it is easily and quickly digested, and can be eaten at any time of the day. Some nutritionists even believe that it is useful to consume this product at night for those who suffer from constipation - desired effect Laminaria will give just in the morning.
Is it possible to eat raw
Is it possible to eat seaweed during Lent?
During Lent, you are allowed to eat seaweed. And this is very good, since during the entire fast, severe restrictions on seafood can lead to iodine deficiency.
Is it possible to give seaweed to animals?
However, dog owners should be aware that when iodine is added to an animal's diet, this substance affects the color of the animal's coat, increasing its pigmentation. That is, if in normal condition the dog has a red or brownish coat, then with regular consumption of seaweed, the color will become even brighter and more saturated. But that's not the problem. When using this product, the fur of snow-white animals begins to turn a little yellow. This may not even be noticeable if you do not compare such an animal with its normal relatives. For an ordinary dog This may not be that important, but for those who participate in exhibitions, this is a fundamental point. Moreover, the color comes out quite quickly, so the main thing is not to give kelp immediately before the exhibition.
Animals are given mainly dried seaweed, which must first be chopped. Such supplements are usually sold in pharmacies.
It is recommended to give kelp to dogs from the moment they are 1.5–2 months old. The initial dosage should be minimal - literally on the tip of a knife. The dose is increased gradually, and by the age of one year, representatives of medium breeds can be given 1 tsp. dried seaweed, and for large animals - 1.5–2 tsp. But, of course, they are not added to the diet every day, but in one feeding no more than twice a week.
- Sea kale is an algae, which is why it contains so much biologically active substances. In particular, science has proven that marine plants contain 2-3 times more vitamins than land plants.
- Brown seaweed, from which frozen and dried seaweed is prepared, is collected mainly from the ship, since it appears on the surface only during high tide.
- At the same time, farms where seaweed is grown are gradually developing. The fact is that kelp can safely be called the fastest growing crop in the world. Experiments conducted in China have shown that up to 500 tons of algae can be obtained from one sea hectare, which exceeds the results of any crop.
- When collecting any seaweed, there are many rules to follow in order to preserve it. healing properties. Whole kelp thalli are considered the most useful; they always try to preserve them, preventing the algae from drying out. However, it is difficult to transport them, which is why in cosmetology, and even in cooking, more cheap option, which is crushed particles of dried seaweed.
Ever since seaweed salad appeared on our tables, we had no idea how healthy this dish was. Meanwhile, the medicinal properties of the main ingredient have always been valued in Japan and China, where women are beautiful in appearance, and their bodies are young and healthy regardless of age. It's time for us to pay attention to the beneficial properties of this exotic product and use them for the benefit of our health.
What are the benefits of seaweed?
There are no plants on earth that can compare with seaweed (sea kale) in terms of mineral content. They contain high concentrations of potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, chlorine, sulfur, phosphorus, vanadium, cobalt, manganese, selenium, bromine, iodine, arsenic, iron and fluorine.
And some types, such as nori, have a high content of protein and vitamin C. Seaweed is low in fat, but high in fiber, which makes seaweed invaluable for weight loss. It may also be useful in treating colds, flu, and tuberculosis.
The beneficial properties of seaweed are also used in cosmetology. Their extracts are added to toothpastes (as a stabilizing agent), lotions, creams, soaps and shampoos. Anti-aging cosmetics enriched with them have a powerful rejuvenating effect.
Seaweed baths are not as fashionable today as they were a hundred years ago, but everyone who uses such health procedures does not suffer from arthritis, rheumatism or skin diseases.
Seaweed contains a lot of iodine, which is why seaweed is useful for preventing the thyroid gland. The content of microelements potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and vitamins A, C, group B, as the most important for the cardiovascular system, makes sea kale salad a useful dietary dish for people with atherosclerosis and coronary disease hearts.
Due to the fact that algae contains almost the entire periodic table, the benefits of seaweed are not limited to what we wrote about. Sea kale salad is also useful for the prevention of such common diseases as:
- mammary cancer;
- inflammatory processes in female organs;
- intoxication of the body.
Dried seaweed is considered the healthiest. Two tablespoons of the product in the diet every day ensures proper metabolism, a healthy gastrointestinal tract, calm nerves, strong immunity, normal weight, healthy heart and blood vessels, the body is free from waste and toxins.
Types of dried seaweed and their benefits
In Japan or China they know more types seaweed than in our native penates. What do we eat?
1. Nori (fried or unfried dried seaweed), which can be used as seaweed salad. They are added to soups or dishes of fish, rice and vegetables. Calorie content of 100 g of product: 349 kcal. The medicinal properties of nori, like other seaweeds, lie in its exceptional chemical composition, which is rich in iodine, protein, vitamins and minerals.
Nori has contraindications: pregnancy and individual iodine intolerance.
2. Wakame (in Japanese cuisine, miso soup and chuka salad are added). This is seaweed for weight loss. Brown algae contains fucoxanthin (a fat-soluble compound that promotes fat loss). To start losing weight, you need to eat wakame every day. From 1 tablespoon of dried seaweed, which contains only 2 - 3 kcal, you get large portion salad
Wakame algae is useful for both pregnant women and nursing mothers.
3. Kelp (well-known canned food from the store, seaweed salad, is prepared from this algae). In dried form, kelp is healthier and more practical to use. It can be stored for a long time in a cool place. Algae is poured with water and eaten, and the powder is added to soups and main courses or replaced with salt, which has great health benefits.
We need iodized salt to prevent the thyroid gland, but its excess provokes edema, high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver and heart disease. There is no harm in dried kelp, but only benefit for everyone.
4. Kombu (in Japanese cuisine used for broths and sushi). To prepare seaweed salad, dried seaweed is soaked in water, the leaf is cut into strips and mixed with other seaweed (wakame, kelp). 100 g of product contains 77 kcal.
Kombu is contraindicated during pregnancy and will also harm a nursing woman.
Hijiki seaweed is good for skin ( skin covering becomes elastic and fresh). High concentrations of calcium, fiber and iron were found in these algae. They should not be included in the diet of a pregnant or lactating woman.
Arame has delicate taste and all the medicinal properties of seafood. Tosaka is not only useful (when soaked, this seaweed is incredibly beautiful). Green, red or white sea kale salad can be a magical decoration festive table or individual dishes.
Fucus trees are no different good taste, they can only be used as a dietary supplement, washed down with 1 tsp of water. powder three times a day or add to scrubs and face masks to evaluate their cleansing and regenerative properties.
Sea kale for weight loss
Sea kale salad is good for health, and therefore for your figure. This nutritious dish has two important features:
- enriches the body with all necessary substances: minerals, vitamins, proteins and complex carbohydrates;
- has a low calorie content.
Two types of seaweed are suitable for weight loss: kelp and wakame. They are low in calories, rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, plus they have the key to burning fat - fucoxanthin.
The seaweed diet allows you to lose 2 kilograms in 7 days, while feeling great and looking good (having healthy hair, nails and hair). How do you like this result? Can you eat seaweed salad every day, drink dried seaweed powder three times a day before each meal, and instead of the usual snack of candy or cookies, chew sardine-flavored nori?
If the amount of sweets or cookies cannot be controlled, then you cannot eat a lot of algae due to iodine or individual intolerance. All types of seaweed have these contraindications.
In order to lose 2 kilograms of weight using a diet of plant-based seafood, you must additionally eat only healthy foods and exercise in gym 40 minutes three to four times a week.
Personal experience of losing weight
The first day of the diet will seem difficult. Start the day with a spirulina or kelp tablet, and after half an hour, take a powdered seaweed supplement mixed with water. After 10 minutes, you can drink your morning coffee with toast or skip breakfast, since after the pill and dietary supplement there is no feeling of hunger. Marine alginate expands in the stomach, forming a thick gel and thereby imitating the effect of food.
True, the feeling of fullness only lasts for two hours. Drink plenty of water to last until lunch. Before your second meal, take the powder again. Additionally, you can eat brown rice with tofu and vegetables or mushrooms (as an example).
In the evening - powder again, and as a supplement: pasta with vegetables and a glass of red wine.
The second day is the same as the first, and all subsequent days are similar to the second. When you are very hungry between meals, you can chew nori or wakame.
On the third day of the diet, prepare miso soup and carrot salad for variety.
Negative review of the diet: on the fifth day there was bloating.
The benefits of seaweed for weight loss lie in two elements. One of them is iodine, the other is fucoxanthin. People with hypothyroidism are overweight, when metabolic problems begin due to insufficient activity of the thyroid gland. Their cause is a lack of iodine, which is not easily absorbed by the body (this process also requires vitamin A). Both iodine and vitamin A are found in seaweed.
Fucoxanthin is present in sufficient quantities in wakama, kelp and to a lesser extent in red or green algae. Although the benefits and harms of seaweed are known, it cannot be considered as the main source of weight loss without consulting a doctor.
After losing weight, it is useful to visit the spa for a seaweed wrap. They cleanse and exfoliate the skin, and also have the properties of tightening skin turgor, preventing sagging after weight loss, softening and making it elastic.
Calorie content of seaweed
How many calories are in seaweed, see the tables below.
The calorie content of sea kale (kelp) varies in different states:
Calorie content of agar-agar, Irish Moss, wakame, spirulina, porphyry:
Sea kale during pregnancy
Many products have contraindications: pregnancy and lactation. Fortunately, some types of algae can be included in the diet of a pregnant or lactating woman, although only in moderation. During pregnancy, seaweed provides the mother's body with nutrients that are necessary for the development of the fetus and the health of the woman.
These include:
- iron (part of hemoglobin);
- omega-3 (for fetal brain development);
- calcium (for bone formation);
- folate (deficiency of the substance leads to anemia);
- choline, vitamins C, B12 and K;
- fiber (improves digestive function during pregnancy);
- iodine (daily dose during pregnancy is 220 mcg).
Many pregnant women do not get enough iodine because there are no or insufficient foods containing this important substance in their diet. For this reason, newborns have low weight or thyroid pathology. Excess iodine is also bad for women and fetuses.
Once a week, seaweed salad (made from brown seaweed) is considered a necessary and safe amount. Green and red algae are low in iodine and can be eaten every day, but not all of them.
Hijiki, kombu and nori seaweed are contraindicated during pregnancy. Canned or pickled kelp is also not suitable (only fresh or dried seaweed has beneficial properties).
Seaweed during pregnancy also has contraindications related to the woman’s health:
- allergies to foods containing a high concentration of iodine;
- problems with the kidneys, urinary system or digestive tract.
What can a nursing mother eat?
Algae are especially good for the female body, as they regulate the level of the hormone estrogen, restore strength after childbirth, and stimulate the production of women's milk. These properties of seaweed are beneficial for a nursing mother. During lactation, she needs amino acids, vitamins and minerals to provide for the baby good nutrition and restore your health after childbirth. For example, Korean women solve such problems with seaweed soup, which is easy to prepare.
A soup recipe that will help a nursing mother always have milk:
- Soak the dried seaweed in cold water until it becomes soft;
- cut them;
- place the pan over medium heat, pour Sesame oil, add Ground beef, ½ table. l. soy sauce and salt;
- simmer for a minute;
- add seaweed and garlic (4 cloves), stir;
- pour 4 glasses of water;
- after the liquid boils, cook over low heat for 20 minutes, serve with rice.
It is not harmful for a nursing mother to include moderate amounts of new foods, including brown algae, in her diet. Such caution will help to avoid negative reactions of the baby (whims due to bloating or colic).
Laminaria has another name - “sea kale”, refers to brown seaweed. In the distant 90s, in many regions of Russia, you could see mostly only jars of canned seaweed on store shelves. For many young families in those unforgettable years, seaweed became a real savior. Probably, many will now remember how they ate canned kelp with hot potatoes, with white cabbage... So our compatriots ate this extremely useful product, not suspecting, however, that eating seaweed in large quantities is not very good. Why? - we will see below.
And now kelp has not lost its “relevance”. These seafood have been known since ancient times as valuable food product, How remedy, a cosmetology product, as a micro- and macro-fertilizer for cultivated plants.
It is quite clear that kelp grows underwater in the sea. It forms dense thickets in places with a constant current at a depth of up to 10 meters, and in some areas at a depth of up to 35 meters.
Laminaria does not have stems or leaves, but has a so-called thallus (body) in the form of a smooth or wrinkled brown plate, dissected or whole, ranging from a small length of several tens of centimeters to an impressive 20 meters. Attached by rhizoids (instead of roots) or a disc-shaped sole. The age can reach up to 18 years.
In the southern regions of Okhotsk and Japanese seas Japanese kelp is widespread, and in the Kara and White Seas - sugary and palmately dissected kelp.
They are widely used by humans for food and medicinal purposes.
Laminaria thallus contains a large number of polysaccharides, and mainly salts of alginic acid - alginates, mannitol, B vitamins, riboflavin B2 and folic acid B9, vitamin C, vitamin PP, vitamin K, potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, silicon, phosphorus, high iodine content, iron , zinc, vanadium, manganese, nickel, cobalt, molybdenum, protein substances.
It is due to its very impressive chemical composition that kelp is widely used by humans. But mainly seaweed is associated with a source of iodine, which is very true.
Not everyone knows that seaweed is used not only in canned form, but also dried.
In dried form, kelp is used for:
- normalization of the thyroid gland in case of endemic goiter, hypothyroidism,
- restoration of proper metabolism - this is a low-calorie plant 24.9 kcal/100 g, causes a feeling of satiety, promoting weight loss)
- to reduce low-density cholesterol levels and treat vascular atherosclerosis,
- for the treatment of chronic constipation (kelp absorbs water and increases in volume, irritates the receptors of the intestinal mucosa, thereby enhancing reflex peristalsis and bowel movement), supports gastrointestinal motility,
- alginates remove excess fluid, pectin cleanses the gastrointestinal tract of waste and toxins, improves immunity, restoring intestinal functions,
- externally, kelp strengthens the structure of cells, stimulates their restoration, makes the skin clean and elastic, relieves swelling, inflammation,
- fights cellulite and aging skin.
Dried thalli, kelp powders (fucus white seaweed), as well as tablets and granules of Laminaride can be purchased at a regular pharmacy.
Sea kale is widely used in dietetics in the fight against excess weight. Dry cabbage, half or a whole teaspoon, is taken orally or made into an infusion.
For example, the following recipe is used for this purpose:
- 1 teaspoon of dry kelp powder is poured with 1 glass of boiling water, and then infuse. Drink kelp infusion 1/3 cup 3 times a day.
- for a stronger effect, pour 3 tablespoons into 1 liter of boiling water, let it brew overnight, and strain the kelp in the morning. The liquid can be consumed little by little orally (3 tablespoons 3 times a day), and cabbage can be eaten with breakfast in the form of a salad.
However, there is no need to get carried away with excessive doses. The optimal dose is up to 7 teaspoons of dry kelp per week. But fresh seaweed is allowed in food up to 320 grams per week.
You can take kelp on fasting days or evenly divide these 320 grams into the number of meals.
Many people find kelp not very tasty, so they use it as an additive to soups, appetizers, and salads.
Cook it in the soup for 15 minutes with stirring.
Seaweed - antidote
Alginic acid and its salts are obtained from kelp. This is a polysaccharide that is the most effective decorporant - a means for removing strontium, barium, radium from the body. In this case, aggressive substances bind to alginate in the intestinal lumen and are removed from the body. A dose of alginates of 4-6 grams does not disturb the salt balance of salts beneficial to the body. Method of using alginates: in the form of marmalade, jelly, dishes with seaweed, as part of bread, canned food.
Sea kale is antidote and strong anti-radiation agent. It is capable of “sucking” salts of lead, barium, heavy metals, radionuclides from their bones, and binding toxins. Laminaria is used as an antidote for damage to the upper respiratory tract in people working with barium salts and radionuclides. For treatment, inhalations with kelp are used: pour 1 teaspoon of dry kelp powder into 1 glass of water for 1 hour. Strain and inhale for 5 minutes. Course 10 sessions.
The use of kelp in obstetrics
Laminaria has been used in gynecology for a long time. However, after many years of oblivion, they have now again remembered the use of kelp to stimulate labor.
People turn to kelp if the due date has already approached, and cervical canal not ready for childbirth, with immaturity of the cervix in due time, with a complicated pregnancy, Rh conflict, severe toxicosis, fetal death.
Laminaria sticks soaked in saline solution are inserted by the doctor using special instruments, and the stick is placed so that one end of it is in the internal os of the cervix.
When preparing the cervix for childbirth at term, up to 19 kelp sticks are used, each time the sticks remain in place for up to 20 hours. Each time the doctor removes the stick during a vaginal examination, pulling it out by the ends of the threads.
Benefits of kelp sticks:
- the frequency of caesarean sections decreases,
- no effect on maternal blood pressure,
- No toxic effects on mother and fetus.
Of course, kelp is not a panacea.
Side effects:
- woman's pain (small bloody issues, feeling of heaviness, nagging pain, if there is any discomfort, tell your doctor)
- there may be premature rupture of amniotic fluid,
- any infectious diseases reproductive system are a contraindication for the use of kelp sticks.
In folk medicine, there are many interesting recipes based on dried kelp.
For the prevention of atherosclerosis
Laminaria has an antisclerotic effect. It contains a cholesterol antagonist, which helps dissolve cholesterol plaques on the walls of blood vessels; alginates also have the ability to remove cholesterol.
Treatment of atherosclerosis:
Cleansing the body, treating constipation
Pour 1 teaspoon of kelp powder into 150 ml of boiling water, let it brew for 1 hour, drink before bed to cleanse the intestines in the morning.
Treatment of laryngitis, tonsillitis, chronic runny nose, chronic diseases upper respiratory tract, for the prevention of acute respiratory infections, restoration of immunity using inhalation:
2 teaspoons of kelp powder are poured into a glass of boiling water. Cover, wrap and let sit for 1 hour.
After this, the liquid is filtered and poured into the inhaler. Inhalation time is 5 minutes 2-3 times a day.
There is an opinion that taking kelp can reduce the prothrombin index, the tendency to thrombosis, by an average of 10-13%.
For infertility caused by dysfunction of the thyroid gland and ovaries, seaweed is used in supplementary nutrition as a means of restoring their function. In addition, kelp restores the cells of these organs and promotes repair.
I would especially like to note the role of kelp in cosmetology, which is very popular today. Scrubs, masks, wraps are used.
- Laminaria is used as a face mask: 1 tablespoon of kelp powder is poured with 4 tablespoons of hot water, after 15 minutes add 1 tablespoon of sour cream, the contents of 2 capsules of aevita. Mix. Apply to face for 20 minutes.
- To make hair shiny and remove frizz, a mask with kelp will help: boil 1 liter of water, add 1 tablespoon of dry kelp powder to it, boil for 5 minutes, let it brew, strain. Wet clean washed hair with kelp infusion, wrap it, wait 30 minutes, rinse clean water.
- To get rid of wrinkles on the face, especially around the eyes: pour 4 teaspoons of dry kelp powder with 6 tablespoons of boiling water, leave for 15 minutes, add 1 teaspoon of honey, stir. Apply to facial skin for 20 minutes. Rinse off.
- A complete body wrap procedure for the entire body, including the face, helps improve the appearance of the skin in the area of stretch marks, cellulite crust, and makes the skin healthy, elastic, and clean. Dilute the powder 1:4 with boiling water, allow to swell and infuse for 40 minutes. After this, the mixture is evenly applied to the skin. The entire body application procedure will take about 40 minutes. Next, wrap in cling film, wrap yourself in a blanket, after 20 minutes, wash the body with warm, clean water, and lubricate with a light cream.
- For the same purpose, baths are taken before bedtime. 200 grams of dry kelp are poured with 5 liters of boiling water, allowed to brew for 40 minutes, filtered into the bath, adding water + 40 degrees, take a bath for 25 minutes. Next, rinse with clean water. Practice the bath every other day for no more than 1 month. This procedure gives a feeling of relaxation and relaxation.
Contraindications and side effects for seaweed
Laminaria can not only bring benefits, but also be dangerous to health.
- lacrimation,
- runny nose, rhinitis, sinusitis,
- cough,
- salivation,
- skin lesions in the form of blue-purple acne, rubella, urticaria, erysipelas, dermatitis.
- metallic taste in the mouth,
- conjunctivitis,
- burning and sore throat, hoarseness, laryngitis, bronchitis, pharyngitis,
- nausea and vomiting, severe thirst,
- cramps, muscle weakness, numbness of the skin area,
- headache, dizziness, lethargy,
- hepatitis,
- stomach diseases,
- inflammatory kidney diseases (occurs when kidneys are damaged by inorganic iodine),
- weakening of the immune system,
- damage to the thyroid gland,
- with idiosyncrasy there may be anaphylactic shock, spasm, laryngeal edema, suffocation.
Sea kale is contraindicated:
- in case of individual intolerance,
- hemorrhages and bleeding,
- hyperfunction of the thyroid gland,
- tuberculosis,
- furunculosis,
- nephritis and pyelonephritis in the acute stage,
- dermatitis, urticaria, skin allergies,
- disorders in the gastrointestinal tract in the acute stage,
- during pregnancy, only with the permission of a doctor,
- Not for children under 3 years old.
Laminaria contains iodine in organic form. It has been proven that in this form it is absorbed much better than chemical iodine.
Good health to you!
pharmacist-herbalist Sorokina Vera Vladimirovna
