Healthy Nature

Based on shopping trends, Whole Foods has identified this superfood as one of the top new foods consumers will add to their diet in 2019.

It’s not a food that you may have thought of in the past…or ever.

So what’s the food anyway?

Seaweed.

Hold on!

Before you give in to those images of the plant washing up on dirty beaches, learn more about the incredible nutritional value it has first.

Why People Eat Seaweed

Seaweed doesn’t sound all that appetizing at first. However, with a little handiwork you can certainly make it just as delicious as any of your other favorite vegetables.

The truth is that when looked at overall, seaweed has far more nutrients (without all the calories) than land-based vegetables.

Here’s why people eat it:

• An incredible source of protein
• Loaded with fiber, which may help you fight diabetes
• Has probiotics which support your gut’s health
• High in vitamins C, E, A, and B
• The high fiber can also help with weight loss
• May reduce cholesterol, which improves your heart’s health

One Risk of Eating Seaweed

Seaweed is typically high in iodine, and frequent consumption of it (eating it most days of the week for months) can lead to thyroid problems. This can cause swelling, weight gain, or tightness around your neck.

So if you decide to add seaweed to your diet, simply make sure you’re conservative in your use. Don’t dive in head first and go all-out.

How You Can Eat Seaweed

So at first thought, you may not be super-excited to eat seaweed, despite its awesome health benefits.

That’s understandable because you probably first think of the weeds you’ve run into when swimming in the past.

Well, just like any other food, you can add seaweed to your diet in a way that’s delicious and makes you look forward to eating it.

First, understand that many types of seaweed are available. Nori can be used as a wrap substitute like a tortilla. Kombu can be used to flavor your soup. Toasted seaweed or seaweed flakes can be used as a topping for rice or quinoa.

Thanks to the internet, there’s only about a million different ways you can add seaweed to your diet in a way that also pleases your senses (and without sacrificing the health benefits).

So, because it’s so super-healthy, find the best way that works for you!