Is Seaweed Healthy? Here ’s What Experts Say

Seaweed is a staple in many Asian cuisines, but many Americans still only encounter it when they go out for sushi. As a result, many diners don’t know what to make of it: Is seaweed healthy? Does it count as a vegetable? Are all kinds nutritionally the same? Miho Hatanaka, a Japanese-born registered dietitian who is based in Oregon, says the sea vegetable is worth getting to know. In the Japanese tradition, “people really attribute their health and longevity to seaweed, and even healthier skin and hair,” she says. Here’s what you need to know about eating seaweed. There are many types of edible seaweed There are multiple varieties of seaweed, all with different nutrient profiles. The three main categories are brown algae, such as kombu, which is used to make dashi; green algae, such as sea lettuce; and red algae, such as nori, which is often used to wrap sushi rolls and garnish soups. There are also plenty of edible seaweeds you may not have tried, including dulse, a red algae that researchers from Oregon State University bred to taste like bacon when cooked. As seaweed becomes more mainstream in the U.S., it’s also showing up in new forms, like crunchy seaweed snacks and algae oil. Seaweed snacks, like any processed food, can be high in sodium and additives, but Hatanaka says they can be a healthier replacement for chips and crackers. Algae oil can be a good alternative to fish oil for those who don’t eat animal products (or simply don...
Source: TIME: Health - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Uncategorized Diet/Nutrition Source Type: news