Why is Seaweed a Superfood?Seaweed Nutrition Facts

May 8, 2020

Seaweed refers to many different types of algae and marine plants in general. There is edible and inedible seaweed grown from a variety of waters, including the sea, lakes and rivers. Edible seaweed consists of red, green, blue-green and brown algae variants. It has also been an integral part of human diets for thousands of years, and is especially popular in Chinese, Korean, and Japanese cuisines. But in the present day, it’s popular in Western countries such as the United States, Canada, and Europe due to its rich nutritions. Here are some reasons why Seaweed is a Superfood!

It Is High in Beneficial Nutrients for your Body Seaweed is rich in various minerals and trace elements. In fact, it often contains higher levels of these nutrients than most other foods. Generally, 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of seaweed provides you with (1 Trusted Source, 2, 3): Calories: 45 Carbs: 10 grams Protein: 2 grams Fat: 1 gram Fiber: 14–35% of the RDI Magnesium: 27–180% of the RDI Vitamin K: 7–80% of the RDI Manganese: 10–70% of the RDI Iodine: 1–65% of the RDI Sodium: 10–70% of the RDI Calcium: 15–60% of the RDI Folate: 45–50% of the RDI Potassium: 1–45% of the RDI Iron: 3–20% of the RDI Copper: 6–15% of the RDI Vitamins and Minerals

Seaweed is rich in several vitamins and minerals including calcium, potassium, vitamin C, folate, beta carotene, and vitamin K. The sodium content of seaweed varies based on the brand and preparation method but can be up to 698 milligrams per cup (raw). Some species of edible seaweeds also provide vitamin D and B12, two essential nutrients that can be hard to come by in plant-foods.3

Smaller amounts of other nutrients: Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins A, C, E, phosphorus, B vitamins and choline Finally, seaweed is a rich source of antioxidants. It also contains a good amount of sulfated polysaccharides (sPS), which are beneficial plant compounds thought to contribute to seaweed’s health benefits (1Trusted Source, 11Trusted Source, 12Trusted Source, 13Trusted Source).

Article Sources: Mark Stibich, PhD,seaweed nutrition fact and health benefits. Verywellfit, updated on May 1.2020 Alina Petre, Why Seaweed Is Super Healthy and Nutritious,Heathline, updated on December 4.2016

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