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If you've ever perused the refrigerated section of Whole Foods or other health food stores, you've probably seen jars of seaweed. The slightly translucent beige jelly is popping up virtually everywhere and has gained a cult following on social media. Celebrities and influencers are some of the product's most vocal supporters.
Bella Hadid incorporates seaweed into her daily supplement routine. Winnie Harlow and Hailey Bieber both launched Erewhon smoothies featuring ingredients. Kim Kardashian has been swearing by seaweed for years. But what exactly is it? Why do we see it everywhere?
People have been using seaweed for longer than you think. And as its popularity grows, many misconceptions surround it. That's why we're breaking down everything you need to know about nori, from its history to its health benefits to how to incorporate it into your diet.
What is sea moss?
Nori, also known as Irish moss, is a type of edible red algae. It grows in shallow coastal waters all over the world, especially in Ireland in the 19th century, where it was used as a source of nutrition during the potato famine.
Until recently, the main way American consumers encountered seaweed was as a thickening agent. Due to the presence of carrageenan, a gelatinous texture appears when dried seaweed tufts are rehydrated and blended.
If I could recognize that word carrageenanThat's because it is often used as an emulsifier and stabilizer in products such as toothpaste, ice cream, and non-dairy milk. However, carrageenan from seaweed is highly processed to remove other nutrients before entering these products.
In the Caribbean, seaweed has been used for centuries for medicinal, cosmetic, and culinary purposes. Acts as a thickening agent in soups, stews, smoothies, and skin care products. One particularly popular dish in the region is the milk-based sea moss punch, flavored with vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In Jamaica, a canned version of this drink is sold as a male aphrodisiac.
What are the benefits of sea moss?
Although seaweed has been around for a long time, scientific research into its health benefits is quite limited, with no studies on humans. However, while its use as a supplement may not be regulated by the FDA, it is considered safe to eat and is thought to have many of the same benefits as other types of seaweed.
Registered dietitian Anna Reisdorf says: forbes Seaweed “may be one of the most nutritious foods on earth,” he says. Containing 92 of the 102 essential minerals and nutrients needed for the body's functioning, it is an excellent source of calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iodine, and is also rich in iron, vitamin C, and vitamin A.
Some small studies have found that it may reduce inflammation and support the immune system. Because it contains several essential amino acids, seaweed is thought to help produce collagen and strengthen bones, joints, skin, hair, and nails.
Seaweed also contains prebiotic soluble fiber, which may help strengthen the presence of probiotic bacteria in your digestive system and improve overall gut health.
However, it's worth noting that some of the buzz currently being used to promote seaweed isn't entirely accurate either. Although the fiber in seaweed makes you feel full, there is no research to support the idea that seaweed helps with weight loss. Also, there is no formal research to support the claim that seaweed can increase fertility.
Not all seaweed contains the same concentration of nutrients. health line reported that the environment in which seaweed grows can determine its “micronutrient and fatty acid content.” In some cases, iodine levels are much higher and can cause thyroid problems when ingested in large amounts.
Depending on where seaweed is produced, it may contain heavy metals such as arsenic, mercury, and lead. Although dangerous in large amounts, studies have shown that the potential heavy metals in seaweed should not cause serious health problems when consumed in moderation.
Like most trendy superfoods, sea moss is not a magic elixir. However, it works in tandem with a balanced diet and an active lifestyle to support overall health.
What is the best way to consume sea moss?
Nori comes in various shapes. Gels are becoming more popular, but you can also find sea moss droplets, powdered supplement capsules, and even gummies.
Dried seaweed can be purchased and can also be boiled to make jelly or pudding (a common cooking method in Southeast Asia). But the trendiest way to take advantage of sea moss' nutrients is by blending it into smoothies.
For those wary of sea moss' earthy, oceanic flavor and gooey, slimy texture, smoothies are definitely the way to go. Some sea moss brands offer formulations with added fruit juice to offset some of the seaweed-like flavor.
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