5 Facts about Seaweed from a Dietitian

Here’s 5 facts about seaweed from a dietitian that you may not have known!

1. Seaweed has been safely consumed for centuries in East Asian and Pacific culture cuisines. However, not all “seaweed” is created equal or safe to eat!
   1. The most common types of seaweed you might see in restaurants or supermarkets are considered safe and are called macroalgae. These are marine algae harvested from the ocean alongside other forms of algae and aquatic plants that also grow in rivers, lakes, and large bodies of water. However not all of species of algae are edible, and some may even be toxic. So make sure you’re buying seaweed from a trust supplier (like Alg Seaweed) and don’t try and harvest yourself a seaweed banquet from the beach on your next visit.
2. Edible seaweed is a nutrition powerhouse!
   1. Micronutrients – Vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin K; iodine, iron, calcium, magnesium, and antioxidants. Seaweed is also relatively high in iodine.
   2. Macronutrients – Polysaccharides including dietary fibre, protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
3. Although the research is growing, seaweed could be the ultimate nutrition gut health friend!
   1. Some animal studies have shown that the fibres and antioxidants in some seaweed may have a prebiotic effect [1]. Meaning it can support the health of your gut microbiome!
4. If you hate taking fish oil you could substitute it with Algal Oil which also contains Omega-3!
   1. Have you heard of the health benefits of eating enough omega 3 but you simply can’t cope with the thought of taking a fish oil supplement? Then Algal Oil might be for you. Algal oil is extracted from seaweed and other types of algae. Some research has shown that algal oil supplements have similar benefits to fish oil supplements [2].
5. Seaweed is the best way (IMO) to add umami flavour to your dishes!
   1. Seaweed contains an amino acid (a building block of protein) called glutamic acid, which is converted to glutamate. This is what gives seaweed and the dishes you add it to, it’s rich umami flavour!

I hope these 5 facts about seaweed from a dietitian has helped give you a better understanding of why we’re a little obsessed with this special stuff! If you’re in need of some seaweed inspiration in the kitchen, check out our nutrition packed recipe page!