Seaweeds are known for its being an Ancient Power Food. It
has a huge range of therapeutic use though there is a misconception about its
fishy taste that is absolutely not true, especially when it is accurately
harvested, stored and dried. It is even very high in minerals and nutrients
when compared to any kinds of egg, meat, milk and vegetables. Here are the 5
kinds of seaweeds that are great source of vitamins.
1) Bull Kelp - Nereocystis luetkeana
General names - Ribbon Kelp, Bullwhip Kelp, Sea Kelp
Flavour - when dry it has fresh salty ocean taste.
Nutrition – High in bromine, bulk fibre, calcium, iodine,
iron, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, vitamin B complex, sodium, and vitamins
A, D, C, E, and K.
Medicinal uses – treats depression, ADD or Attention Deficit
Disorder, hyperactivity, heartburn, hostility, insomnia, mineral depletion, schizophrenia,
and develops electrical nerve stream and fibromyalgia.
2) Kombu – laminaria digitata
General names - devil’s apron, broadleaf kelp, finger kelp, horsetail
kelp
Flavour - When it’s dull, kombu has an MSG or monosodium
glutamate and salty natural taste. It is hard and the moment you chew it, it turns
slimy. Kombu tastes better when it is cooked.
Nutrition - High in alginate, calcium, chromium, carotene,
fucoidan, iodine, iron, laminarin, mannitol, magnesium, protein, phosphorus, phytohormones,
potassium, sodium, vitamin B complex, and vitamins A, D, C, K, E.
Medicinal uses - anti-viral, ease tender muscles and joints,
drops high blood pressure, develops sleeping habits, cures tissue, heals specific
thyroid troubles, assist in losing weight, and prevent tumours.
3) Bladderwrack - Fucus
General names – rock weed or pop weed.
Flavour – very savoury and when it’s dry has a cool oyster flavour
that has a hint of iodine.
Nutrition - Rich in alginate, calcium, iodine, fucoidan,
laminarin, mannitol, potassium, protein, phosphorus, phytohormones, and vitamins
A, K, D, C, E, K and vitamin B complex.
Medicinal Uses – detoxifier, helps fibromyalgia, helps in
weight loss, kindles the thyroid, reduces inflammation, reduces fatigue and strengthens
bones. Bladderwrack also recover mood sickness like depression and anxiety and helps
in improving memory.
4) Giant Kelp - Macrocystis integrifolia
General names - Brown kelp, Pacific kelp,
Flavour – has mild salty taste when dry
Nutrition - High in algin, boron, bromine, calcium,
chromium, copper, iron, mannitol, magnesium, manganese, nickel, nitrogen, potassium,
sodium, selenium, sulfur, vanadium, zinc, vitamins A, B12, C, E, D, K and essential
fatty acids.
Medicinal Uses – holds up a vigorous thyroid, normalize
metabolism and hormones, sustain the immune system, offers antioxidants, and remains
a healthy heart.
5) Wakame - Alaria
General names - winged kelp
Flavour – has pleasant salty taste when dry
Nutrition – it is high in calcium, chromium, iron, iodine,
magnesium, protein, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and zinc. It is also high in
vitamin B complex and the vitamins A, K, and C.
Medicinal Uses - dampen tumours, detoxifier, help in congestion,
drop off blood pressure, nourishes the liver, sanitize the blood, avoid
arteriosclerosis and very healthy for hair and skin.