Sunday, August 3, 2014

5 Kinds of Seaweeds

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.