Edible Seaweed

Edible seaweed is algae used in food preparation. 

It contains fibre, protein and many minerals. 

It comes in the form of red, green or brown algae. Kombu, kelp, wakame and arame are common forms of edible seaweed. They are brown algae.

Types of Edible Seaweed

There are several types of edible seaweed. Most require soaking in water for five to ten minutes and many don’t require cooking. The more common types of edible seaweeds are:

 Kombu  

Dark in color and sold in strips or sheets. It is commonly used as a soup flavoring and in bean preparations.                                    

  Kelp

 Light brown to dark green in color. It is often sold as flakes and can be used in place of table salt.       

Wakame and Arame

These have a sweeter, milder taste than 
some other types of edible seaweed.

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Dulse

              

Reddish-brown color with a soft cherry texture.

                                                       

Benefits of Edible Seaweed

It is a good source of bioavailable iron, which is accompanied by vitamin C.

Edible seaweeds such as kombu, kelp and wakame have a high content of iodine and can help with thyroid conditions.

If kombu is cooked with beans, it makes them more digestible. It soaks up liquid so add extra water when using it in cooking.

Edible seaweed has the most concentrated source of minerals that can be found.

It contains the mineral vanadium, which helps regulate carbohydrate metabolism and blood sugar.

Edible seaweed is a good source of antioxidant vitamins, such as vitamins C and E, and therefore helps reduce the risk of oxidative stress and cardiovascular problems and illnesses associated with poor antioxidant intake.

It contains a high variety of anti-inflammatory compounds. 

Risks of Edible Seaweed

Edible seaweed has a great ability to take up minerals from the sea and retain them but unfortunately, if the water is polluted with heavy metals, especially arsenic, these will be absorbed and retained too. Most types of sea vegetables contain traces of arsenic. Of course it is important to buy certified organic sea vegetables. Care should also be taken with the high iodine content in edible seaweed as too much iodine can have negative effects and cause an allergic reaction in some people. 

Storing Edible Seaweed

Edible seaweed should be sold in tightly-sealed packages and should also be stored in tightly-sealed packages or containers