The Incredible Detoxification Benefits of Seaweed

It might sound like a fishy and odd addition to a healthy diet but the benefits of seaweed are excellent for your health.  If you’re feeling brave, it can liven up your cooking with new and interesting flavor.  

Arame seaweed is a brownish-black and stringy looking plant used in traditional Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and Indonesian cooking.  Subspecies of arame are also found along the coast of Alaska and California.

It must be soaked before it is prepared.  Cooking arame seaweed doubles its size. The slightly sweet flavor makes a great side dish for grilled meat and fish.  It also can be added stir fry, soups, salads, and grain dishes. For those who have never tried seaweed, arame is a great choice due to the mild flavor.

Few people are aware of the detoxification benefits of seaweed.  That means it’s regularly forgotten by those who want to give their body a nice boost with a detox regimen.  

Seaweed contains an abundant amount of chlorophyll.  Chlorophyll is a molecule that absorbs sunlight and uses the energy to synthesize carbohydrates from carbon dioxide and water.  It facilitates photosynthesis in plants – and what makes seaweed and other plants green.  

Chlorophyll binds to and neutralizes toxins before your natural bodily functions expel them.  Seaweed is a simple and effective way to detoxify but the benefits of seaweed go well beyond flushing the junk from your system.  

8 Benefits of Seaweed Consumption

1. Rich in antioxidants.  Antioxidants rid the body of cancer-causing free radicals.  Antioxidants also eliminate inflammation within the body which can cause chronic pain and disease.  Seaweed is an excellent source of powerful antioxidants.
2. Natural protection against environmental toxins.  Seaweed has strong chelating properties which provide protection against heavy metals.The chlorophyll in seaweed eliminates metals that accumulate in the body such as cadmium and mercury as well as pesticides or industrial pollutants.
3. Nutrient-rich.  Arame seaweed is rich in essential micronutrients such as calcium, iron, zinc, manganese, vitamins A and K, and iodine.  It is harvested during the spring time when nutrient levels in the ocean are highest.
4. Immune system support.  The antioxidant and micronutrient level of arame strengthen the immune system and help your body do what it is designed to do – fight off foreign invaders that make you sick.
5. Estrogen and estradiol regulation.  These two hormones ensure the proper functioning of sexual organs.  The iodine content in arame regulates these hormones. Arame has been shown in studies to reduce ovarian cysts and PMS symptoms.  It may also improve libido and female fertility problems.
6. Improved hair, skin, and nails.  The nutrients in arame improve the elasticity of skin while the antioxidants and minerals draw toxins out of the dermal tissue.  Arame also contains omega-3 fatty acids which reduce inflammation in skin and strengthens hair and nails.
7. Purify blood.  The chemical composition of arame can regulate and purify the blood by drawing out and eliminating toxins.
8. Reduces acidity.  The nutrients in arame increase the pH of your blood.  This neutralizes acidic tissues. High acidity levels are caused by a modern diet of over processed foods.

Arame is considered a delicacy is the region of Southeast Asia.  However, it’s not as easy to purchase fresh elsewhere in the world.

Dehydrated arame can usually be found at local health food stores or in the Asian section of larger grocery stores.  It can also be purchased online. You can also purchase seaweed as a supplement powder that can be added to shakes, salads, or entrees.  

Search recipes online to learn how to incorporate the benefits of seaweed into your cooking.  Regardless of how you use it in your own eating plan, seaweed is a great superfood addition to any healthy diet and lifestyle.  

REFERENCES

http://dailysuperfoodlove.com/2515/try-these-seaweeds-loaded-with-iodine-and-antioxidants/#ixzz37H9EHTTF

http://bodyecology.com/articles/8_healthy_seaweeds.php#.U8FyXLFlSRN  

http://www.chm.bris.ac.uk/motm/chlorophyll/chlorophyll_h.htm  

http://www.healthyandnaturalworld.com/how-to-detoxify-your-body-using-chlorophyll/  

http://www.naturomedica.com/blog/post/iodine-a-vital-nutrient-for-hormone-balance