Does it make sense to eat them? Why are they so popular now?
For most Greeks, contact with algae is limited to their annoyance when bathing in the sea. In Asia and the Pacific Ocean, people have been eating seaweed for centuries, and this special dish is starting to appear more and more on menus in our country. But does it make sense to eat them? Why are they so popular now?
What is algae or algae
Algae (or colloquially algae) are what we call plant organisms that grow in water.
There are many different species that grow naturally around the world. But edible seaweed is more popular in Asian cuisines.
Nutritional profile of algae
The exact nutrient content of seaweed varies by species. Regardless of the type, seaweed is low in calories, fat and sugar and is a good source of minerals and plant chemicals commonly known as phytochemicals.
Seaweed may contain iron, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B9, iodine, vitamin K, fiber, DHA and EPA (healthy omega-3 fatty acids), potassium, and phytochemicals including polyphenols and carotenoids.
However, it should be noted that some seaweed preparations are high in sodium. In addition, some types of seaweed contain high amounts of iodine, which is necessary in limited amounts but can be harmful if consumed in large amounts.
Algae can also contain heavy metals such as arsenic, mercury, cadmium and lead, which they absorb when grown in areas polluted with these substances.
Possible health benefits of seaweed
Some preliminary research has linked seaweed to a reduced risk of heart problems, anti-cancer properties, blood sugar regulation and healthy thyroid function. But more high-quality human studies are needed to know whether and to what extent eating seaweed contributes to these benefits.
Ideas for incorporating seaweed into meals and snacks
Several types of dried seaweed can be found online and in Asian grocery stores. Increasingly, you can buy seaweed, especially seaweed snacks (dried nori, which are small sheets usually used in sushi rolls), in many large supermarkets. Some can be tasted straight out of the package, while others can be added to foods after soaking in water for a few minutes.
- Use them to flavor broths and soups.
- For a quick seaweed salad, mix with sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, and cucumber or lettuce.
- Fry them with garlic.
- Dry them around rice and fish to make your own sushi.
- Add them to pasta dishes and casseroles.
- Add them to mix.