Wakame seaweed: The asian superfood boosting health and taste
Someone tosses a green, slimy mass onto your plate, and you think, "What kind of seaweed prank is this? Throw it out immediately!" After all, why would you eat something that looks like it came straight from the bottom of a dirty water reservoir, right? Well...wrong! Because seaweed is not only edible but also healthy.
Wakame seaweed is a delectable addition from Asia and a real health powerhouse that can rev up a lazy thyroid, help shed pounds, and even improve your overall well-being. Sounds too good to be true? Then read on, because I'll explain why seaweed should be on your menu and how it will positively affect your daily life.
Wakame seaweed - asian superfood that will surprise you
Wakame seaweed is a type of brown algae that grows in the ocean waters of Asia. It's now finding its way onto European plates and into their diets. It has an olive color, a slightly sweet taste, and is healthier than some pharmacy-bought vitamins. Why? Because it's a real cocktail of vitamins A, C, E, K, and a whole array of B vitamins, plus a wealth of minerals: iodine (one of the most crucial components for the thyroid), iron, calcium, and manganese.
You'll also find antioxidants that combat free radicals, thereby delaying the aging process, and DHA and EPA fatty acids, which your heart will thank you for.
Moreover, wakame is light and low in calories (about 20 kcal per 3.5 oz). It also prevents fat accumulation and aids in weight loss thanks to fucoxanthin (a natural carotenoid pigment). So, if you dream of shedding a few pounds without exhausting yourself at the gym, seaweed might become your ally.
How to eat seaweed? what to add seaweed to?
It sounds like a "green mush" from a kitchen nightmare, but wakame seaweed is so versatile that you'll soon start wondering why you ever disliked it. Traditional Japanese, Chinese, or Korean cuisine has used it in soups (like the widely loved ramen or miso), salads, and even sandwiches for years.
Want to prepare it? It's simple: soak it in water to let it expand, then toss it into a soup or mix it with vegetables and soy sauce. The result? A slightly sweet, oceanic taste that is subtle enough to please even the pickiest eaters. After a few minutes in water, it becomes pleasantly firm and crunchy.
Additionally, wakame seaweed is a hit in vegan and vegetarian diets because it provides vitamins and valuable iodine, which can sometimes be lacking in plant-based diets. And let's not forget cosmetics with algae! Wakame masks and creams make the skin smoother and combat cellulite and aging. Thanks to this, you get double benefits—health from the inside and beauty on the outside.
Why should you eat wakame seaweed every day?
Still think seaweed is unappetizing? Then read on. These brown wonders improve metabolism and take care of your heart, regulate blood pressure, strengthen bones, and act as anti-cancer agents.
Fucoxanthin, the pigment responsible for their color, is a natural fat burner—it helps break down fat cells and prevent the formation of new ones. Additionally, regular consumption of wakame protects against osteoporosis. It improves thyroid function, a small gland that determines whether your metabolism runs at the right pace (meaning it's not too slow).
