Japanese seaweed salad in a bowl

Veggie Meals: Is Seaweed Salad Healthy For You?

Seaweeds, like wakame, kombu, and nori, aren’t only delicious, but these vegetables also pack healthy punches. Combine these aquatic plants with other healthy ingredients, and you can sink your teeth into an incredibly nutritious salad. Seaweed salad promotes many health benefits, and some of these advantages include:

  1. Supports Thyroid Function

One of the many seaweed salad health benefits is improved thyroid function. Thyroid is a gland that releases hormones in the body to promote and control growth, manage energy production, and repair damaged cells. 

Iodine plays a vital role in the regulation of the thyroid gland. Seaweed in a healthy salad delivers sufficient amounts of iodine to the body for the thyroid to use. Without enough iodine, the body experiences adverse effects, such as fatigue, swelling, and weight changes. 

As per a report from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), the average human body needs 150 mcg of iodine per day. Seaweed is rich in this nutrient, but different types offer different amounts of iodine. 

Below is the average iodine content of three different seaweeds:

  • Kombu: About 2,500 mcg per gram
  • Nori: About 37 mcg per gram
  • Wakame: About 140 mcg per gram

Aside from these types of seaweeds, you may also add kelp to your salad. The benefits of sea kelp include it being one of the richest sources of iodine, as one teaspoon is enough to give you approximately 59 times more than the average daily requirement of the nutrient.

But, be wary as too much iodine in the body may cause adverse effects to the thyroid gland. Now, if the thyroid consumes more than the recommended amount of iodine, this may aggravate existing thyroid diseases. If you’re unsure if your body should consume any seaweed dish, consult your doctor first. 

  1. May Help Improve Diabetes

Diabetes is a disorder that impedes the body from correctly processing blood glucose or blood sugar. This disorder exposes the body to other health concerns, such as:

  • Being overweight or obesity
  • Increased thirst
  • Extreme hunger
  • Irritability and sudden mood changes
  • Unexplainable weight loss

Eating seaweed salad may help regulate blood glucose and insulin levels in the body. Its antitoxin properties may also help flush out toxins, which might lessen the severity of this disorder. 

Adding seaweed salad to your regular, healthy diet may help the body consume more dietary fiber without the need to consume a significant amount of calories. Seaweed is a fiber-rich food, which is highly beneficial as this nutrient may also help prevent the appearance of some diabetes risk factors, including:

  • Inflammation
  • Insulin sensitivity
  • Severe levels of fat

As a bonus, seaweed salad may help control high blood pressure spikes, which is one of the symptoms of diabetes. Thus, consuming this sea vegetable can help reduce the risks of high blood pressure-related concerns, such as heart attack and stroke. 

  1. May Support Weight Loss Efforts

If you’re looking to shed extra pounds, consider adding seaweed salad to your healthy diet. 

This veggie-rich dish should provide your body with significant amounts of dietary fiber. Furthermore, seaweed has next to zero calories, so it shouldn’t make you feel guilty when you munch on this vegetable at any time of the day. 

The fiber content in seaweed may also help slow the emptying process of your stomach. Hence, you’ll feel full and satiated for extended periods, thereby reducing hunger pangs. Moreover, seaweed has anti-obesity effects. This particular food has fucoxanthin, which is a substance that helps support fat loss. 

  1. Vitamin And Mineral-Packed Dish

Each seaweed may contain different compositions. But, you may agree that each type of seaweed available for your salads contains healthy amounts of vitamins and minerals. 

One study from Marine Drugs found that seaweed tends to have a good supply of the following components:

  • Carbohydrates
  • Fiber
  • Protein
  • Polyunsaturated fatty acids

Furthermore, eating seaweed helps support the body’s excellent wellbeing by being vitamin-packed. Your seaweed salad may help you consume vitamins, such as A, B, C, and E, along with iron and iodine. 

Also, eating seaweed may help protect the body from free radicals, which when placed under oxidative stress, leave byproducts that can increase the age of your skin. Thus, if you want to retain your youthful look, consider eating seaweed salad regularly.  

Reap These Benefits By Eating Seaweed Salad

Seaweed salad is a dish that’s jam-packed with health benefits. Eating this sea vegetable can help support thyroid function, improve diabetes, and support weight loss endeavors. Furthermore, seaweed is a rich source of different vitamins and minerals. But, be wary as too much seaweed can cause health risks. Make sure to eat the recommended amount of this veggie to keep yourself safe from any side effects.