Seaweed one of nature’s finest foods – try it
SEAWEED is one of nature’s finest foods. Yet many of us are scared of it. Well, I was anyway, I bought a packet of it once but I never quite figured out what to do with it and eventually passed it on to someone else. Recently I used Carrageen Moss to help cure my husband’s cough. You simply boil a handful in water for ten minutes with half a lemon. Let it cool, strain and drink. It tasted good and most importantly–it worked.
I found an interesting book about seaweeds which included recipes and explanation of the various types. At least now I have a better understanding of how to use seaweed in cooking. The book is called Extreme Greens: Understanding Seaweeds, written by Sally McKenna.
Seaweed is packed full of minerals and anti oxidants which can help you to live longer, fight disease and promote shiny, healthy skin and hair. It can regulate metabolism, helping you to lose weight. It cleanses the blood and stimulates the immune system. It contains prebiotics and probiotics and can help calm the digestive tract. It can protect against bacterial and viral infection.
These are some common seaweed that you will find in your local health store:
Kelp is the one I am most familiar with as it’s also available in supplement form. It’s very high in iodine and is used medicinally to help stimulate the thyroid, and support metabolism.
Nori is used in sushi dishes. It contains Vitamin A and C, as well as some Potassium and Magnesium.
Dillisk can be used on sandwiches, or added to soda bread, scones, and potatoes. Dillisk is high in protein as well as being high in vitamins and minerals. It contains all the trace elements needed by humans.
Carrageen is used as a gelling agent to thicken drinks, soups and mousses. And is the one used to treat coughs.
You will also get seaweed flakes which are probably the easiest way to start if you have never tried seaweed. This is a combination of seaweeds ground into flakes. They can be added as a condiment to soups, stews, sprinkled on a toasted sandwich or any food you like. Or you could try Istu Seaweed Thins another simple
Clair Whitty is a Bach Flower Practitioner, Nutritional Health Coach and Vega Allergy Tester based at The Natural Health Store, 24 North Main Street, Wexford. 053 9121613 | clairm1@eircom.net www.clairsclinic.ie