THE ULTIMATE MENOPAUSE SNACK

SEAWEEDS are a surprisingly good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce the symptoms of depression and the occurrence of hot flushes in menopausal women.

Seaweed is also low in calories and saturated fat, yet is a rich source of vitamins (especially vitamin K, B12 and folic acid), minerals (calcium, copper, iodine, magnesium, zinc and iron), protein and fibre.

You can buy seaweed flakes or granules in health food stores to sprinkle over your food. They give a salty, savoury flavour to rice dishes, fresh fish, soups and salads.

Kelp noodles are strands of raw kelp which, although an acquired taste, do offer a nutritious and gluten-free alternative to noodles, both low in calories and rich in calcium.

But the easiest way to glean the health benefits of seaweed is to buy Nori sheets (sold in the world foods section of most supermarkets and used to wrap sushi), then nibble it as a savoury snack or crumble into noodle dishes and soups.