Oliotalks seaweed*

OLIO Beauty TALKS Wisdom from the Orient - part 4 OLIOTALKS SEPTEMBER 26TH 2014

By Eileen & Alice

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海 苔 SEAWEED Seaweed – a marine algae and highly popular in Asia – has always been synonymous to the culture of Japan, specifically in its cuisine preparation where different types of seaweed are used to create a variety of palatable delicacies.

Due to its superior health benefits, seaweed has made its way from being merely a staple food in the ancient Japanese culture to a widely sought-after ingredient in both food and skincare industries today.

There are over 150 species of seaweed, but the more common types have been cultivated and used in Japan for thousands of years.

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OLIO Beauty TALKS Wisdom from the Orient - part 4 HEALTH BENEFITS The three most common types of seaweed – ! ! !

Brown - e.g kelp and wakame Red e.g. nori, used for sushi-making Green – all contain high level of nutrients and minerals that are essential to our health.

OLIOTALKS SEPTEMBER 26TH 2014

By Eileen & Alice

Beneficial properties include: significant level of iodine – supports healthy thyroid function; calcium and magnesium – prevents osteoporosis and helps reduce bloating; excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids (amount in a sheet of nori seaweed = 2 avocados) – promotes healthy cholesterol level and reduces inflammation in the body; rich in fiber – helps improve digestion and reduce fat absorption; good source of antioxidants;

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OLIO Beauty TALKS Wisdom from the Orient - part 4 Skin Benefits & Usage The high concentration of antioxidants found in green tea is again, a major contributing factor to the health of our skin.

In addition to its compelling list of benefits to our internal health, seaweed also delivers significant advantages to our external health, i.e.our skin: ✤ helps tame inflammation and reduce swelling caused by rosacea or acne break-outs; ✤ acts as an exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and other impurities trapped in the skin;

OLIOTALKS SEPTEMBER 26TH 2014

By Eileen & Alice

✤ its antioxidant properties facilitate skin cell regeneration, thereby offering better UV protection and other physical/environmental toxins; ✤ helps restore moisture in the skin to prevent premature aging.

image : www.xovain.com/skin/diy-seaweed-mask-with-dried-sushi-nori

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OLIO Beauty TALKS Wisdom from the Orient - part 4 Traditional

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image : golgorm.com

Modern Day Uses As a food source in ancient times, seaweed has been used in treatments for thyroid and other glandular problems, as well as cancer; for topical application, seaweed was used in treating wounds, burns, and rashes.

OLIOTALKS SEPTEMBER 26TH 2014

By Eileen & Alice

Nowadays, seaweed is generally ingested for the benefit of cholesterol reduction as well as appetite suppression. Sighting its substantial concentration of essential nutrients, the skincare industry has also taken notice by incorporating seaweed extract in some of its product formulations.

For a more natural treatment solution, you could blend a small amount of seaweed or kelp powder (found in most natural food stores) with yogurt, milk or honey to make your own mineral-packed facial mask.

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OLIOBeauty TALKS Wisdom from the Orient - part 4 OLIOTALKS SEPTEMBER 26TH 2014

By Eileen & Alice

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As this is our last issue from the Beauty Wisdom series, we hope we have given you an informative “glimpse” into some of the oriental beauty secrets – once founded and carried on by generations of cultural traditions – which have now been tested and affirmed by the technological advance of modern science.

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Disclaimer

As with all food-related ingredients, people with allergies in a specific food group should use discretionary caution before using said ingredient either internally or externally. The content of this article is for information purposes only, and does not promote any suggestion of cure to any diseases.

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