super food
d e e w Sea THE OCEAN’S WONDER VEGETABLE By Tami Charbonnet
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or thousands of years, seaweed has been a daily source of vital nutrition for coastal civilizations. Seaweed, or sea vegetables, is a natural source of vitamin B-12, vitamin A, electrolytes, polysaccharides, phytonutrients, iodine, iron and calcium. As one of the most nutritionally dense foods on the planet, this super plant regulates and purifies the blood, and it also contains antioxidants, which have anti-cancer properties. The nutrients in seaweed also play an active role in weight loss. Seaweed is low in calories and high in fiber, and it contains elements such as alginate, which has been shown to cut fat absorption. According to Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD, seaweed is a “nutritional powerhouse … The nutrients in sea vegetables make them useful for maintaining good health and for fighting disease.” Adding variety to your diet with seaweed will help naturally improve your health.
Seaweed is often an ingredient used in sushi, and it is found in numerous ancient Asian recipes. The most commonly consumed seaweeds are alaria, dulse, hijiki, kelp and Nori. Use seaweed in a simple tasty miso soup, or soak in water and toss into a stir-fry with other colorful vegetables.
SEAWEED STIR-FRY WITH VEGGIES
INGREDIENTS 2 Tbsp. sesame oil 1 cup onions, julienned ½ cup carrots, julienned 2 cups broccoli florets ½ cup shelled edamame ½ cup mushrooms 2 cups chopped kale, stems removed ¼ cup dry arame seaweed ¾ cup water
DIRECTIONS 1. Heat sesame oil in sauté pan over medium heat. 2. Add onions, and sauté until soft. 3. Add carrots, and sauté for 3 minutes. 4. Add broccoli, edamame and mushrooms, and sauté for 2 minutes. 5. Add kale and seaweed; reduce, and allow to steam for 2 minutes. 6. Serve over brown rice, or add vegetable broth to make into a hearty soup.
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