Nutritional benefits of algae

Each of us is accustomed to hearing ourselves extolling the benefits of fruits, legumes or even fish… but very little about algae.

The reason is simple: the consumption of these aquatic plants is not widespread in Europe, unlike Asia where they constitute up to 10% of the daily diet of the population of some countries.

Their lack of awareness in our areas is shameful when we realize their enormous nutritional contribution to our bodies.

In order to encourage you to eat more seaweed, whether in salads, in Asian dishes, or as seasonings and seasonings, here is a list of the proven benefits of these foods…

Antioxidant power

We start with the high content of antioxidant compounds found in algae, which helps fight free radicals. It is a fact that combating cell aging takes place above all else on the plate, especially by eating foods that are naturally rich in free radicals.

This is the case for flavonoids, carotenoids and phenolic acids, which the majority of edible algae contain in good proportions. Add the intake of these foods to vitamin E and vitamin C (especially raw or dried dulse and nori) and you have a veritable bomb of antioxidants.

Anti-cancer power

In 1981, Dr. Jane Tease of the University of South Carolina noted that Asian women were less likely to develop breast cancer than Western women.

the reason ? Asian women consume seaweed daily, which contains a high dose of iodine and fucoidan.

The former is known to prevent the development of tumors according to several experimental researches⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾ ; The second is a very promising anti-cancer agent, which causes the death of cancer cells⁽³⁾.

Anti-cholesterol power

Regularly eating dried seaweed, especially nori and wakame, is beneficial in reducing the level of LDL cholesterol (known as “bad cholesterol”).

In fact, the high percentage of phytosterols in it makes it possible to “deceive” the body due to its similarity to cholesterol in chemical terms.

In addition, algae has interesting properties to prevent the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases. This is primarily due to its anti-LDL cholesterol effect, a known cause of strokes and heart attacks.

Let's add that a serving of fresh seaweed contains 8% of the recommended daily intake of fiber, which is up to 50% for a serving of dried seaweed! A diet rich in dietary fiber also contributes to the prevention of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

Vital force

In general, algae are simply foods that are very rich in vitamins and minerals of various kinds.

Mineral-wise, it contains, in addition to the iodine mentioned above, selenium, iron, calcium, copper, zinc, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus… An excellent cocktail that works for all the body's functions properly.

Vitamins are not left out: Vitamin A, B9, C, and B5 are found in high levels in algae. Special reference to vitamin K, which plays an essential role in blood clotting and is present in almost all types of algae.

Let's also focus on vitamin B12, popular with vegans who often supplement their diet free of animal products. Dulce, nori, wakame, kelp and kombu are vitamin B12 mines, which should be included in the diet of both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.

We can also conclude that algae has interesting and even superior nutritional values ​​to vegetables. To try without further delay…