It’s not just for sushi anymore, in fact, kelp, or Irish Moss, has made its way into kitchens of health-conscious people all over the world. More people are discovering the many benefits this vegetable has to offer and it’s quickly becoming part of a healthy, balanced diet with lots of additional benefits. Seaweed is effective in weight loss, supports thyroid health, has been proven to reduce the risk of many forms of cancer and even keeps your bones strong. Seaweed contains an extremely high level of iodine (up to 2,984 micrograms in some varieties). It’s one of the best ways to maintain a healthy level of iodine that helps support a healthy thyroid, protects against certain kinds of cancer, promotes healthy growth and development in babies and children, and even helps you maintain a healthy brain.
A protein found in most varieties, known as fucoxanthin, has been shown to significantly reduce fat tissue. A study out of Moscow also found that a combination of pomegranate seed oil with fucoxanthin promoted weight loss and increased liver function. Kelp consumption greatly improves blood glucose levels, positively influences glycemic control and increases antioxidant enzyme activities in patients with type II diabetes. The presence of fucoxanthin was found to be effective against a number of types of prostate cancer. In addition, fucoxanthin can help remove drug resistance in cancer patients undergoing dangerous chemotherapy treatments, thereby reducing the amount of harmful drugs introduced into one’s system in order to treat cancer.
Fucoidan, found in kelp, has also been shown to work as an anti-inflammatory and also to improve cholesterol levels in the blood, responsible for heart conditions. Kelp can help with bone lose! First, it’s a rich source of vitamin K — you get almost a quarter of the daily recommended intake of vitamin K in just one serving. One of the many benefits of vitamin K is its role in creating denser bones that don’t as easily succumb to arthritis and osteoporosis. On the Island we're lucky to live near the ocean, we can reap the benefits of this sea vegetable. You can purchase dried kelp at most grocery stores that carry whole foods, it's recommended to search for organic varieties from trusted companies. Use kelp (dried or fresh) as a substitute for other greens in your favourite recipes.
KEEP IT LOCAL
It is important to vary the ingredients in the recipe, choosing fruit and vegetables that are local and fresh whenever possible.
Seaweed Smoothie
INGREDIENTS
METHOD
15cm (six inch) piece of seaweed 1 banana 2 apples ¼ pineapple, including core 300 ml ( ½ pint) cold water 1 C baby spinach, well washed local honey to sweeten if needed
Rinse seaweed, snip finely and soak overnight in just enough water to cover {or use six–eight grams (¼oz) dried and ground seaweed} Peel and chop banana, apples and pineapple (include core) and chill overnight.
Put everything, including the soak water into a blender and blend until smooth.
SPRING 2019 www.pei-living.ca
15
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker