8 Surprising Health Benefits Of Wakame Algae

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

Wakame is a species of algae that has been grown in Japan and Korea for centuries. In addition to having a unique taste and texture that perfectly complement soups and salads, Wakame is also low in calories and high in nutrients that are essential for health.

In addition, Wakame can offer a long list of potential health benefits, including improved heart health and weight loss.

Here are 8 surprises health benefits of Wakame seaweed.

1. Low calorie, rich in nutrients

Wakame is low in calories but provides enough important nutrients. Even small amounts can help you increase your intake of minerals such as iodine, manganese, folic acid, magnesium, calcium and more.

Only 2 tablespoons (10 g) of raw seaweed contain:

• Calories: 5

• Protein: 0.5 grams

• Carbide: 1 g

• Iodine: 28% of the reference daily intake

• Manganese: 7% of RDP

• Foil: 5% of RDP

• Sodium: 4% of RDP

• Magnesium: 3% of RDP

• Calcium: 2% of RDP

* reference daily intake - RDP

A portion of Wakame also contains vitamins A, C, E and K, as well as iron, copper and phosphorus.

2. Maintains the proper function of the thyroid gland

Building a stellar nutritional profile, Wakameto also a very good source of iodine. In fact, Wakameto contains approximately 42 mcg of iodine per g, which is about 28% of the RDP.

Iodine is a key mineral that the body uses to produce thyroid hormones that promote growth, metabolism, protein synthesis and cell renewal. However, iodine deficiency is incredibly fair. Some reports estimate that about 2 billion people worldwide are affected. Deficiency of this key trace element can contribute to hypothyroidism - a condition in which the thyroid gland cannot produce enough hormone and maintain normal function.

Symptoms of iodine deficiency may include weight gain, fatigue, hair loss, and dry and scaly skin.

3. May reduce the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease

High blood pressure is a condition that puts extra strain on the heart and blood vessels, which weakens the heart muscle and increases the risk of heart disease. Some studies show that the addition of Wakame to the menu can help maintain normalized blood pressure and optimize heart health.

Animal and human studies show that Wakame can help lower blood pressure levels, but more research is needed to better understand the cause and effect.

4. Reduces cholesterol levels

Cholesterol plays a role in many aspects of health, from the production of hormones to the digestion of fats. However, excess cholesterol in the blood can build up in the arteries and block blood flow, increasing the risk of heart attack. While current research is limited to animal studies, some studies have found that Wakame can lower bad cholesterol levels and improve heart health.

It has been proven to be dried wakame powder alters the expression of specific genes, helps to significantly reduce cholesterol levels after only 28 days. Despite these promising results, understanding how Wakameto can affect people's cholesterol levels requires further research.

5. It has anti-cancer properties

One of the most impressive health benefits of wakame is its ability to block the growth of cancer cells. For example, an animal study showed that consuming algae can help suppress the growth and spread of breast cancer cells.

Another study showed that specific compounds derived from algae were effective in inhibiting the growth of colon and kidney cancer cells.

However, some studies have had mixed results. One study in women reported that increased seaweed intake was associated with a higher risk of thyroid cancer, which may be due to excess iodine intake. Therefore, more research is needed to determine how Asian algae can affect the formation of cancer cells in humans.

6. It can lower blood sugar and improve insulin resistance

Some research has found that Wakame can help lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin resistance - a condition that impairs the body's ability to use insulin effectively to transport sugar into cells, leading to an increase in blood sugar.

A four-week study showed that supplementing with 48 grams of seaweed a day significantly reduced blood sugar levels in 20 people with diabetes. However, ongoing studies on the effects of Wakame on blood sugar are limited. Further research is needed to understand how it can affect blood sugar levels in humans.

7. It can help with weight loss

If you want to lose a few extra pounds, you may want to consider including Wakame in your diet. Not only is it high in several key nutrients, but it has also been shown to lose weight. One study found that supplementation with algae extract suppressed weight gain in a high-fat diet. It has manifestations of anti-obesity and is able to reduce adipose tissue.

Diet plans that regularly include seaweed can reduce body weight and waist circumference. Since most studies have been performed with animals, additional high-quality studies are needed to understand how Wakame can affect weight in humans.

8. Universal, tasty and easy to eat

Everywhere in the world Wakameto is famous for its soft texture and taste. It is also a very versatile food and can serve as an ingredient in various dishes and recipes. It is often found in dry form. It is usually soaked in water for about ten minutes before consumption to soften and remove excess salt. After soaking, Wakameto can easily replace leafy vegetables such as lettuce, spinach or arugula in your favorite salads.

You can also add the strips to soups to enrich the taste and nutrients.

Possible side effects from consumption of Wakame

Although Wakame is a healthy plant, consuming large amounts can cause unwanted side effects in some people.

Some brands may contain large amounts of sodium, which can raise blood pressure in those who are sensitive to its effects.

It is also high in iodine. 1 gram contains about 28% of the RDP. Although iodine is needed for the production of thyroid hormones, consuming excessive amounts can damage thyroid health and cause symptoms such as fever, stomach pain, nausea and diarrhea.

Aquatic seaweed may also contain some heavy metals and contaminants, but numerous studies have found that amounts are too low to matter.

Wakame is a highly nutritious alga! This is a food that can add vitamins and minerals to your low calorie diet.

It has also been linked to various health benefits, including low cholesterol, low blood pressure, weight loss and low blood sugar.

Best of all, there are many different ways to enjoy this delicious seaweed as part of a balanced diet, which makes it easier to take advantage of its unique health benefits.