Tag: Kelp

Seaweed is not an animal or a plant but a type of marine algae, making it a completely plant-based and ethical food source for everyone, including those with dietary restrictions. This diverse group of sea vegetables is not only suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets but also offers significant nutritional benefits.

While often praised as a nutritious superfood in Western diets, seaweed's classification within Ayurvedic food philosophy is more complex. The ancient tradition categorizes foods based on their effect on the body and mind, dividing them into sattvic (pure), rajasic (stimulating), and tamasic (dulling). For centuries, Ayurveda has treated seaweed as a medicine, but considers it tamasic for general consumption due to its properties and marine origins.

While typically consumed in small amounts, seaweed can contain mineral levels 10 to 100 times higher than land vegetables. This makes it a nutrient powerhouse, but it leads many to question: is seaweed high in anything specifically, and is that a good thing?

According to the Seafood Nutrition Partnership, some definitions of seafood include marine plants like seaweed and algae. However, the question, 'Is seaweed classed as seafood?' has a more complex answer that depends on the context, from scientific classification to culinary use. This article clarifies how seaweed is categorized and why it's not simply 'seafood.'

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), farmed seaweed production grew from 10.6 million tonnes in 2000 to 32.4 million tonnes in 2018. With the increasing global popularity of this marine superfood, understanding the difference between organic and non-organic seaweed is more important than ever for conscious consumers.

Biologically, most seaweed is not a plant, but rather a type of marine algae belonging to the kingdom Protista. Despite this technical distinction, edible seaweed is universally considered a plant-based food and is an excellent addition to vegan diets. Its rich nutritional profile and sustainable harvesting methods make it a compelling food choice for those following a plant-based lifestyle.

Seaweed snacks are a powerhouse of nutrients, including iodine, vitamin B12, and antioxidants, while being low in calories. This guide will help you determine which seaweed snack is healthiest by examining preparation, ingredients, and nutritional content.

Studies show that some varieties of dried seaweed can contain thousands of times the recommended daily intake of iodine per serving, making daily consumption risky for many. Navigating whether dried seaweed is safe to eat every day requires understanding the delicate balance between its impressive nutritional benefits and potentially harmful effects from overconsumption.

Over 40% of the world's population is at risk of iodine deficiency, but supplementing incorrectly can lead to serious health consequences. Understanding what supplements should you not take with iodine is critical for maintaining proper thyroid function and avoiding adverse health effects.

A single gram of dried kombu kelp can contain nearly 2,000% of the recommended daily iodine intake, highlighting a major difference in concentration when asking what has more iodine, kelp or seaweed. This disparity is crucial for anyone monitoring their intake of this vital mineral for optimal thyroid health.