Seaweed (kelp) is a brown algae characterized by a high content of macro- and microelements, in particular iodine. It is widespread in the northern seas. In the extraction and processing of algae, the laurels of the championship belong to Japan. Kelp is used in food (for the prevention of endemic goiter), medicine (for the production of laxatives), cosmetology (to improve the condition of the skin) and in agriculture (as fertilizer).
To replenish the body’s daily need for iodine, it is enough to consume 40 g of fresh kelp per day. Interestingly, the doctors of ancient China called the seaweed sea ginseng because of its ability to improve well-being and quickly restore human strength. In addition, the composition of cabbage contains sterols (“fighters” with cholesterol), prolonging the youth of the body, preventing the development of atherosclerosis and improving blood counts. These compounds resist the formation of blood clots and normalize the menstrual cycle in the fair half of humanity.
Useful Properties
The greatest value for the human body is fresh or dried kelp, obtained in the cold northern waters. Interestingly, seaweed grows throughout its life (11-18 years) in places with a constant current and can reach up to 20 m in length.
Eastern countries have long used this product in a variety of ways. Soups, sweets, marshmallows, sauces and salads are made on its basis. Seaweed is pickled, frozen, dried, fried and consumed fresh. It is a unique source of fiber, proteins, polysaccharides, phytosterols, vitamins A, B, C, PP, E, D, K, H, potassium, calcium, sulfur, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, iron, iodine, boron, bromine.
Medicinal properties of seaweed:
- It neutralizes radionuclides, removes salts of heavy metals and toxins, and reduces the risk of cancer. Kelp owes these properties to biologically active substances – alginates. They are used in the food industry under the codes E400-E404, E406, E421 in the manufacture of ice cream, bread, creams, jelly, and jam. Thus, “E” is not always a preservative, sometimes it is simply a component of seaweed that has a beneficial effect on the human body.
- Normalizes bowel function, has a mild laxative effect, is indicated for use in chronic constipation. In the stomach, kelp swells, which causes a reflex increase in intestinal motility.
- Facilitates the process of losing weight, normalizes metabolism.
Seaweed is a low-calorie product (10-25 kcal / 100 g), which when it enters the stomach dulls the feeling of hunger for 2-3 hours. As a result, weight loss is much easier. ..
- Replenishes iodine deficiency in the body, thereby normalizing the function of the thyroid gland. Treats Graves’ disease, endemic goiter and hyperthyroidism farmer-online.com.
Interestingly, in the Far East, dry kelp is added to the dough for baking bread, based on the calculation of 0,4 mg of powder per 1 kg of flour.
In addition, sea ginseng replenishes the body’s iron stores, eliminating the signs of anemia.
- It removes harmful cholesterol, participates in hematopoiesis, regulates blood pressure, and improves memory.
- Strengthens the immune system, nourishes the brain.
- Normalizes the menstrual cycle, hormones in women, increases the chances of conception. It is also a potent aphrodisiac that stimulates sperm activity and vitality in men and prevents erectile dysfunction.
Laminaria is a prophylactic agent against gynecological diseases in women (Trichomonas colpitis, inflammation of the appendages and uterus)
- Improves skin condition, removes the appearance of cellulite, stretch marks (when applied externally in the form of masks and wraps).
- Calms the central nervous system, increases the efficiency of the body, removes from prolonged stress ..
Seaweed is a natural restorative and restorative remedy recommended for use by people after intense mental and physical exertion, severe illnesses. The product has immunostimulating, anti-sclerotic, detoxifying and laxative effects.
Indications for use: loss of strength, depression, overwork, thyroid disease, vitamin deficiency, anemia, obesity, high cholesterol, constipation, hormonal imbalance in women, sexual weakness in men, blood diseases, arthritis, rheumatism, rhinitis, sinusitis, bronchitis , pneumonia, prostate adenoma.
Interestingly, with regular use of seaweed, the likelihood of developing breast cancer in women is reduced by 60%.
Brown kelp contains fucoidan, which has blood thinning properties. It is used in water treatments to eliminate rheumatism, cellulite and obesity.
Chemical composition
After extracting kelp from the depths of the sea, it is subjected to heat treatment and drying, since it consists of more than 85% water. However, these manipulations in no way deprive it of nutritional value. Despite the partial loss of moisture, vitamins and mineral compounds in seaweed are completely preserved.
The chemical composition of the product directly depends on the illumination, water temperature and sea salinity.
The calorie content of fresh seaweed is minimal and amounts to 10-25 kcal per 100 g.
The composition of polysaccharides is dominated by pectins – alginates (75% of the daily value in 100 g) and only a small amount is accounted for by starch and sucrose (less than 0,5%) ..
100 g of the product contains 88 g of water, 3 g of carbohydrates, 2,5 g of organic acids, 0,9 g of proteins, 0,6 g of dietary fiber and 0,2 g of fat ..
Kelp is capable of accumulating toxic compounds: strontium, arsenic and cadmium.
Table number 1 “Chemical composition of seaweed” .
Name
Concentration in 100 grams, milligram
Vitamins
Choline (B4) 12,8 Ascorbic acid (C) 10,0 Alpha-tocopherol (E) 0,87 Niacin (B3) 0,64 Beta-carotene (A) 0,336 Riboflavin (B2) 0,32 Thiamine (B1) 0,21 , 9 Folic acid (B0,18) 0,066 Phylloquinone (K) 6 Pyridoxine (B0,01) 0,0024 Ergocalciferol (D) XNUMX
Macronutrients
Хлор
1056,0
Натрий
312,0
Кальций
220,0
Калий
171,3
Сера
134,0
Магний
126,0
Кремний
51,0
Фосфор
42,0
Trace Elements
Бром
10,0
Йод
3,60
Железо
3,30
Цинк
1,23
Бор
0,4
Марганец
0,2
Ванадий
0,16
Медь
0,13
Кобальт
0,015
The characteristic features of seaweed are a slimy consistency, a tough structure and a pungent iodine odor.
Sugar and Japanese kelp, which have the best taste, are often on sale. They have a soft consistency and are used in cooking in any form: dried, fresh, canned, stewed, dried and frozen. Seaweed is added to soups, salads, mashed potatoes, stews, casseroles, borscht, pickles, cabbage soup, zrazy and cutlets. It gives a characteristic piquancy to the dish. In addition, dry seaweed is ground into powder and used as a seasoning.
Finger-dissected, curly, narrow and northern kelp are considered medicinal, technical raw materials. It is used in folk medicine, cosmetology and dietetics to maintain health, lose weight, prolong the youth and beauty of the body.
Caution, kelp
First of all, the potential harm of a seemingly so useful product is due to its growing environment. Algae is able to absorb substances from the environment. In ecologically contaminated areas, seawater may contain traces of radioactive elements, oil and heavy metals. In the process of growth, kelp absorbs these substances that pose a danger to human health, and causes intoxication of the body, which negates its beneficial properties ..
Artificially grown sea ginseng has a high iodine content and is therefore dangerous for people with hyperthyroidism.
Contraindications:
- diseases of the digestive system in the acute phase;
- high sensitivity to iodides;
- tendency to food allergies;
- age of 3 years;
- disruption of the endocrine system;
- hemorrhagic diathesis;
- kidney disease;
- acne, furunculosis.
Caution should be exercised by nursing, pregnant women, so as not to cause pathology in the fetus. Kelp is oversaturated with iodine, which, penetrating the placenta, in excessive quantities can lead to abnormal development of the child.
How to use
Dry seaweed is used as a seasoning for baked fish and first courses. It enhances their flavor and gives the food its characteristic marine flavor. In addition, dry kelp can be consumed fresh, boiled. For this, the seaweed is pre-soaked in water for 12 hours. During this time, it swells and becomes usable. In this form, seaweed is added to salads.
Nowadays, kelp leaves are becoming more and more popular, used for cooking Japanese cuisine – sushi.
Today, there are over 300 culinary recipes using this medicinal plant to maintain well-being and vitaminize the body.
Seaweed goes well with many foods: rice, pasta, cheese, meat, fish, mushrooms and vegetables. It is a versatile raw material for the production of original desserts (sweet pies, preserves) and snack cakes. Kelp is fried with potatoes, dried, pickled and served with any dishes: cereals, vegetables, meat or fish.
While enjoying a seafood delicacy, you should observe the norm, which is 100 g of product per day. This amount is sufficient to cover the body’s need for iodine and pantothenic acid. The latter, in turn, stimulates the adrenal glands, which are responsible for the production of adrenaline. This means that there will be no trace of apathy, blues and depression.
Consider the most popular seaweed recipes.
“Japanese rolls”
Ingredients:
- kelp sheets – 3 pcs;
- rice for sushi – 175 g;
- sugar – 15 g;
- salt – 2,5 g;
- rice vinegar – 20 ml;
- water – 250 ml;
- cucumber – 1 pcs;
- Avocado – 1 pieces;
- Philadelphia cheese – 100 g;
- fillet of lightly salted salmon – 100 g;
- soy sauce;
- wasabi;
- pickled ginger.
Principle of preparation:
- Rinse the rice 5 times under running water. Pour 250 ml of water over it and leave for 20 minutes. When the grains are swollen, you can start cooking. Put the rice in a saucepan with a thick bottom over low heat, cook until water is absorbed (about 15 minutes), and do not open the lid often. After the water has boiled off, turn off the heat, remove the container from the hot stove, cover and leave to rise for 15 minutes.
- Prepare the rice dressing. For this, sugar, salt, vinegar are mixed, slightly heated until the crystals of spices dissolve, and added to the porridge. The rice should soak up the dressing and cool slightly.
- Prepare the filling. Peel the cucumber and avocado and cut them into slices along with the fish along the length of the kelp sheets. When the filling is ready, they begin to prepare the rolls.
- The makisu (sushi mat) is covered with cling film, on top of which a leaf of kelp is placed. So that the rolls are not dry, the seaweed is slightly impregnated with the dressing. Then, rice is spread over the surface of the kelp in a thin layer, 3 cm away from one edge. Slices of cucumber, avocado, fish are spread on top and soft cheese is spread in a strip.
- Using a mat, carefully roll the sausage and cut it with a sharp knife dipped in water into 6-8 pieces.
Ready-made rolls are served with pickled ginger, wasabi and soy sauce.
“Mermaid seaweed salad”
Ingredients:
- canned cabbage – 100 g;
- wine vinegar – 15 ml;
- crab sticks – 200 g;
- vegetable oil – 50 ml;
- fresh seaweed – 200 g;
- squid – 100 g;
- French mustard – 15 ml;
- Korean carrots – 100 g;
- a mixture of peppers;
- salt.
Method of preparation:
- Seaweed is used in salad, both fresh and boiled. In the second case, the seaweed is dipped in boiling water, cooked for 15 minutes, then thrown into a colander and washed under running water.
- The carcass of raw squid is pre-peeled, then boiled for 3 minutes, depending on its size. Cool and cut into strips of thick Korean carrots.
- Coarsely chop the crab sticks.
- Prepare a dressing with a freshly ground mixture of peppers, French mustard, wine vinegar, salt and olive oil. Beat all ingredients with a whisk.
- Combine Korean carrots, seaweed, squid, canned corn and crab sticks.
Before serving, put the salad on a serving dish and pour the dressing on top without stirring.
Laminaria for the body
Seaweed is a healing product obtained from the depths of the sea and is a storehouse of vital vitamins, macro- and microelements. It is used for the preparation of therapeutic baths and wraps aimed at normalizing metabolism, eliminating excess fluid, cleansing the body and eliminating dermatological problems.
For weight loss, kelp is used internally and externally. In the first case, it is introduced into the diet in encapsulated or tablet form. Preparations based on algae extract normalize the metabolism and functioning of the thyroid gland, which have a direct effect on a person’s weight [8].
Effects from external use in the form of wraps, masks, baths:
- improves skin tone;
- improves the external condition of the epidermis (gives smoothness);
- relieves swelling;
- reduces the laxity of the dermis (has a slight lifting effect);
- accelerates metabolism in skin cells;
- reduces the appearance of cellulite;
- cleanses the dermis of toxins, toxins;
- prevents the appearance and helps to eliminate stretch marks [9].
There are the following forms of release of kelp: dietary supplement, thallus and powder.
Tablets with algae extract are intended for weight loss, prevention of vitamin deficiency and elimination of accumulated harmful substances from the body, which inhibit the process of shedding extra pounds during diet therapy.
Thallus of seaweed is used for cold, hot and contrast wraps to solve dermatological problems and get rid of cellulite.
Dried kelp powder is suitable for making masks for body and face. Their main purpose is nutrition and rejuvenation.
Body baths
Baths are used to increase blood flow, smooth out cellulite, eliminate inflammatory rashes and remove all keratinized particles from the skin surface, relieve tension [10]… It is recommended to take such procedures with seaweed for 2 months. To extract the maximum benefit for the body, the body is first washed with a scrub or a hard washcloth and only after that the procedure is carried out. The bath is filled with water, 150 g of kelp powder is dissolved in it. The procedure is performed on an empty stomach. Its duration is 20 minutes. The ideal time to spend is an hour before bedtime.
Contraindications to bathing: cardiovascular diseases, skin wounds, pregnancy, menstruation in women.
After the end of the procedure, the skin does not need to be dried with a towel. Let it absorb the kelp-rich water and dry naturally.
Body wraps
The main purpose of the procedure is to improve the condition of the skin (increase the elasticity of the dermis, give it a smooth and radiant appearance, eliminate cellulite, stretch marks) [10]… Laminaria wraps activate biochemical processes and increase blood circulation in adipose tissues. As a result, the skin on problem areas (buttocks, abdomen, hips, waist) is smoothed and tightened. Before performing the procedure, the skin is cleaned with a scrub.
Instructions for use:
- Powder from kelp (160 g) is dissolved in 5 liters of hot water (60 degrees). This amount is sufficient to treat the entire body. Stir the paste thoroughly for 2 minutes until a homogeneous consistency is obtained.
- For active weight loss, a warm composition of kelp is applied to problem areas 20 minutes after preparation.
If the main purpose of the procedure is to fortify the epidermis or increase the tone of the skin, the paste is pre-cooled for 1 hour, and only after that it is distributed over the body.
- After applying the product to the skin, the areas are wrapped with cling film and left for 50 minutes, then washed off with water. Derma is not wiped off with a towel.
The frequency of the procedures is in 1-2 days. The duration of the course is 2 months. To speed up the results, kelp wraps are combined with exercise and diet. Only with an integrated approach can the desired result be achieved.
“Sea” masks
Algae products are used to eliminate acne, oily sheen, dryness, irritation and flaking of the skin, smoothing wrinkles and old scars, narrowing pores, lightening freckles and age spots. Kelp masks nourish, tone, moisturize and rejuvenate the dermis, have anti-inflammatory and anti-stress effects, and correct the face contour. Cosmetologists recommend using them to care for aging, fading and sagging skin. In addition, there are special recipes aimed at combating high fat content and excessive dryness of the dermis.
For cosmetic purposes, use dry brown algae or dried kelp, which are sold in pharmacies. In any case, they must be ground into powder.
The base for the masks is prepared in the same way. Dry crushed seaweed (15 g) should be poured with warm water (100 ml) and left to swell and soften (15 minutes). After that, the paste is immediately applied to the cleansed face or mixed with additional ingredients.
Remember, sea ginseng gives long lasting cosmetic results, so the procedure should not be repeated more than 1-2 times a week.
Contraindications to use:
- extensive inflammation on the face (seaweed improves blood circulation in the local area of application and can accelerate the spread of infection);
- skin rash;
- iodine allergy;
- rosacea (will make the vascular network even more noticeable);
- pregnancy and lactation.
Kelp has slippery leaves, so masks based on it are best applied to the face while lying down. Ingredients should be selected based on the needs and type of dermis.
Sea ginseng mask recipes:
- Clay based. Increases skin elasticity, tightens pores, improves blood circulation in the epidermis, helps to get rid of blackheads.
Ingredients: blue clay – 5 g, dry seaweed – 5 g, warm boiled water – 5 ml. Cooking principle: mix the remaining ingredients with the swollen algae until a homogeneous mass is obtained. Apply the paste on the face for 15 minutes, rinse with water without using cosmetics.
For the care of problem skin prone to inflammation, an additional ingredient is introduced into the composition – the pulp of a fresh aloe leaf – 5 g.
- Honey-oil composition. Used to smooth out wrinkles. It has a mild effect even on the sensitive dermis. It is a universal remedy for the care of all skin types, regardless of age.
The fruit sugars in honey retain moisture in the cells, preventing the dermis from drying out. In addition, this excellent antiseptic promotes wound healing and has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect.
The oil nourishes the skin, relieves it from dryness, tightness and flaking. It is a natural source of polyunsaturated fatty acids and tocopherol, which prolong the youthfulness of the epidermis and inhibit the aging process.
Mask ingredients: flower honey – 5 ml, seaweed powder – 5 g, olive oil – 3 drops. The principle of preparation, application and removal of the composition from the face is similar to that described in the first paragraph.
- Gelatinous. Contains collagen, which penetrates the skin and stops age-related changes in it, removes wrinkles. As a result, the complexion improves and its contour is tightened, black spots disappear, the dermis is rejuvenated, the work of the sebaceous glands normalizes. The mask is used to care for aging oily skin.
Ingredients: edible gelatin – 5 g, dried seaweed – 5 g, herbal decoction – 50 ml. You can use milk, fruit or vegetable fresh as a basis for the mask.
Method of preparation: pour gelatin into a warm decoction of herbs, leave to swell, and then warm it up in a water bath. When the composition becomes liquid, enter the prepared swollen kelp, remove from heat. Apply a warm mask to your face, wait until it hardens. During the procedure, facial movements should be avoided. Wash off the congealed product with warm water.
Thus, seaweed masks tighten, soothe the skin, relieve inflammation, stress and fatigue. It is a versatile beauty tool that is suitable for the care of dry, oily, combination, sensitive, problematic and fading dermis.
Conclusion
Seaweed is a nutritious product that, due to its rich chemical composition, is highly valued all over the world. The beneficial properties of algae have been known since the times of Ancient China and Japan. Today it is called sea ginseng due to its high content of the vital trace element – iodine.
Seaweed is indispensable in the prevention of ischemic heart disease, thyroid disease, breast cancer, hypertension, vascular atherosclerosis, it neutralizes radionuclides, normalizes intestinal function and metabolism.
The safe daily allowance is 100 g.
Kelp is famous for its bactericidal properties, therefore it is used in medicine and cosmetology to treat inflammation of female organs and rejuvenate the skin. Green and brown algae powder is added to relaxing baths, face masks, and wrapping mixtures. This is one of the best remedies for fighting age-related changes in the dermis, removing acne, smoothing wrinkles and eliminating cellulite. Iodine regulates the production of sebum and dries up acne. Ascorbic acid is a natural antioxidant known for its anti-aging properties. Niacin whitens the dermis and improves complexion. Choline removes oily sheen and soothes rash-prone skin. Calcium evens out its relief, potassium moisturizes, and iron nourishes cells with oxygen and normalizes subcutaneous circulation. As a result, the metabolic processes of the skin are improved, the second chin, swelling and bags under the eyes disappear.
Sources of
- ↑ Roskontrol Internet portal (system of independent quality control) – Seaweed salad: test results
- ↑ Kompantsev V.A., Kaisheva N. Sh., Samokish I.I., Kompantseva E.V., 2002 – A method of obtaining biologically active substances from kelp for medical purposes
- ↑ Kornelzen D.A., Orenburg State Medical University – Application of kelp in pharmacy and medicine
- ↑↑ Nanonewsnet, 2015 – Kelp. Cosmetology and Alternative Medicine
