Eating plants from the ocean can provide numerous health benefits, as many marine plants are rich in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that are important for overall health and well-being. In addition, consuming plants from the ocean can help diversify our diets and reduce our reliance on land-based agriculture, which can have negative environmental impacts. Incorporating plants from the ocean into our diets can be beneficial, it’s important to do so in a safe and sustainable manner.
There are several edible plants that can be found in the ocean. Some of the most popular examples include:
- Seaweed: Seaweed is a type of marine algae that is commonly used in Asian cuisine. It is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Sea asparagus: Sea asparagus is a type of sea vegetable that grows in tidal pools and rocky shorelines. It has a salty, slightly crunchy taste and is rich in vitamin C and minerals.
- Sea lettuce: Sea lettuce is a type of green algae that grows in shallow waters. It has a mild, slightly sweet taste and is often used in salads and sushi rolls.
- Dulse: Dulse is a red seaweed that is commonly eaten in northern Europe and North America. It has a salty, chewy texture and is often used as a condiment or added to soups and stews.
- Kelp: Kelp is a type of brown algae that grows in cold, nutrient-rich waters. It is a good source of iodine, which is important for thyroid function, and is often used in soups and salads.
Here is why it’s super healthy
Sea vegetables are considered healthy for several reasons:
- Rich in nutrients: Sea vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that are essential for good health. For example, they are rich in iodine, which is important for proper thyroid function, as well as iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
- Low in calories: Most sea vegetables are low in calories and high in fiber, which makes them an excellent choice for weight management and digestive health.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Many sea vegetables have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the body and lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
- Rich in antioxidants: Some sea vegetables are also rich in antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress.
- Good source of protein: Certain sea vegetables, such as spirulina, are also a good source of plant-based protein.
- Seaweed rich in omega-3: Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid that are essential for human health. Consuming Omega-3 directly from seafood is generally considered to be the most effective way to increase omega-3 intake.
Overall, sea vegetables are a nutritious addition to a healthy diet and can provide a range of health benefits. However, it’s important to consume them in moderation and to choose varieties that are free from contaminants and toxins.
- Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials Evaluating the Effect of Marine Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Cardiovascular Health: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32085487/
- Effect of seaweed extract on weight management in obese mice fed a high-fat diet: https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2020/fo/c9fo02924a
- A Prospective Study of Seaweed Consumption and Thyroid Cancer Incidence in Women: The Multiethnic Cohort: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26011104/
- A systematic review of the anti-obesity and weight lowering effect of the algae: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27941599/
- Seaweed-derived bioactive peptides for health promotion and disease prevention: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29227526/