Nutrition II - Superfoods - Seaweed Flashcards

1
Q

Seaweed: Description

A

Description: Microalgae are classified into three major groups:
* Red algae: Dulse, nori, laver
* Brown algae: Kelp, bladderwrack, wakame
* Green algae: Sea lettuce, spongeweed
(There are also blue– green algae e.g. chlorella – these are not seaweeds and discussed separately)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Seaweed: Energetics

A

Energetics: cooling, moistens dryness

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Seaweed: Composition

A

Composition: wide-ranging vitamins and minerals, particularly iodine, iron and calcium; Nori is a good plant source of B12; good source of omega-3 fats; provides a range of amino acids

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Seaweed: benefits and clinical applications

A
  • Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory
  • Low thyroid function
  • Healthy weight management
  • Blood sugar control
  • Elevated blood lipids
  • Digestive and GIT health
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Seaweed: antioxidant and anti-inflammatory

A

Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory: Fucoxanthin, a carotenoid found incredible brown seaweed such as wakame, has powerful antioxidant effects. Seaweed has also been shown to reduce the production inflammatory proteins such as NF-kB and COZ-2

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Seaweed: low thyroid function

A

Low thyroid function: the high iodine content is useful for the production of T3 and T4.
* Bladderrack is considered the most therapeutically effective of the seaweeds for low thyroid function and associated weight gain; it is rich in bioavailable iodine, other minerals and amino acids including tyrosine to help support healthy thyroid function

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Seaweed: healthy weight management

A

Healthy weight management: an easy way to boost vitamins and minerals while being low in calories. Fibre increases satiety. Fucoxanthin has been shown to up regulate expression of ‘mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1)’, a key molecule in metabolic thermogenesis – decreasing fat accumulation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Seaweed: blood sugar control

A

Seaweed intake promotes better glycaemic control. This is been associated with improved insulin sensitivity through its effects on the tyrosine phosphatase enzyme (enhances the effect of insulin); useful for insulin resistance

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Seaweed: elevated blood lipids

A

Elevated blood lipids: consumption of seaweed is linked to reduced serum triglycerides and improved LDL: HDL ratio. The effects are thought to be due to the gel-forming fibre in seaweed, which can bind cholesterol in the intestinal lumen leading to increased clearance of cholesterol

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Seaweed: digestion and GIT health

A

Digestion and GIT health: High in fibre; enhances growth of beneficial bacteria (supporting GI tight junctions) and supports bowel elimination. Nourishes inflamed digestive tract; ulcers, constipation, colitis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Seaweed: uses

A

Uses:
* Eat: soups, curries, miso soup, rice, salad, wrapped sushi, or dried and sprinkled on food. Aim for 1 tbsp per day as a therapeutic dose
* Beauty: used in Bath, body wraps, masks, and skincare due to the hydrating, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant rich properties. Can also be effective for acne, eczema and psoriasis
Caution: seaweed can accumulate toxic heavy metals including cadmium, Mercury and lead. Use organic, clean sources

Seaweed recipe ideas: www.cornishseaweed.co.uk

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Seaweed in food

A

Using seaweed in food:
* Dulse is a seaweed with a softer, chewy texture. It is usually eaten in its dried form as a snack
* Kelps are usually dried into sheets and added during cooking. They may also be soaked in water to soften them before eating
* Kombu is a brown Kelp popular for its strong, mineral-rich flavour which is often used in soups
* Arame is another kelp which has a mildly sweet flavour and firm texture which makes it an appealing addition to many dishes. It is sometimes sold as granules or flakes and is a salt substitute
* Kelp noodles are a good gluten-free alternative

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly