Dubbed superfoods, seaweed brings tremendous benefits to our health. With high content of vitamins, minerals, especially high calcium, seaweed helps detoxify, reduce cholesterol in the blood, good for all ages. Human health can also be improved by eating in moderation 2-3 times / week. To take full advantage of the benefits of this super food, it is important to note the proper usage and processing.

Health risks of eating too much seaweed

Problems related to the thyroid

Seaweed is a good source of iodine. Therefore, when eating should limit to a certain amount so as not to encounter thyroid problems. This is especially important for people with goiter or thyroid-related diseases.

Iodine is a very important mineral for the functioning of the thyroid gland. Iodine deficiency or excess causes negative effects on the thyroid gland.

Research from Japan has demonstrated that high consumption of seaweed will alter the amount of hormones generated from the pituitary and thyroid glands. Researchers also recommend that we should not consume more than 3mg of iodine a day (a typical seaweed ration contains 20-50mg of iodine). The Japanese often eat with tofu, soy milk, vegetables. These foods contain goitrogens, a substance that helps limit iodine absorption of the thyroid gland. That's why most Japanese people eat a lot of seaweed but don't have thyroid-related diseases.

However, thyroid problems can still occur, so it is important to limit iodine intake. This is especially important for people living in countries that have a habit of using iodized salt. Eating about 2-3 times per week as a spice will not exceed the amount of 3mg iodine standard allowed.

Digestive issues

Seaweed contains many carbohydrates that our digestive system cannot digest. These carbohydrates will reduce the intestinal bacteria. If you are having digestive problems or have a weak digestive system, limit seaweed consumption.

In particular, the carrageenan in this food can cause many problems. It causes intestinal and whole body irritation. It is best to avoid seaweed that contains high levels of carrageenan such as purple red algae and use different types in moderation.

You can also consult with your doctor about whether or not the amount may be appropriate for your condition.

Heavy metal poisoning

In addition to being rich in beneficial minerals, seaweed may also contain some toxic metals. This depends on the source of each type, place of harvest and level of toxicity in the water.

The level of heavy metals found in seaweed varies from type to type. Heavy metals can be exposed through a variety of sources, such as the environment, food, fish and seafood.

The ability to convert heavy metals varies from person to person. So, when eating seaweed and other seafood, should only eat in moderation, should not eat too much.

If you are still worried about the quality of seaweed, buy it at reputable and reliable addresses.

The note when processing seaweed

Choose the type with the most recent production date

On the market there are many types of dried seaweed. When choosing seaweed you should pay attention to avoid mold musty bags. You should also choose seaweed with the nearest production date, because if the seaweed is dried for too long time, the amount of mineral nutrients is no longer retained.

Deodorize seaweed fishy

The fishy smell is a natural feature of seaweed. When used, people often seek to remove this fishy smell with sesame oil or ginger. However, in order not to affect the cooling as well as the typical flavor of this food, only a small amount should be used to remove fishy.

Do not boil for too long

Boiling for too long on the stove does not diminish the fishy smell of seaweed as many people think. When boiled for too long, the seaweed will be chewy or chewy. Moreover, when cooking for too long, the nutrient content in them will be greatly lost. Therefore, it is best to put it at the time of boiling water or hot pan, seaweed has just cooked, very delicious but higher nutrition.

Do not soak in water for too long.

When soaking dried seaweed in water, just soak for 5-10 minutes for the seaweed to bloom evenly, squeeze gently with salt and then remove and drain on the basket. The minerals and nutrients in them are easy to lose, so should limit long immersion in water.