What is seaweed?

Seaweed is a type of sea plant as its name implies. Seaweed, also known as kelp, belongs to the group of seaweeds, which can live in both salt and brackish water environments. Seaweed usually grows on coral reefs, on cliffs or grows in deep water but with the light needed to photosynthesis.
How many types of seaweed?

According to statistics, in Vietnam there are more than 800 different types of seaweed including nearly 90 types of economic value. However, in the market, only some types are sold and used, the most popular can be mentioned as:
Nori seaweed

Nori seaweed

This seaweed is as thin and dry as a sheet of paper, which is great for sushi rolls. In the autumn, Nori seaweed will be harvested, washed, then rolled, dried and then dried, cut into thin sheets and then distributed to the market. This type of seaweed is rich in vitamins A, B1, iron and zinc as well as calcium. Japan is the largest producer of Nori seaweed in the world. Not only used for cooking with other ingredients, but also can be eaten directly.
Wakame seaweed

Wakame seaweed

Wakame seaweed is the most popular seaweed in Japan. The nutrient content of this seaweed is also very high and rich in fiber. When preliminary processing this seaweed need to soak with water to fully expand the seaweed. Used to make soup, make salad or serve with Sashimi (a Japanese appetizer similar to Sushi).

Unlike Nori, the spring is the harvest season of Wakame seaweed. This vegetable, when eaten fresh, has a characteristic crunchy taste.
Kombu seaweed

Kombu seaweed

The special feature of Kombu seaweed is that it contains almost no protein but is very rich in calcium and iron. Often sold in dried form, it is an important raw material for making dashi (vegetable broth). Note that Kombu is a indigestible food, so it needs to be cooked thoroughly.
Hijiki seaweed

Hijiki seaweed

This type of seaweed has a black filament shape, often sold when dried, so it needs to be soaked in water for about 1 hour, then washed and used. This type is used to stir fry with chicken and carrots very tasty and delicious.
Kanten seaweed (agar jelly)

Kanten seaweed

This type of seaweed has a very light flavor, or is used as a coagulant similar to Gelatin. This type of seaweed is white or pale yellow, when eaten with a crunchy texture, used to make salads, soups, soups or fried dishes. This seaweed is rich in fiber and has no calories, so it is suitable for people who are on diet or lose weight, have the effect of lowering blood pressure and reducing blood fat.

In addition, there are some other types of seaweed such as Mozuku, Ogonori, Tosaka ...

Mozuku seaweed

Ogonori seaweed

Tosaka seaweed

The effect of seaweed

Seaweed is a very good food for human health and has a very high nutritional value. According to the nutrition analysis of seaweed, the vitamin A content in seaweed is 2-3 times higher than carrots (see What is Vitamin A?), The vitamin B2 content is 4 times higher than eggs. and 3 times more calcium than cow's milk.

Based on archaeological traces in Japan, seaweed has been used for more than 10,000 years ago. In addition, seaweed is also used in ancient cultures such as China, Scotland, Ireland, Western West and coastal South American countries ...

Below is a summary of 8 major effects of ocean currents on human health:

1. Regulating blood pressure: Seaweed is a good food for people with high blood pressure.
2. Antioxidant.
3. Helps reduce the risk of depression, anxiety, strees.
4. Provides an abundant amount of vitamins and minerals: Calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, iodine ...
5. Support digestive system.
6. Increase bone health.
7. Reduce fat absorption rate, good for dieters and lose weight.
8. Thyroid support (Wakame seaweed is best for thyroid support).

Seaweed makes something delicious

Here are some popular dishes made from seaweed that you can refer to:
1. Burnt seaweed with garlic

This is a simple dish, often used as a snack. The ingredients only need nori seaweed, garlic, chili, a little sugar and cooking oil. Non-fragrant minced garlic, then sauteed with seaweed.

Garlic burnt dish