As we know seaweed have long been a promising superfood. Rich in minerals and fibre, tasty and low caloriehave been the basis of Asian cuisine for thousands of years, particularly Japanese cuisine, but also diet many populations, such as in certain coastal areas of Canada, for example. They arrived in Europe slowly, with the wave of popularity of Asian cuisine, in the form of sushi wraps. But as Amal Clooney suggests, it is time to rediscover them and permanently integrate them into the landscape. diet us, maybe even at breakfast.
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Amal Clooney’s seaweed soup
THE Amal Clooney she doesn’t give many interviews, but she once spoke to Vogue about her eating habits and about Italian chef Viviana Frizzi, who prepares meals for her and her husband every day at their home in Sonning. Among his culinary choices is avocado, one breakfast with boiled eggs and seaweed soupwhich may seem a little unusual, but is actually very common in Asia.
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seaweed soup recipe
Components:
20 grams 2 types of seaweed (wakame, nori, dulse, etc.) 2 stalks of celery
For the broth:
2 cucumbers 6 stalks of celery 1 yellow pepper 1 apple 1 lime 2 cm fresh ginger cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Preparation:
Place the figs in a bowl filled with water. Prepare the stock by placing the celery, apple, cucumber and pepper in a juicer to extract the juice, before adding the rest of the ingredients. Cut the seaweed and celery stalks into pieces and put them in the broth.
Why should we include seaweed in our diet?
“Algae has everything to please nutritionally: they are rich in iodine, iron, calcium, collagen, amino acids and fibersays Karen Cummings-Palmer, a holistic health and nutrition coach who develops programs for private clients and large corporations.
These sea vegetables, which feed on marine fauna, vital for the environment and the health of the oceans (they fight against water acidification, prevent coastal erosion and clean the sea), are in reality real superfoods, beneficial for our health and beauty (they contain much more proteins, minerals and trace elements of plant origin). It is no coincidence that sea moss is one of the Hailey Bieber’s Strawberry Skin Glaze Beauty Smoothie Ingredients. Which doesn’t mean you should pick up all the seaweed you find every time you go to the beach. Not all are edible:
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When is the best time to eat seaweed?
“Incorporate them algae in food at a time that allows you to consume them regularly,” says Karen Cummings-Palmer. “Add kelp flakes to a smoothie two or three times a week or make one yourself. healthy snack mix the seaweed leaves with a little sesame oil, sprinkle them with salt and cook them in a hot oven for a few minutes.
What are the benefits of eating seaweed regularly?
They improve skin tone, texture and elasticity. “Algae is rich in collagen which gives the skin its elasticity and vitamin C which promotes the natural production of collagen”, confirms the nutritionist. They are also rich in moisturizing substances, which moisturize the skin and improve their ability to retain moisture, making them a powerful beauty ally.
They promote hair growth. “The beauty benefits of seaweed are comprehensive: they promote scalp health and can also help increase hair growth,” says Karen Cummings-Palmer. A recent study confirmed that people who regularly consume seaweed have a higher than normal rate of regeneration.
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They support brain functions. “Seaweed is rich in omega 3, a powerful anti-inflammatory essential for supporting cognitive functions, and magnesium, a mineral that plays an important role in stress reduction“, explains the expert.
They promote the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. “The thyroid gland produces the hormones responsible for metabolism and healthy body growth. While many foods are increasingly lacking in iodine, seaweed has the ability to accumulate iodine from seawater, which makes it an excellent choice to support the thyroid gland,” confirms the nutritionist.
They promote gut health. “Rich in polysaccharides that promote good bacteria, seaweed is great for gut and digestive health,” says Karen Cummings-Palmer. The top their fiber content And nutrients, helps us feel fuller for longer, making it a useful tool for weight management. In short, they can also help us avoid extra pounds.
They are an excellent source of nutrients. “Rich in minerals, vitamins and antioxidants, whether you’re creating a fresh, lemony salad of wakame, cucumber, and kumquat, or adding nori to your stir-fry, it’s a sustainable and relatively inexpensive superfood. Their popularity and distribution continue to grow,” concludes the nutritionist.
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Contraindications
The consumption of seaweed is not recommended for people suffering from hyperthyroidism, i.e. inflammation of the thyroid gland.
High consumption of seaweed can lead to the accumulation of heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium and lead.
The most common varieties of edible seaweed in the kitchen
Nori: one of the healthiest and best known (it’s the one used in sushi), this algae contains large amounts of vitamin B12, which vegetarians and vegans need, as well as iron, phosphorus and vitamin A. Optionally add it roasted, to omelettes, salads or mashed potatoes.
Wakame: Rich in calcium, iron, manganese, potassium, sodium and vitamin B12, this meaty, nutrient-dense, low-calorie seaweed is perfect for flavoring miso-style soups and stews. It is also delicious in salads, with toasted sesame seeds and sesame oil.
Kombu: fleshy and crunchy, this seaweed rich in iodine is used in Japanese cuisine to make Dashi broth. In Mediterranean cuisine, it can replace pasta in lasagna or sprinkled on soups and salads.
Hijiki: very popular in Japan and less known here, this wild seaweed rich in vitamins and minerals is delicious when eaten, as in a typical Japanese recipe, with edamame (soya), sautéed carrots and tofu, all seasoned with soy sauce. Be careful though, hijiki contains inorganic arsenic and should therefore be consumed in small doses.
How to include algae in our diet?
It’s not just sushi, algae can find its place in our kitchens. Use them, like Amal Clooney, in miso soups or legume soups like chickpeas and ginger. Sprinkle a spoonful of kelp flakes over salads and pasta dishes, rice or quinoa. You can also add a dose to morning smoothies for an energy boost. Mix a teaspoon of spirulina powder into a strawberry-banana smoothie and the nutritional value will be enormous.
Read also | The right time to eat breakfast to lose weight