seaweed
Guiding Stars rating: 2 stars
by Mary Snell, Director of Nutrition and Wellness, Marsh Supermarkets
Many of us know seaweed
as the wrapping around
sushi rolls or as the silky
green strips floating in your
miso soup. Or maybe you’ve
noticed packages of dried
seaweed along with a growing
assortment of seaweed snacks
in the grocery store. Either
way, seaweed is touted as
a hot new superfood and is
making its way into the U.S.
market.
No question about it,
seaweed is a nutritional
powerhouse. With over 30
commonly eaten varieties,
each contains a rich store
of minerals and vitamins.
Seaweed is also rich in
phytonutrients that are known
to have anti-inflammatory,
antiviral and cardiovascular
benefits. Nori, best known as
the dark green wrapping on
sushi rolls is high in omega-3
fatty acids. Seaweed can play
a role in weight loss because it
is very low in calories and fat;
only 8 calories and 0 grams of
fat in a ¼ cup serving.
Most commercial seaweed
is grown in Asia, either
cultivated in commercial
farms or harvested wild in
clean waters. The USDA
regulates sea vegetables,
so look for a certification
mark on the package when
purchasing seaweed products.
As for seaweed pills, since
the FDA does not regulate
supplements, it is possible that
the seaweed may have come
from waters contaminated with
heavy metals such as arsenic.
What is carrageenan?
Derived from red seaweed
commonly found in the Atlantic
Ocean, carrageenan is a gum
used to thicken foods and emulsify
liquids. It’s a plant based substitute
for gelatin and binds together
ingredients in nondairy milk
alternatives, preventing the product
from separating as it sits on shelves.
Carrageenan is found in some
yogurts, low-fat dairy products,
cheeses, frozen meals, deli meats
and soups, including those labeled
as “organic” or “natural”.
While carrageenan has been
widely used for decades, some
researchers claim it causes a
harmful immune response in the
digestive system. After reviewing
the claim, FDA reiterated its
position that carrageenan is safe
for human consumption. However,
some manufacturers are voluntarily
removing carrageenan from their
products, and Europe has banned
carrageenan from infant formulas.