Individuals living close to coastal regions have been eating sea vegetables for thousands of years. Besides being very common in Japan and China, people living in Northern European countries, Ireland and Canada also appreciate one of nature's most valuable and versatile food sources. Known as an excellent source for vitamins and nutrients, sea vegetables have a very distinct taste that one may need to gradually acquire.
Dulse
Dulse is a red seaweed with a mildly spicy, salted sea flavor. Very versatile, it can be added to almost any dish including soups, stews, salads, chowders or sandwiches. It can usually be found in dehydrated form in health food stores or fish markets.
Versatility
In the Western world, many foods lose their healthy nutrients through the preparation process. Dulse is very versatile, maintaining its high level of vitamins and proteins through any preparation process. The sea vegetable is also a good source of nonanimal protein for vegetarians.
Nutrients
Per the Sacramento Natural Foods Co-Op, dulse is approximately 22 percent protein, extremely high in vitamins B6 and B12, and relatively low in sodium. A small amount provides more than 100 percent of the RDA of vitamin B6, iron and fluoride as well as 66 percent RDA of vitamin B12. The sea vegetable is also quite high in vitamin A, potassium, phosphorus, manganese and iodine.
Well-Being
Because it is high in fiber, dulse is a very effective treatment for constipation. In years past, dulse was used to remove parasites and was also a treatment for scurvy, a condition brought about by a lack of vitamin C. Today it is a natural choice for plant nutrients essential for thyroid gland health and thyroid hormone secretion.
Personal Care
Dulse seaweed powder, which has been rehydrated with either water or oils, can be used as an exfoliating body treatment to remove dead skin cells and impurities. The sea vegetable is also used in conditioners to help strengthen and soften one's hair.
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