If you find yourself growing a bit bored of those crispy kale chips and leafy greens, try shaking things up with seaweed \u2013 it\u2019s equally nutritious and delicious!<\/p>\n
If you’re new to the seaweed game, registered dietitian Amanda A. Kostro Miller of Smart Healthy Living<\/a>\u00a0says that you\u2019ll want to keep in mind that there are different types of seaweed that boast different nutritional benefits. \u201cThere are lots of different types of seaweed out there, and they come in all different forms (fresh, powdered, and pickled),\u201d she says.<\/p>\n To break down all the nutritional benefits of seaweed and what kind of seaweed to actually eat, we spoke to experts about everything you need to know about this popular food ingredient.<\/p>\n Types of seaweed<\/strong> Kelp is also worth looking into. \u201cThe most notable benefit of seaweed is its iodine content, which is vital for thyroid function,\u201d says certified nutritionist Ariane Resnick, author of How to Be Well When You\u2019re Not<\/em><\/a>. Kelp tends to have the highest amount of iodine out of all seaweeds, she adds, and is also one of the two main ingredients in dashi, a Japanese soup stock used in miso soup.<\/p>\n Contains essential minerals and fatty acids<\/strong>
\nThere are a few different options to try if you’re a seaweed first-timer. \u201cNori is a popular type of seaweed you’ll easily find in the grocery store,\u201d says registered dietitian Brenna O\u2019Malley<\/a>. This is a type of red seaweed, she explains, that you can find sold in thin, salty, and crispy sheets. Nori is also the type of seaweed that wraps your sushi roll.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cSeaweed is very high in manganese, folate, potassium, vitamin K (a nutrient needed for good natural blood clotting), and magnesium,\u201d Kostro Miller explains. And if you’re looking to improve your omega-3 fatty acid intake, she says seaweed is a great way for vegans (and non-vegans) to pump up their DHA levels.<\/p>\n