In the past, you have written that seaweed is a good source of omega-3 for vegans, but what are the benefits for those of us who already eat fish?
Is there any reason to eat sea vegetables if you already get omega-3s from animal sources?
– Tom Emilio
Absolutely! Their EPA content (one of the two omega 3 fatty acids found exclusively in fish and seaweed) is only one of their many benefits.
All sea vegetables are great low-calorie sources of iron, magnesium, potassium, selenium, vitamin A, and vitamin K.
Another bonus? Sea vegetables have their own share of unique phytonutrients and antioxidants that help lower risk for heart disease and many different cancers. This is why I often say that oceans have a very worthy produce section!
Many people erroneously assume all seaweed is slimy, which couldn’t be further from the truth.
You can purchase sheets of thin, crunchy nori (wonderful mixed into salads or used to wrap vegetables and avocado), dried chewy dulse (pictured, right), or hijiki (which, when cooked, has a consistency similar to that of rice).