Regular consumption of nori seaweed can contribute to a healthier heart, prevention of certain cancers and better cognitive health. It is also a good food source for vegetarians and vegans.
You may be familiar with nori seaweed in the form of dried and salted leaves, but did you know that it is also one of the most nutritious food sources? Find out more about the benefits of nori seaweed and its nutritional properties.
What is nori seaweed?
Seaweed, the darling of healthy eating. And none more so than nori seaweed, native to the East Asian region of Japan, Korea and China, where it has been cultivated and consumed for centuries, though its exact origins as a food source remain unclear. It grows naturally along the rocky coasts of these regions, and is also raised in seaweed farms. It is thought to have been consumed in China over 2000 years ago, and then spread to Japan and Korea. In Japan, it has been eaten since at least the 8th century, but became more popular during the Edo period (1603-1868), when sushi was first made in the streets of Tokyo.
Growing nori is an ancient practice in the country, and many coastal communities continue to cultivate and harvest this seaweed the traditional way. A species of edible red seaweed, it is widely used in Japanese cuisine, for example as dried sheets, which is used to wrap sushi. It is also rich in nutrients such as protein, vitamins and minerals, and therefore good for your health.
What are the benefits of nori seaweed?
Nori seaweed is an excellent source of nutrients and health-promoting compounds. It is rich in protein, fibre, vitamins (including B9, C, A and B3) and minerals (sodium, iodine, potassium and iron). Because of its high nutrient content, nori seaweed can provide several health benefits, for example:
- Strengthens the immune system.
- Promotes healthy skin.
- Improves cardiac health and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. It may help reduce the risk of disease due to its fibre and omega-3 fatty acid content
- Reduces inflammation and oxidative stress.
- Contributes to digestive health due to its fibre content.
- Helps with weight watching due to its low calorie content and ability to reduce appetite. The nori sheet is a healthy, low-calorie snack, with about 10-20 calories per sheet.
However, do note that nori seaweed can also contain high levels of sodium, so consumption should be controlled for those on a low salt diet.
