When it comes to our health, we all want to do what we can to prevent illnesses and diseases like cancer.
While treatments for cancer have come a long way, prevention is still the best medicine. And one way to prevent cancer is by eating a healthy diet filled with nutritious foods.
But what if we told you that there is one food that not only helps prevent cancer but also has more calcium than milk?.
What is this cancer-busting food?
The food in question is seaweed. Yes, seaweed!.
Seaweed has been a staple food in Asian cultures for centuries, but it’s only recently gained popularity in the western world. And for good reason.
Seaweeds are rich in a variety of minerals and vitamins, including vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin K, and B vitamins. But what sets seaweed apart from other superfoods is its high calcium content.
In fact, some types of seaweed have more calcium per serving than a glass of milk. For example, 100 grams of wakame seaweed contains 150 milligrams of calcium, while the same amount of milk contains only 125 milligrams.
How does seaweed prevent cancer?
One of the ways seaweed helps prevent cancer is by its high content of antioxidants, specifically a group of compounds called phycobiliproteins.
These antioxidants have been shown to have anti-cancer properties and help prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells.
Seaweed is also rich in fucoidan, a polysaccharide that has been shown to have anti-tumor properties. Fucoidan has been shown to prevent the growth of cancer cells and induce cancer cell death.
Types of seaweed to add to your diet
Now that you know the benefits of seaweed, you may be wondering how to incorporate it into your diet. Here are some types of seaweed that are easy to find and use:.
Nori
Nori is a type of seaweed that is most commonly used for making sushi rolls. It’s thin and crispy and has a mild flavor that pairs well with other ingredients. You can also find nori snacks that are perfect for on-the-go.
Kelp
Kelp is a brown seaweed that is often used in soups and salads. It has a slightly sweet flavor and a crunchy texture. You can find kelp noodles, which are a great alternative to traditional pasta.
Dulse
Dulse is a red seaweed that has a smoky, bacon-like flavor. It’s often used as a seasoning for soups and stews. You can also find dulse flakes, which are a great alternative to salt.
Wakame
Wakame is a green seaweed that is often used in salads and miso soup. It has a slightly sweet flavor and a delicate texture.
Other benefits of seaweed
In addition to preventing cancer, seaweed has a variety of other health benefits. Here are a few:.
Improves thyroid function
Seaweed is rich in iodine, a mineral that is essential for healthy thyroid function. A deficiency in iodine can lead to an enlarged thyroid gland, known as a goiter, and other thyroid disorders.
Reduces inflammation
Seaweed has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. This is due to its high content of antioxidants and polyphenols.
Supports a healthy heart
Seaweed has been shown to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, both risk factors for heart disease. It’s also rich in magnesium, which is essential for maintaining a healthy heart.
How to incorporate seaweed into your diet
If you’re not familiar with seaweed, it may seem intimidating to start incorporating it into your diet. Here are some easy ways to get started:.
Add it to soups and stews
Seaweed adds flavor and nutrition to soups and stews. Simply soak the seaweed in cold water for 10-15 minutes to rehydrate it, then add it to your favorite soup or stew recipe.
Use it as a salt substitute
Seaweed flakes are a great alternative to salt. They add flavor and nutrition to any dish. Use them as a seasoning for roasted vegetables, popcorn, or eggs.
Add it to salads
Seaweed adds a crunchy texture and a salty flavor to salads. Try adding it to your next kale salad or mixed greens salad.
The bottom line
Seaweed is a nutritious, cancer-busting food that is easy to incorporate into your diet. With its high calcium content and anti-cancer properties, seaweed is a superfood that shouldn’t be overlooked.
So the next time you’re at the grocery store, pick up some nori, wakame, or dulse and start enjoying the benefits of seaweed today.