There is a type of seafood that looks similar to seaweed but is mainly used for making broth. It is kelp, which is full of the scent of the sea. When used in broth, it adds a good umami flavor and aroma, but its texture is tougher than seaweed, making it less commonly eaten. However, it would be a waste to only use kelp for broth; what benefits does it have?
Kelp Cleanses the Body… Excellent for Preventing Constipation and Dieting
Kelp has a purifying effect that keeps our bodies healthy. According to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the abundant alginic acid in kelp helps with intestinal movement. This means that bowel movements become smoother, preventing constipation. In this process, it performs a 'body purification action' by expelling waste and heavy metals from the intestines.
If your lower abdomen feels heavy due to constipation, it can hinder weight loss. Just having regular bowel movements can prevent the lower abdomen from protruding due to intestinal gas. It has almost no calories, so you can eat until you feel full without worrying about gaining weight. Especially since it is an alkaline food, it helps prevent acidification in the body and supports a healthy diet.
Helps Excrete Sodium and Manage Cardiovascular Health… Caution for Thyroid Disorders
The potassium and fucoidan contained in kelp help excrete sodium. When sodium is expelled, cholesterol levels decrease, and blood pressure is regulated. This means that kelp is effective for managing cardiovascular health.
However, kelp is rich in iodine, so if you have thyroid-related disorders, you should avoid excessive intake. It is recommended for such individuals to consume it in small amounts 2-3 times a week. Above all, it has a cold nature, so it should be avoided when suffering from abdominal pain or enteritis.
Can be Eaten as Wraps, Pickles, or Pancakes… Excellent Chewy Texture
Kelp is often eaten as wraps. When marinated with soy sauce, onion, garlic, sugar, whole chili peppers, and other ingredients, it becomes kelp pickles. If you spread a thin layer of flour and fry it in an oiled frying pan, it becomes kelp pancakes. The kelp pancakes made this way have an excellent chewy texture.
When choosing kelp, you should select the ones that are dark and close to blackish-brown. Occasionally, people wonder if the white powder on the surface of kelp is safe to eat. This powder is a natural seasoning called 'mannitol' that occurs during the drying process, and there is no need to worry about its harmfulness.
