People love trying new things and experimenting with food and delicacies that may be uncommon. You may have heard of the increasing trend of eating seaweed. There’s one in particular that has a lot of essential nutrients: hijiki. Hijiki, which is dull green or brown when collected from the wild, offers some incredible health benefits which we’ll discuss further in this article. Read on to learn more!
What is Hijiki Seaweed?
Scientifically known as Sargassum fusiforme, this particular kind of seaweed grows mainly on the coastlines of Korea, China and Japan. It has become a staple variety of seaweed in various cultural dishes and is often considered to be one of the most flexible forms of seaweed on the planet. This is because it dries rapidly and keeps most of its nutritional content. You can add it into almost everything, from soy sauce to soup, fish dishes and stir fries.
Usually, hijiki seaweed will either come as dried twigs or small buds, which look just like dried black tea. Both of these forms will swell to 3-5 times their size when rehydrated or cooked. While various Japanese restaurants serve a myriad of seaweed types, hijiki is famous among home cooks due to its ease of availability and preparation. There is also one other reason: it’s one of the most healthy seaweeds out there!
Nutritional Value of Hijiki Seaweed
Hijiki seaweed is a delicious addition to the diet, and it can also serve a very functional role. Like various other sea vegetables, hijiki has a wide array of essential minerals, as well as significant levels of iodine, magnesium, iron, calcium, vitamin K and dietary fiber.
Health Benefits of Hijiki Seaweed
Here are some of the most wonderful health benefits of hijiki seaweed:
- Helps induce sleep. The magnesium in hijiki seaweed is essential in stimulating the production of various hormones. This induces stress release and relaxation, naturally lending itself to a restful sleep.
- Helps keep cholesterol levels in check. Hijiki isn’t just a low-calorie food. It has high levels of fiber and dietary fiber, which is essential in eliminating excess cholesterol from the cardiovascular system and balancing insulin levels.
- Helps improve bone health. There is more calcium in hijiki seaweed than there is in milk. This is very beneficial bone health.
- Helps enhance energy levels. The iron content of hijiki seaweed is high, which helps prevent anemia. Not only that, but it also boosts energy levels.
- Helps improve digestive health. Hijiki is rich in dietary fiber, which helps ensure the digestive process is kept smooth and healthy. The dietary fiber stimulates the peristaltic motion, which moves food through the digestive tract. Fiber is also good for reducing constipation and maximizing nutrient intake.
- Helps balance hormones. The iodine content of the seaweed is essential in balancing hormones, since it directly interacts with the thyroid gland.
Cautions for Hijiki Seaweed
In spite of all its health benefits, hijiki seaweed also contains a remarkably high amount of inorganic arsenic. Theoretically, this is a carcinogenic and toxic substance, and although it would require excessive consumption to reach dangerous levels, many countries have issued warnings about eating it. As with anything, practice moderation.
