Introduction to Seaweed

Created on 2024.10.15

About Laver

Laver, an algal plant of the genus Porphyra in the family Bangiaceae, is quite effective in preventing cancer. The original form is a flattened thallus with a short stipe, from which grows a broad lanceolate or elliptical, membranous, thin and translucent thallus with a wavy margin. It is light pink when young and turns dark purple later; the growing season for laver is from November to May of the following year. Because laver is purple both in the sea and after drying, it is called laver.

Laver originated in the coastal areas of China and is a type of seaweed that grows in the intertidal zone. Its distribution covers cold, temperate, subtropical, and tropical seas. In China, it is mainly distributed in the intertidal zone from the Yellow and Bohai Seas to the southeast coast, with a small distribution along the coasts of Taiwan and Hainan Island. The thallus of laver mostly grows in the intertidal zone, preferring sea areas with strong winds and waves, good tidal circulation, and rich nutrients. It has strong drought resistance and a wide range of adaptability to seawater specific gravity. The reproduction methods of laver include sexual and asexual reproduction.

     The Compendium of Materia Medica records seaweed as: "When heat causes throat blockage, boil it and drink the juice. It is suitable for those with goiter, tumors, and beriberi." Seaweed polysaccharides and phycobiliproteins have anti-aging, anticoagulant, and blood lipid-lowering effects. Seaweed is rich in dietary fiber, various vitamins, and trace elements such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium, and is known as a "treasure trove of magnesium." In addition, seaweed's unique phycobiliprotein has high nutritional value, is a marine ingredient, and is a pillar product of the rural economy along the southeast coast of China.

Nutritional Value of Seaweed

1. Rich in nutrients, high in iodine content, can be used to treat "goiter" caused by iodine deficiency. Seaweed has the function of softening hard masses and dispersing accumulations, and is also useful for other stagnant masses;

2. Rich in choline, calcium, and iron, it can enhance memory, treat anemia in women and children, and promote bone and tooth growth and health; it contains a certain amount of mannitol, which can be used as an auxiliary food for treating edema;

3. The polysaccharides contained in seaweed significantly enhance cellular and humoral immunity, promote lymphocyte transformation, and improve the body's immunity; it can significantly reduce the total cholesterol content in serum;

4. The active ingredients of seaweed have an inhibitory rate of 53.2% against Ehrlich's ascites carcinoma, which is helpful in the prevention and treatment of tumors such as brain tumors, breast cancer, thyroid cancer, and malignant lymphoma.

What are the benefits of eating seaweed?

1. Auxiliary treatment for goiter

Laver has a high iodine content. Iodine directly acts on the thyroid and hormone production. Iodine deficiency can cause goiter, so eating laver can help treat goiter.

2. Lower cholesterol

100 grams of laver contains 27.3 grams of dietary fiber. Nutrition experts point out that when the dietary fiber in food reaches 15-30 grams, it can effectively reduce the content of "bad" cholesterol in the human body.

3. Lower blood pressure

Laver is a high-potassium, low-sodium food. The main role of potassium is to promote the excretion of sodium, reduce blood volume, and lower blood pressure. It can also soften blood vessels and thus lower blood pressure.

4. Clear heat and promote diuresis

Mannitol in laver is a natural diuretic with significant effects in clearing heat and promoting diuresis, and can be used as an auxiliary food for treating edema.

5. Improve night blindness

Laver is rich in carotene and vitamin A. Carotene is converted into vitamin A in the human body, which can maintain the health of eyes and skin and has the effect of improving night blindness.

6. Calcium Supplementation

Seaweed is rich in calcium. Calcium is the main mineral component of bone tissue, so regular consumption of seaweed can supplement calcium and promote bone and tooth growth.

7. Relieve stomach problems

Vitamin C helps treat stomach ulcers. The anti-cancer substance Vitamin U in laver is 70 times that of cabbage, so regular consumption of laver can prevent stomach cancer.

Contraindicated groups

1. Laver should not be consumed in excess; it can easily produce adverse effects.

2. People with poor digestion and spleen deficiency are advised to eat small amounts, otherwise it may cause diarrhea.

3. People with spleen and stomach deficiency and cold, abdominal pain, and loose stools are not recommended to eat.

4. Laver should not be consumed with persimmons and tea; it may cause protein precipitation, thereby stimulating the gastrointestinal function.