Wakame seaweed: Does it make you fat? Benefits and disadvantages

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Wakame seaweed: Does it make you fat? Benefits and disadvantages.

Wakame seaweed is a popular ingredient in Japanese cuisine, such as miso soup and salads. It is delicious, fun to chew, and is also known for its high nutritional value. However, many people may wonder whether it is good to eat wakame seaweed every day or whether it will make you fat. Let’s find the answer in this article.

Wakame seaweed

What is wakame seaweed ?

Wakame seaweed is a type of brown seaweed that is popularly used in Japanese cuisine. It has a thin, soft, smooth texture and a mild flavor. *It is commonly used in miso soup, salads, or other healthy dishes . It is rich in nutrients that are good for the body, such as iodine, calcium, iron, and dietary fiber.

Benefits of Wakame Seaweed

  • Nourishes the thyroid gland
    because wakame seaweed is high in iodine, which helps the thyroid gland function normally.
  • Helps control weight,
    low in calories but high in fiber, helps you feel full for a long time and reduces appetite.
  • Nourishes bones and teeth.
    Contains calcium and magnesium which help strengthen bones.
  • Reduce the risk of heart disease.
    Fucoxanthin in wakame seaweed may help reduce blood fat and prevent heart disease.
  • Antioxidants:
    Contains vitamins and antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and prevent chronic diseases.

Harm of wakame seaweed

Although wakame seaweed is beneficial, eating too much can have negative effects, such as:

Is eating wakame seaweed fattening ?

Wakame is a low-calorie food. 5 grams of dried wakame provides only about 16-18 kilocalories of energy. However, when soaked in water, the seaweed expands several times in size, increasing its weight to 30-50 grams, but the energy content remains the same.

Therefore, if eaten in the right amount, wakame seaweed does not make you fat. However, you should be careful with menus that include sweet salad dressings or high sodium because these things can cause you to gain weight without realizing it.

Can I eat wakame seaweed every day?

Consuming wakame seaweed in moderate amounts, such as 5-10 grams per day, is considered safe for most people. However, if you have thyroid problems or are at risk, such as pregnant women, young children, or people with chronic diseases, you should consult a doctor first.

Wakame is a highly nutritious food that offers many health benefits. However, it is important to eat it in moderation and in a variety of ways to avoid the risk of consuming too much of certain nutrients. It is best to buy wakame from a reputable source and wash it thoroughly before eating for maximum safety.