Answer: Yes, seaweed is a vegetable and is part of a vegan diet.
A vegan lifestyle may require tons of dedication in the beginning. Still, once you get the hang of it, it becomes a thrilling and refreshing experience. Many new vegans have to deal with the immense overall weakness and fatigue they encounter from their drastic shift to veganism.
The sudden exclusion of meat and chicken from your daily diet can deprive you of some essential nutrients necessary for the healthy functioning of the human body. This is the reason why many newbie vegans find it hard to stay put on their vegan trail. Luckily, there is a solution. All it requires is substituting meaty products with seaweed, and you will be all fit and healthy for your vegan lifestyle!
But why seaweed? Give the following sections a read.
Table of Contents
Why Is Seaweed Vegan?
Many vegans get their minds perplexed when it comes to fulfilling nutritional requirements, especially for vitamins, calcium, and iodine. No doubt, veganism sets boundaries for your daily food consumption. Still, these boundaries are not meant to isolate you from your daily dose of nutrients and energy. You can simply use seaweed in your daily diet to fuel you up with your desired significant nutrients.
Seaweed is a part of the fish kingdom but is completely vegan-friendly because seaweed is considered the sea’s greens. Seaweeds are actually vegetables of the sea. Since they are counted as vegetables, whether on land or sea, they can instantly become vegan best friends. Seaweed functions in the process of photosynthesis
Nutritional Benefits of Seaweed
The most vital nutrient which seaweed accommodates is iodine. Idoine is crucial for producing thyroid hormones, which stabilize the metabolism and stimulate bone and brain growth and development, especially during pregnancies. Iodine is most commonly found in seafood, such as fish. Fortunately, vegans can charge themselves up with this fundamental nutrient through seaweed.
The most essential nutrients that seaweed contains are magnesium, iodine, calcium, iron, and vitamin B12. Seaweed is enriched with iodine. Iodine is very essential for the healthy growth of hair and nails. It also boosts the nervous system and enhances mental capability. Furthermore, the iodine in seaweed clears up the digestive tract and helps improve eyesight. The biggest benefit of iodine, which vegans can avail from seaweed, is its ability to cleanse and improve skin health.
Types of Seaweed for Vegans
Vegans can spice up their diet with nutrients by using seaweed in their routine meals. Usually, seaweed is consumed in powdered or dried form that can be sprinkled on any of your favorite salads. Still, different seaweed varieties exist, and each kind can elevate your everyday meal to a new nutritional level. If you’re comparing this vegan seaweed to the icky green stuff you find on beaches, then hold your thoughts and relax. Seaweed is of multiple types that you can use in your meals. Below is a list of a few vegan seaweeds that provide both nutrition and taste:
Dulse:
Dulse is a purplish seaweed with a very light and slightly salty flavor. It is highly concentrated in terms of iodine. A spoonful of it can provide you with your daily dose of iodine. You sprinkle it on salads or soups and enjoy a beachy sensation with your everyday food.
Carrageen:
Carrageen seaweed has a very neutral and subtle taste, which you can add to almost every vegan dish. Due to its simple, bland taste, it’s often used in vegan gravies to balance the flavors.
Nori:
Nori seaweed can be the best replacement for meat in your daily meals. It has the highest protein content among seaweeds and is also supplied with fundamental vitamins such as vitamin B12.
Spirulina:
Spirulina seaweed is considered optimal in terms of nutritional content and flavor. Not only does it accommodate the necessary concentrations of protein and vitamin B12, but it also enriches the flavor of vegan smoothies and yogurt bowls.
Conclusion
Being vegan doesn’t have to be boring. You can always use unusual vegan ingredients to upgrade your daily vegan meals. Your companion in this regard can be none other than seaweed. So rush down to your nearest sea stores and start sprinkling that seaweed!
