as well as other immune-compromised diseases such as chronic fatigue,
HIV infection, arthritis, and allergies. My three favorite sea vegetables (and the
ones that I use most often in my diet, in my healthful food cooking classes, and
in my private culinary instruction) are dulse, kelp, and nori.
Nori (Porphyra tenera) is my favorite sea vegetable. It has the highest protein
content of all the seaweeds—higher than soybeans, milk, meat, fish, or poultry—
and is the most easily digested. It is very high in vitamins A (more than carrots),
B (B1 and niacin), C, and D, and the minerals calcium, iodine, iron, potassium,
phosphorus, and many trace elements. It is also low in calories (only 10 per
sheet), high in fiber, and contains an enzyme that helps break down cholesterol
deposits. Some of the healing properties of nori include the following: may help
treat painful urination, goiter, edema, high blood pressure, cough with green or
yellow mucus, fatty cysts under the skin, and warts; and aid in digestion, especially
with fried foods. It’s a diuretic and all-around terrific health food.
• Nori, called laver when it is cultivated, has one of the sweeter flavors
of the seaweeds. You’re probably familiar with the sheets of nori
used to wrap and hold rice, vegetables, and raw or cooked fish in
small rolls (sushi) that can be eaten with the hands. I put my salad
ingredients in the nori sheets and wrap them up like a burrito. I
also cut out smaller nori squares (about 4-inch squares) and put a
dollop of hummus or other spreads in the center along with some
julienned vegetables (such as carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers) and
sprouts, and eat three or four of these for a meal or snack. Nori also
can be crumbled, chopped, broken, or cut with a scissors and added
to soups, salads, dressings, spreads, stews, or desserts. It’s even a
frequent ingredient in my vegetable smoothies.
• Dulse (Palmaria palmata) is an especially rich source of potassium,
iron, iodine, vitamin B6, riboflavin, and dietary fiber; and provides
a complete array of minerals, trace elements, enzymes, and phytochemicals,
as well as some high-quality vegetable protein. My favorite
way to incorporate dulse into my food program is in a granule
form which I get at my local health-food store. Whether you buy it
loose or packaged, by itself or mixed with garlic and other herbs,
it’s a great way to spice up your diet and detoxify at the same time.
It’s delicious sprinkled over spinach, popcorn, brown rice, and with
walnuts. I also use it in soups, salads, dressings, dips, sauces, tabouli,
potatoes, beans, and more. It is a supremely balanced nutrient with
300 times more iodine and 50 times more iron than wheat. Research
indicates it may fight the herpes virus. It has purifying and tonic
effects on the body, yet its natural, balanced salts nourish as a mineral,
without inducing thirst.
• Kelp (Laminaria) is a stellar, nutrient-dense sea vegetable that is
especially rich in potassium, iron, iodine, riboflavin, dietary fiber,
and vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K. It also contains a natural substance
that enhances flavor and tenderizes and sodium alginate
(algin), an element that helps remove radioactive particles and heavy
metals from the body. Algin, carrageenan, and agar are kelp gels that
rejuvenate gastrointestinal health and aid digestion. Kelp works as a
blood purifier, relieves the stiffness of arthritis, and promotes adrenal,
pituitary, and thyroid health. Its natural iodine can normalize
thyroid-related disorders such as abnormal weight gain and lymph
system congestion. As a demulcent, it soothes and protects mucous
membranes and even may help eliminate herpes outbreaks.
The next time you want a healthful seasoning, instead of salt, reach for kelp
granules. I enjoy them plain and mixed with cayenne or garlic (available in
health-food stores).
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