In traditional Chinese healing, sea vegetables correspond to the winter season and to the kidneys, adrenal glands, bladder and reproductive organs. The strengthening, balancing and cleansing properties of sea vegetables are known to help these organs as well as the hair, skin and nails.

Sea vegetables (or seaweeds) provide a large array of minerals and vitamins, including calcium, iron and iodine, and can help balance hormone and thyroid levels in the body. They also contain copious amounts of magnesium, potassium and Vitamin A. Eating too many processed foods or foods grown in mineral-depleted soil can result in a lack of minerals in the body, leading to cravings for salty or sugary foods. Adding sea vegetables to your food repertoire can help balance your energy levels and alleviate cravings.

There are a variety of intriguing and delicious sea vegetables that are easy to find at your local health food. Usually found in the Asian cooking section, each of these vegetables has its own unique flavor and texture. Here are a few that might pique your interest:

Hijiki – When it comes to calcium, hijiki is king! With approximately 150 mg of calcium per 1/4 cup serving, you can’t beat this vegetable to help strengthen your bones (as a comparison an 8 ounce glass of milk has approximately 285 mg of calcium) and have supple skin and shiny hair. These small black strands plump up nicely when soaked in water. Prepare hijiki with carrots, toasted sesame oil or some hot pepper to bring out the flavor.

Kombu – Who’s eaten beans and several hours later regretted that decision? Not to worry if you cook your beans with kombu, a versatile sea vegetable that softens beans and makes them more digestible. Put a 3-4″ piece in the pot with the beans and your intestines will thank you. Alternatively, if you buy canned beans look for organic beans that have been cooked with kombu.

Wakame – Slippery to the touch when soaked in water, this green sea vegetable has a slightly sweet flavor and is a great accompaniment to dark leafy green veggies like collards or kale. Traditionally used in Chinese medicine to purify the blood, it’s also known to help regulate women’s cycles.

Filed under: Balance, Energy, Vegetables, Vitamins and Minerals, Whole Food Nutrition, Women's Health