Health and nutrition has long been a source of confusion and inaccurate information. While people try to stay informed on what’s healthy and what’s not, it can be overwhelming because it appears that the information constantly changes. Eggs are bad for…then they’re considered good for. All fat is bad, then only “bad” fats are bad. High protein diets are great…..or go vegetarian. The latest debate has to do with coffee: superfood or cause of cancer? Seaweed has not escaped as being a source of confusing information. We’ve taken a look at seaweed myths and truths to get you the information you really need.

Myth #1: Seaweed has too much iodine

People assume that all seaweed has the same amount of iodine, which is completely false. Nori is almost never a rich enough source of iodine to pose a significant health risk. Wakame is somewhere in the middle where moderate consumption should be fine. To assume that consuming seaweed in any form would provide excessive iodine is inaccurate. As a matter of fact, since 2007, the World Health Organization has recognized a national problem of iodine insufficiency in the UK, Ireland, Italy and a handful of other developed countries, as well as most African nations. While the advent of iodized salt has greatly helped iodine deficiency, it does still exist. Consuming seaweed can help but just like anything, consuming exorbitant would be too much iodine. Seaweed itself doesn’t have too much iodine to consume!

Myth #2: Seaweed is only good for certain, limited vitamins and minerals

Most people would be surprised to learn that seaweed generally contains a lot of calcium and iron! Most types of seaweed are high in essential amino acids and packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which are all good for your health. Seaweed, especially algae, is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. Some types of seaweed, especially nori, contain a range of B vitamins as well. If you take a seaweed supplement like Sea Veg®, it has 12 species of sea plants in the FarmaSea® Proprietary Blend and contains over 92 vitamins and minerals.

Myth #3: Seaweed is difficult to cook

Not only is this untrue, but seaweed is actually having quite a moment in the culinary world at the moment! It’s the new superfood that’s been steadily gaining popularity, especially with nutritionists and those in the know. Salads, soups, stews and sauces are just a few uses for seaweed in cooking. The number of videos about cooking with seaweed grow every day. Many liken cooking with seaweed to cooking with kale. Don’t believe the doubters; you can cook with seaweed!

Myth #4: You can only enjoy the nutritional benefits of seaweed by eating it

Another misconception. While there are many fantastic and delicious recipes for seaweed, many people simply don’t have the time or desire to incorporate seaweed into their daily meals. But that doesn’t leave them out in the cold! You can try a seaweed supplement instead of consuming seaweed and still enjoy all the nutritional benefits.

Here are a few truths about seaweed that you should know

Ready to learn a few fun facts about seaweed? Here we go:

Most of the world’s oxygen (about 70%) comes from seaweeds and other microscopic algae.

It is estimated that there are nine times more microscopic algae and seaweeds in the oceans than there are plants on land.

While most seaweeds are soft and fleshy, a large number of particularly red seaweeds are hard as rock.

Strictly speaking, seaweeds are not plants. Only green seaweeds are considered plants as they have given rise to land plants.

Seaweeds assimilate minerals directly from the sea and are thought to be the single most nutritious foods that you can eat.

Now these are the facts that you should know! When you’re ready to improve your overall health (and possibly culinary skills!) consider seaweed now that you have the facts! Knowing seaweed myths and truths will help you made the right decision.