Seaweed contains extraordinary properties that can benefit our health and is a food source that should be integrated into the western diet, particularly for people suffering from alopecia.

Seaweed contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, C, E, F and K, and the minerals potassium, iron, phosphorus, calcium, iodine, folate and magnesium. It is rich in antioxidants and contains anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties.

There are thousands of types of sea vegetables that are classified into categories by color,- brown, red or green sea vegetables. Although not all seaweed is consumed by humans, there are a wide variety of sea vegetables with different shapes, textures and flavors. Here are some of the most common types that are used in Japanese recipes and macrobiotic cooking:

Nori: dark purple-black color that turns phosphorescent green when toasted and used in sushi rolls.

Kelp: light brown to dark green in color, oftentimes available in flake form.

Hijiki: looks like small strands of black wiry pasta, has a strong flavor. It is often used with noodles.

Kombu: very dark in color and generally sold in strips or sheets, oftentimes used as a flavoring for soups. It is also used as a bath tonic (cut 3 4" pieces and place in bathwater).

Wakame: similar to kombu, it is used in miso soup.

Arame: this lacy, wiry sea vegetable is sweeter and milder in taste than many others and also used in noodle dishes.

Dulse: soft, chewy texture and a reddish-brown color.

Use seaweed to strengthen the thyroid (one of the symptoms of hypo-thyroidism is hair loss), increase longevity, enhance immune functioning, revitalize the cardiovascular, endocrine, digestive, and nervous systems, and to contribute to shiny, healthy hair.

RECIPE SUGGESTIONS:

Miso Soup

1 cups boiling water
1 TBS miso (preferably organic)
¼ cup chopped wakame seaweed
2 TBS spring onion
1 TBS grated ginger
Optional
2 TBS diced tofu

Seaweed Rice Stirfry

2 medium pieces wakame, (2 TBS soaked and chopped)
2 TBS chopped dulse seaweed
2¼ cups warm water
½ medium onion, minced
2 large cloves garlic, chopped
1 cup long grain brown rice (cooked)
salt and white pepper to taste
any of your favorite vegetables

Note: Use caution when purchasing seaweed as not all brands are reputable. Hijiki should only be consumed if it is organic due to the environmental contaminants. All seaweed should be harvested from deep in the ocean and/or far from developed cities and processing plants.