Dulse seaweed is one of the fastest multiplying organisms in the world and this says a lot about the benefits it can bring to your health. This superfood is a species of red marine algae that grows along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. It has a savory, smoky flavor and a soft texture that makes it a popular snack and a tasty ingredient in many dishes. What’s also great about it: dulse seaweed is an excellent source of minerals – in particular iodine, magnesium, calcium, and iron. It is also full of all the essential amino acids, which makes it an important source of protein.
Fun facts about dulse seaweed
Under optimum conditions, it can double its size in a week, which makes it one of the fastest growing organisms! This ensures rich sustainable crops in a short time.
It is carbon dioxide negative, meaning it absorbs more carbon dioxide than it releases. One part of carbon dioxide is retained for every four parts of grown seaweed. This means that growing dulse is actually good for nature because it reduces pollution, as compared to so many other foods that waste resources.
Because it has a similar taste and texture to bacon when smoked or roasted, it is often used as a delicious alternative to bacon. Dulse is, for sure, a favorite among vegetarians and anyone who wants to lead a healthy lifestyle.
Health benefits of dulse seaweed
Dulse seaweed is beneficial for your health, thanks to a variety of nutrients. It is rich in antioxidants which can protect the body from oxidative stress and chronic diseases. An excellent source of minerals – most particularly, iodine – which are essential for thyroid function and metabolism.
By providing your body with fiber and prebiotics, it can enhance digestion and gut health, as well as keep you full for a longer time.
It can increase the amount of calcium, magnesium, and iron, and therefore promote bone health and even prevent osteoporosis.
By including dulse in your diet, you can increase the intake of potassium alginate, which is able to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Thanks to the presence of vitamin B6, as well as phytochemicals, dulse algae is able to promote brain function and prevent aging in the brain.
It also contains iron as well as a number of trace elements which are useful in preventing anemia and improving circulation.
Dulse can also help you get rid of toxins and radiation – by helping your body to dispose of a lot of toxins and radiation, it promotes detoxification.
“Atlantic dulse goes into deep, hidden places of the digestive tract and gut, seeking out mercury, binding to it, and never releasing it until it leaves the body.” – Anthony William, The Medical Medium
How to consume Atlantic dulse seaweed
Dulse seaweed is an excellent superfood, which can help your health and well-being. You can enjoy the smoky and aromatic flavor while eating it fresh, roasted, or simply dried. You can also use it as a seasoning or garnish in soups, salads, noodles, rice, vegetarian sushi, and other dishes. If you want to introduce dulse into your diet, make it a natural and healthy choice by choosing a product that is free from additives, fillers, or added sugar, such as the Organic Dulse Flakes from Pura Fons.
✤ Healthy furikake – Dulse seaweed condiment ✤
If you are looking for inspiration, we have a recipe for healthy dulse furikake. Furikake is a Japanese condiment made with seaweed that adds crunchiness and flavor to rice, noodles, salads, or soups. You can make your own at home and this is all that you need:
Ingredients:
∙1/4 cup of organic dehydrated dulse flakes
∙2 tbsp white sesame seed
∙2 tbsp black sesame seed
∙1 tsp coconut sugar
∙1/4 tsp salt
∙1/4 tsp red chili pepper flakes (optional)
How to prepare it?
▻ In a small skillet, toast the sesame seeds over low heat until golden and fragrant, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and let cool.
▻ In the same skillet, toast the dulse flakes until crisp over low heat, stirring frequently, for about 3 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and let cool slightly.
▻ In a mortar or a spice grinder, lightly crush the sesame seeds and the dulse flakes together. You can also use your fingers to rub them together in a bowl.
▻ Add the coconut sugar, salt, and chili flakes. Mix well.
▻ Store the furikake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a month.
You can use the furikake to sprinkle over rice, noodles, salads, soups, or any other dishes that need some extra flavor and crunch. Enjoy!
