In our quest to create tasty, unique popcorn, we’ve fallen in love with the superfood that is seaweed. A staple in Asian diets, seaweed is used not only for its sustainability, but also for its health properties. Acclaimed by nutritionists, chefs, and environmentalists alike, it has become really popular due to the surge of interest in its health benefits and ecological advantages. In this article, we will delve into the benefits of this superfood and why we at Pop Cornaa are using it in our delicious popcorn.
Seaweed, often referred to as marine algae, comes in many different forms, such as kelp, nori, and wakame. The beauty of it is that it is packed to the brim with vitamins, it is rich in A, C, E, and K, as well as B vitamins. The mineral content is impressive, with high levels of calcium, iodine, magnesium, potassium, and iron, all of which are essential in providing healthy thyroid function and bone health. The thyroid can be somewhat overlooked when trying to stay health conscious, but it helps to regulate metabolism, which requires a high iodine content. For individuals that have iodine deficiency, it would be a good idea to incorporate seaweed into their diet.
Seaweed is also abundant in antioxidants, which help combat conditions like stress and reduce inflammation. This means a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. For example, fucoxanthin, a unique compound found in brown seaweed, has recently gained attention for its potential anti-obesity and anti-diabetes effects, making seaweed a favourable option for nutritionists to help their clients.
Digestive health, especially gut health, has recently become a popular talking point online. Seaweed is an excellent source of both soluble and insoluble fibre. Soluble fibre helps regulate blood sugars and lowers cholesterol, while insoluble fibre promotes healthy gut health. Not only that, it contains prebiotics too, which are beneficial to the gut biome, providing better digestive health.
Seaweed, as a superfood, goes beyond internal health as it also has remarkable effects on the skin. Many popular skincare products have seaweed extracts due to their hydrating, anti-ageing, and anti-inflammatory properties. So regular consumption can nourish the skin and contribute to a radiant complexion.
However, the most exciting benefit (in our opinion) is just how sustainably it can be farmed! Compared to traditional forms of agriculture, seaweed farming requires zero freshwater, fertilisers, or pesticides, making seaweed an environmentally friendly crop. Seaweed is able to absorb carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen, playing a vital role against climate change. Farming it supports coastal economics and provides a livelihood for local communities.
Being a staple in Asian dishes, seaweed provides versatility when applied to the culinary field. At Pop Cornaa, we have a tasty seaweed, wasabi, and soy flavour, which is part of our Asian Burst range. It is salty, with a gorgeous umami flavour, and a little wasabi kick at the end! So yummy, you’ll easily get through a bag of it in one sitting.
If you want more up-to-date news regarding our unforgettable gourmet popcorn journey, make sure to subscribe to our email newsletter. You’ll find news regarding our new flavour releases and general popcorn day-to-day fun.