Big thanks to Alternative Medecine site gimpstraw!
There is, indeed, a lot of truth to the saying, "looks are deceiving." Take for instance the case of seaweed. For most people the seaweed is nothing more than smelly weed in green or brown. Just by looking at its appearance alone, you wouldn't dream of getting near it, let alone eat it.
Interestingly, though, seaweeds are used in sushi bars; you can see them too in certain Japanese and Chinese dishes. The thing is, you may not have realized that this smelly weed is loaded with health benefits which are good for nursing mothers.
Certainly, the seaweed is not known for its being a "perfectly balanced natural food" for nothing. It is able to treat a number of diseases and health conditions. Specifically, this amazing wonder weed has been shown to lower blood cholesterol levels and blood pressure, prevent ulcers, treat constipation, and even certain types of cancer. The seaweed is also a natural antibiotic because of its ability to kill bacteria.
Now, what exactly makes seaweed so amazing is the fact that it comes from the ocean. As you must know, minerals and nutrients drain into the ocean, and the ocean itself has basically the same minerals and trace elements as those found in the human blood. These, then, are being integrated into the living tissue of the seaweed. Being also organic, the seaweed does make for a great natural vitamin supplement. In fact, it's been said that seaweeds are higher in mineral content that land food by as much as 30 times!
So many people are disturbed with thought of eating seaweeds, because of the misconception that the ocean is polluted and all that. If truth be told, and despite all the negative media reports, the ocean is not as polluted as land soil, which are already contaminated with pesticides, insecticides, and chemical fertilizers.
There are certain types of seaweeds, notably those belonging to the wrack variety, that are the subject of many scientific studies because they have been found to be able to treat a number of medical conditions.
In detoxification following mercury amalgam extraction, seaweeds are also used. Seaweeds are rich in iodine, which makes them an ideal treatment for thyroid disorders some other conditions where there is mineral imbalance.
Seaweeds have also been used in ancient Egypt as a natural cure for breast cancer.
Being without fat but which contains a significant amount of selenium, a rare antioxidant, seaweed can be used in the treatment of candida.
A number of health conditions, such as high cholesterol levels and blood pressure, are caused by excessive salt intake. Well, taking in seaweed can help remedy the problem.
There are also mucilaginous gels in seaweed that help rejuvenate the lungs as well as the gastrointestinal tract. Thus, eating seaweeds can aid in the treatment of bronchitis and other respiratory problems.
Allergies, food intolerance, acid build-up leading to heartburn, ulcer and indigestion can also be treated using seaweeds. You see, seaweed promotes a healthy balance of acid and alkaline in the blood, lymph, and cells.
When you consider all these things, seaweed becomes not just an ordinary looking, smelly weed, but deserves more respect and distinction as one of the most nutritious vegetation product in the face of the earth.