Atlantic dulse is a form of dulse that is found in many parts of the world. It is a seaweed that grows in most oceans and is easily found in coastal places.
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Health Benefits Of Atlantic Dulse
Atlantic Dulse has many health benefits and there are a few ifs and buts to take note of too. We will go through all of that in this piece. Let’s start at the very beginning
What Is Dulse?
Dulse, in general, is a kind of alga, that is found in different parts of the world including the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Atlantic dulse is specific to one part of the world. These algae are visually distinct due to their red-tinted leaves which have a leathery texture and the seaweed itself has a short stem.
It is often consumed as a medicine because it has iodine and potassium among other things. But dulse also has minerals that are good for the human body. Interestingly, it also acquires a specific flavor depending on where it grows.
Typically, dulse is hand-picked from the shoreline of the ocean it grows in. After that, it is dried and prepared aptly for various medical and culinary purposes. You will usually find it in chopped, ground and fried forms.
Health Benefits Of Atlantic Dulse
There are quite a few health benefits from consuming Atlantic dulse. Here are a few.
1. Good For Your Eyes
The beta carotene in dulse contains vitamin A and is known to help reduce macular degeneration and cataracts. A seven-gram serving contains roughly 40 percent of the essential vitamin.
Vitamin A is also a fat-soluble antioxidant that contains rhodopsin that is good for vision when the lighting conditions are bad. That’s how it protects the cornea which is the eye’s surface.
Vitamin A deficiency often leads to conditions like night blindness so it helps to get the essential vitamin so that the integrity of the cells is protected. And this is not just for the cells in the eyes.
Dulse also contains zeaxanthin and lutein which reduce damage to the eyes from free radicals.
2. Good For Thyroid Health
Dulse has a very high iodine content which is the food for the thyroid in your body. So, a serving of 30 grams will give you 110 percent of the Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI). Iodine is very important when it comes to regulating thyroid hormones T3 and T4.
These hormones regulate the metabolism by burning body fat to produce heat and energy while also helping several other organs function properly. Their key role is in helping the systems in the human body absorb and synthesize food so that there is enough energy for the person to function.
Iodine is also an antioxidant which is a good way of preventing radiation, killing fungi and bacteria and promoting hormonal balance. Lack of iodine causes weight imbalances, dry skin and loss of hair.
3. Good For Digestion
Dulse has a lot of soluble fiber that forms a gel of sorts when it absorbs water. This helps the digestive system because it softens the stool and helps it go through the GI tract easily. It also binds itself to sugars and cholesterol which stops them from getting absorbed into your bloodstream and hence regulates sugar levels.
Which Foods Have Atlantic Dulse
Dulse is rich in nutrients which makes it an important food and it has been that way for many centuries. It is used in soups and salads as a flavor. This is particularly true for foods that taste like bacon when they are fried. It is also a popular addition to sides that go with meat dishes.
Atlantic dulse can be consumed the way you get it or be added to a dish. It is kind of salty so it works well with potatoes, salads and chowders. Typically, it is found in export shops and is sometimes sold as a snack.
Fresh dulse should be consumed as per the product label. The dehydrated variety can be stored and consumed over many months. In its powdered form, Atlantic dulse can be added to pizza and bread before they are baked.
It can also be added to smoothies and teas. If you get it in the form of a capsule, you should turn to a healthcare professional for advice.
Daily Recommended Dose
This depends on many factors like age, sex and medical history and we don’t have enough scientific evidence for a blanket recommendation. This is important because dulse is a natural product with an impact that depends on the person consuming it.
If you are buying this, read the product label and talk to a doctor before you decide on the dosage.
Possible Side Effects
Now, iodine is good for your health but that is not the case with everyone. Consuming seaweed is a bad idea for anyone who is allergic to iodine. You should also be careful with self-medication if you have thyroid problems. The same is true for those who are taking prescription medications.
In general, it is not recommended to be used without a healthcare professional overseeing the use. When added to teas, you should not expect it to prevent, diagnose, treat or cure a disease. You should also stay away from it if you are pregnant.
Specifically speaking, seaweed can have shell fragments. So you want to be careful about that. It might even be dangerous for those who are allergic to shellfish or fish f any kind.
Health Benefits Of Atlantic Dulse: Wrapping Up
Atlantic dulse is a good product for anyone who is looking at its specific health benefits. But you should not consume it without checking with a doctor. This is true for all supplements and medication.
Pregnant women should definitely not experiment with these products either. And if you are allergic to iodine or things that come out of the sea (like fish) you should not take a chance without thorough research. And if that’s what brought you here, hopefully, you have a better idea of what to do next. Good luck.
