Everyone has a favourite snack, it is listed as one of the essential pleasures in life. From chips to chocolates, every culture has something different. In South Korea, snacks manufacturers have been producing and supplying various snack products globally. Some of the well-loved South Korean snacks include seaweed or laver crisps, biscuit sticks, potato chips, flavoured nuts, fried tteok-bokki and many other unique varieties.

The crunchy and delicious seaweed snack that is made by roasting a type of red algae into paper-thin sheets is a popular choice for many. This is because seaweed itself is unparalleled in its health benefits, as it absorbs nutrients and vitamins directly from the seabed making the marine vegetable packed with even more nutrients and vitamins, which is different from land-grown fruits and vegetables. Here are some of the reasons why it is considered a healthy snack, even when on a diet :

• Help in the management of diabetes

The high amount of fiber in seaweed may help with diabetics. It helps to regulate blood glucose and insulin levels. The compounds in seaweed help to reduce inflammation, high-fat levels, and insulin sensitivity which could lead to diabetic risk.

• Boosting the immune system

Seaweed contains many immune-boosting minerals and vitamins which includes protein, carbohydrates, fiber, minerals, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamin C, B, A, E, iron and iodine. The antioxidants may protect the body from oxidative stress as well.

• Helps in weight loss

The fiber in seaweed helps a person feel full, however, it contains very few or no calories itself. This may benefit people who are trying to lose weight because the fiber delays stomach emptying. Therefore, stomach may not send signals of hunger to the brain instantly which may help to prevent overeating.

• Reduce the risk of heart disease

High-fiber foods such as seaweed may reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood. Our body uses cholesterol to replace the acids or salts in the body, which may result in a decrease in cholesterol. Seaweed also has a high level of antioxidant to support heart health over time.

Seaweed is beneficial to include in most of the diets, the nutrient content can support a healthful diet. Adding seaweed to the diet can be very straightforward. The dried seaweed sheets can be used to make a delicious wrap to substitute tortillas or bread. A perfect pack of seasoned dried seaweed can be delicious and healthy snacks for teatime. Besides, toasted seaweed flakes can be a great topping for rice and quinoa to reduce the amount of salt or soy sauce a person needs. For those who are fans of soups, seaweed can be included the vegetable soup for better nutrient and taste too.

*source from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com