Can kelp be eaten raw?
Let's learn about the benefits and dangers of eating kelp raw, as well as some tips on how to prepare it raw.
Kelp can be eaten raw, but it's best not to. Since it grows in the sea for a long time, there might be some parasites or bacteria hidden in the kelp. If eaten directly, it may not be clean and the texture is quite hard, which is not pleasant. It's best to eat it after high-temperature disinfection for a delicious and healthy meal.
Benefits of Eating Raw
Kelp is a type of vegetable rich in many nutrients and has certain medicinal properties. It is rich in minerals like iodine, which can prevent arteriosclerosis, help us lower cholesterol levels and aggregation, and has multiple biological functions such as lowering blood lipids, blood sugar, regulating immunity, anti-tumor, and antioxidant effects.
Dangers of Eating Raw
Eating too much kelp can cause bloating and is difficult to digest. People with a deficiency of spleen and stomach yang should eat less kelp, as it is cold in nature. Also, because kelp contains a lot of iodine, eating too much can easily trigger thyroid enlargement. Moreover, excessive intake of iodine can also easily lead to the occurrence of hyperthyroidism.
Raw Preparation Methods
Thoroughly clean the prepared kelp and then soak it in water for about 2 hours. Do not soak it for too long, or the nutrients will dissolve in the water, significantly reducing its nutritional value.
Afterward, you can shred the kelp, prepare ingredients like dried chili peppers, soy sauce, cooking wine, and vinegar, and mix them together. Alternatively, you can cut the kelp into pieces and stew it with pork ribs or meat for a more delicious dish.
The above information is about the dangers, benefits, and preparation methods of eating kelp raw. I hope it is helpful to you!