Weight loss and gut health are closely connected, as a balanced gut microbiome supports better digestion, nutrient absorption, and metabolism. Besides eating three healthy meals, your snack choices can also make a huge impact on your weight and gut health. Choosing snacks that are low in calories but rich in nutrients and fiber can help you stay on track with your weight loss goals while promoting a healthy gut.
This is where seaweed snacks come into play. This snack is packed with fiber, essential minerals like iodine, and prebiotics that feed beneficial gut bacteria. Seaweed snacks are gaining popularity as they are a much better option compared to crackers or chips. Read on to get all the details on how it can help with weight loss and gut health!
Seaweed for Weight Loss and Gut Health
@acupuncturefit, a doctor who shares healthy living and clean eating content on TikTok and has over 462K followers on the app, shared some of the unexpected health benefits of eating seaweed.
He notes that this snack can help gut health, thanks to its high fiber content. Seaweed contains both soluble and insoluble fiber, which can help with digestion. This snack can also act as a prebiotic and help to maintain a healthy balance of gut flora.
For weight loss, he highlights how seaweed can delay hunger and reduce weight.
This snack is naturally low in calories, so you won’t have to worry about eating an excessive amount of calories as you snack away on seaweed. The fiber content also helps reduce the overall calorie consumption by preventing overeating.
Other health benefits he mentions are support in thyroid function, improved heart health, and better blood sugar control. As with everything, moderation is important because eating too much seaweed can cause your body to contain too much metal and have high levels of iodine.
Seaweed Snack Ideas
If you’re new to seaweed, there are a range of ways to incorporate this snack into your diet. Many people have tried them in Asian soups, but you can snack on them straight from the package like you would with potato chips.
Buy pre-packaged roasted seaweed snacks from any Asian store or the international aisle; these are crispy, salty, and easy to enjoy on the go.
If you have more time and are feeling fancy, you can make small rice balls and wrap them in nori sheets along with some spicy mayo sauce and tuna.
For a creative twist, you can sprinkle them on popcorn or make a seaweed dip with Greek yogurt/cream cheese, garlic, and spices for a healthy dip with veggie sticks or crackers.
