Exploring Why Seaweed Soup Comes to Mind at the Sauna.

When visiting a sauna, it's common to enjoy snacks like boiled eggs or sikhye (a traditional Korean sweet rice drink). However, what's the reason behind choosing seaweed soup as a meal at the sauna?

 

Replenishing Mineral Loss through Sweating

Using a sauna leads to significant sweating, causing the body to lose essential minerals and fluids along with waste products. Seaweed soup can help replenish these losses. Seaweed is rich in nutrients such as folic acid, zinc, calcium, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, E, and K. Particularly, it contains 20% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin K, which contributes to overall health. Seaweed soup aids in replenishing these minerals and vitamins, helping the body recover after a sauna session.

 

Choosing seaweed soup when visiting a sauna is a healthy choice.

 

Improving Gut Function and Preventing Metabolic Disorders

Seaweed doesn't just replenish minerals; it also contains abundant dietary fiber, which effectively improves gut function. Soluble dietary fiber acts as food for beneficial bacteria in the gut, supporting gut health. Additionally, compounds found in seaweed like polyphenols, fucoxanthin, alginic acid, and fucoidan help prevent diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. They regulate blood sugar levels and alleviate oxidative stress, promoting better blood circulation.

 

Precautions

There are some precautions to consider when consuming seaweed. Excessive iodine intake can lead to thyroid dysfunction, and those with kidney diseases should be cautious about consuming seaweed high in potassium. Additionally, individuals taking anticoagulants should be aware that vitamin K found in seaweed may decrease the medication's efficacy. It's advisable to consume seaweed in appropriate amounts while keeping these points in mind.

 

Moreover, when eating seaweed with green onions, caution is necessary. Compounds like sulfur and phosphate found in green onions may interfere with calcium absorption from seaweed. Therefore, consuming seaweed with green onions requires attention.

 

Choosing seaweed soup when visiting a sauna is a healthy choice. Enjoy a sauna experience while maintaining health through proper consumption practices.