Why You Should Prioritize Sea Veggies In Your Diet Right Now

"Sea vegetables are a great addition to a healthy diet," registered dietitian Abby Cannon, J.D., R.D., CDN, says. The veggie variety, which includes kelp, nori, spirulina, chlorella, and kombu—to name a few—is rich in vitamins and minerals like iron, copper, manganese, folate, zinc, sodium, calcium, and magnesium. 

What's more, sea vegetables provide antioxidants, like vitamins A, C, E and beta-carotene, according to doctor of pharmacology Lauren Tanabe, Ph.D. Seaweed, in particular, has more dietary fiber1 than most fruits and vegetables, which helps promote healthy digestion.* Plus, it contains natural prebiotics, to feed the good bacteria in your gut.*

What makes these hard-to-find veggies especially unique is the fact that they're a plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids2.(FYI: The reason fatty fish contain so many omega-3s is due to their algae diet3.) Omega-3s help support cardiovascular health, enhance cognitive functioning, and aid with chronic inflammation—just to name a few benefits.* However, if you're a vegetarian or vegan, omega-3s can be somewhat challenging to come by, which is why sea veggies are a great option.

Plus, algae such as spirulina and chlorella4 can also help support the body's natural detoxification process.* In some animal studies, these sea veggies were able to reduce heavy metal levels, such as lead.* 

"You can rehydrate sea veggies and add them to stir-fries," Zibdeh suggests, "or cook them with garlic, onion, ginger, and lemon." 

If you're using a veggie powder, Cannon suggests "mixing them into a smoothie with bananas or dates." You can also use it as a topping for your favorite snacks, like popcorn.