Cochayuyo is a seaweed that provides benefits and nutritional properties, especially rich in iodine and essential trace elements. Know its most important virtues.
Although it is true that even today they are a novelty in our diet, it is also true that more and more people tend to include them in the kitchen. We are talking about seaweed, highly consumed in countries like Japan, which in fact becomes the country with the highest consumption of seaweed per inhabitant.
Simply explained, we can tell you that algae are fresh or salt water plants that have the same cycles as land plants. Of course, they grow, reproduce and die without the involvement of sowing or irrigation processes. There are varieties of algae that are better known than others, such as spirulina, fucus or Kombu.
Although we can also find other species that are just as healthy from a nutritional point of view, but less well known. This is the case of the cochayuyo seaweed.
You will probably be surprised by its name. In fact, it’s quite possible that you’ve never heard of it before. But, did you know that it is a seaweed with interesting health qualities, as well as different nutritional benefits? We explain this time everything you need to know about it.
What is the cochayuyo seaweed?
It is a type of algae that can reach up to 15 meters in length. As you will see in the images that accompany this note, its appearance is certainly different from the rest of the majority of algae that are sold in markets and supermarkets.
Its meat is fibrous, firm and quite meaty. And, as with most seaweed, its aroma is very reminiscent of the sea, and its flavor – how could it be less – is just as intense. For this reason, as we will know in the section dedicated to it, it is usually a widely used option for preparing broths and soups.
It is a very valuable variety of seaweed, as well as valued and recognized, mainly due to the danger of its collection, since it is common to find it especially on the rocks of the cliffs.
In fact, for its collection, it is common to cut its base and leave it “freely” so that the tide is in charge of taking them to the shore, to later be collected and put to dry on the different rocks.
Cochayuyo seaweed benefits
Interesting qualities in case of high cholesterol
Thanks to its richness in fiber, it is capable of reducing blood cholesterol levels, thanks to the fact that it is able to carry part of the cholesterol from food and help eliminate it through the feces.
Therefore, it becomes an interesting natural option in case of high cholesterol.
Useful in weight loss diets
Whether you follow a weight loss diet or if you are simply following a diet in order to control your weight, the truth is that the cochayuyo seaweed can be useful.
On the one hand, we must highlight in this sense the already mentioned high fiber content, with its satiating effect that helps reduce appetite, and therefore, it will help us when it comes to controlling hunger and eating less.
On the other hand, we must name its high iodine content, and its low fat content.
Prevents goiter and hypothyroidism
As with most marine algae, cochayuyo stands out for its high iodine content. In fact, 100 grams of dry part of this algae provide 490 mg. of iodine.
Therefore, it becomes a very useful natural option when it comes to preventing both hypothyroidism and the appearance of goiter.
Helps eliminate toxins
Not only for its high fiber content, but for its contribution in alginic acid, it is an interesting option when it comes to eliminating accumulated toxins in the body, also acting as a natural cleanser.
Useful against fatigue
Are you in times of fatigue and need an extra supply of energy? In this sense, the cochayuyo seaweed can become an extremely interesting option, especially if you suffer from chronic exhaustion or extreme fatigue.
Why? This is due to its high contribution in proteins, trace elements and minerals, which have the advantage of helping when it comes to toning our body.
Nutritional information of the cochayuyo seaweed
From a nutritional point of view, the cochayuyo seaweed stands out mainly for being:
- Rich in proteins and trace elements.
- Its mineral content stands out: potassium, iodine, sodium, iron, calcium, magnesium and manganese.
On the other hand, we must mention that 100 grams of dry part of cochayuyo seaweed provide:
- Energy: 85 Kcal.
- Carbohydrates: 12 gr.
- Proteins: 12 gr.
- Fiber: 48 gr.
- Minerals: potassium (1,240 mg), sodium (3,450 mg), calcium (1,150 mg), magnesium (1,015 mg), iodine (490 mg) and iron (32 mg).
Contraindications of the cochayuyo seaweed
We must bear in mind that, although the cochayuyo seaweed has interesting benefits for our health, it also has certain contraindications that make its consumption not so recommended.
For example, 100 grams of cochayuyo provide 3,450 mg. sodium, so its consumption is not recommended in case of high blood pressure.