Even without special side dishes, there are many times when just having some seaweed is enough to finish a bowl of rice. There are various types of seaweed depending on the preparation method, such as 'dried seaweed' that is not roasted, 'roasted seaweed' that is grilled with hot heat, and 'seasoned seaweed' that is coated with salt and oil before roasting. The way seaweed is prepared affects not only its taste and texture but also its nutritional value. We examined the nutritional effects based on different seaweed preparation methods.

 

Dried seaweed has the richest amino acids.

 

Dried seaweed has higher nutritional value than roasted or seasoned seaweed.

Because dried seaweed is the most rich in amino acids.

 

Leucine amino acids enhance muscle strength and endurance, and improve physical ability. In fact, Professor Hwang Eun-sun's research team from Kyunghee University’s Department of Nutrition and Culinary Arts compared the nutritional components of dried seaweed, seaweed grilled without oil in a frying pan, and seasoned seaweed brushed with sesame oil and sprinkled with salt. As a result, 13 types of amino acids were detected in dried seaweed, but fewer amino acids were found in grilled and seasoned seaweed. The process of grilling seaweed over fire or adding oil and salt during grilling reduces or destroys the amino acids present in dried seaweed.

◇Dried seaweed, the unique flavor of seaweed is well preserved.

 

 

Dried seaweed allows for a better appreciation of its unique flavor. Dried seaweed contains a large amount of amino acids that give umami flavor, such as glutamic acid and aspartic acid, as well as amino acids that impart sweetness, such as alanine, glycine, threonine, and serine, enhancing the overall flavor of the seaweed itself. Additionally, dried seaweed generally has higher calcium and potassium content compared to seasoned seaweed, as nutrients are destroyed during the roasting process. Among minerals, dried seaweed also contains the highest levels of zinc, nickel, and cobalt.

 

◇ Roasted seaweed and seasoned seaweed are also rich in minerals

 

However, roasted seaweed and seasoned seaweed are not bad for health.

 

Even though mineral content generally decreases during the roasting process, it is known that seaweed itself is richer in minerals compared to other foods. When eating seasoned seaweed, it is best to choose one with the lowest possible fat and sodium content. This is because the process of applying oil and sprinkling salt can increase the levels of fat and sodium. Alternatively, buying plain dried seaweed with no seasoning and sprinkling a little salt according to personal preference is also an option.

 

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It is said that our country's seaweed is very popular worldwide.

Dried seaweed has more amino acids than seasoned seaweed.

 

However, seasoned seaweed is also not a bad thing.

It seems that I tend to eat more seaweed, especially in winter...

 

Seasoned seaweed... Please check the sodium content.

It will be more helpful.