Alga Cochayuyo: properties and benefits
Although it is true that they are still a novelty in our diet, it is also true that the number of people who tend to include them in the kitchen tends to be greater. We talk to you about the seaweed, highly consumed in countries such as Japan, which in fact becomes the country with the highest consumption of algae per inhabitant.
Explained in a simple way, we can tell you that the algae they are plants of sweet or salty water that count on the same cycles that the terrestrial plants. Of course, they grow, reproduce and die without the intervention of sowing or irrigation. There are varieties of algae that are better known than others, such as, for example, the spirulina, fucus or kombu.
Although we can also find other species equally healthy from a nutritional point of view, but less known. This is the case of cochayuyo seaweed.
Your name probably surprises you. 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 qualities for health, as well as different nutritional benefits ?. We explain on this occasion everything you need to know about it.
What is cochayuyo algae?
It is a type of seaweed 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 algae majorities that are marketed in markets and supermarkets.
Its flesh is fibrous, firm and quite fleshy. And, as with most marine algae, its aroma is very reminiscent of the sea, and its taste - 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 very used option for the elaboration of broths and soups.
Is about a variety of very valuable seaweed, as well as valued and recognized, due mainly to the dangerous nature of its collection, given that 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 removing them to the shore, to later be collected and set to dry on the different rocks.
Benefits of cochayuyo alga
Interesting qualities in case of high cholesterol
Thanks to its richness in fiber, it is able to reduce blood cholesterol levels, thanks to the fact that it is capable of dragging part of the cholesterol from food and helping to eliminate it through faeces.
It becomes, therefore, an interesting natural option in case of high cholesterol.
Useful in weight loss diets
Whether you follow a weight loss diet or simply follow 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 controlling hunger and eating less.
On the other hand, we must mention its high iodine content, and its low fat content.
Prevents goiter and hypothyroidism
As with most marine algae, the cochayuyo stands out for its high iodine content. In fact, 100 grams of dry part of this seaweed provide 490 mg. of iodine.
It becomes, therefore, a very useful natural option when it comes to preventing both hypothyroidism and the appearance of goiter.
Help eliminate toxins
Not only for its high fiber content, but for its contribution in alginic acid, is an interesting option when it comes to eliminate accumulated toxins in the body, acting also as a natural depurative.
Useful against fatigue
Are you in times of fatigue and need an extra supply of energy? In this sense, the cochayuyo algae can become an extremely interesting option, especially if you suffer from chronic exhaustion or extreme tiredness.
Why? This is because of its high contribution of proteins, trace elements and minerals, which have the advantage of helping when it comes to toning our body.
Nutritional information of cochayuyo alga
From a nutritional point of view, the cochayuyo seaweed stands out mainly for being:
- Rich in proteins and trace elements.
- Highlights its mineral content: potassium, iodine, sodium, iron, calcium, magnesium and manganese.
On the other hand, we must mention that 100 grams of dry part of cochayuyo seaweed they contribute:
- 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 Cochayuyo seaweed has interesting benefits for our health, it also has certain contraindications that make its consumption not so advised.
For example, 100 grams of cochayuyo provide 3,450 mg. of sodium, so its use is not recommended in case of hypertension. This article is published for informational purposes only. You can not and should not replace the consultation with a Nutritionist. We advise you to consult your trusted Nutritionist.
