Did You Know?

By Diana Cox

Did you know that seaweeds, ounce for ounce, are higher in vitamins and minerals than any other food? That’s right and for all you vegetarians, they are a complete source of amino acids. We have medicinal records using seaweeds from 3000 B.C. in China. Ancient Egyptians, through the time of Cleopatra, used seaweed soaks as body restoratives.

With all the concern with cancer, did you know seaweeds carry powerful antioxidant and anti-cancer activity? Over 47 different varieties of seaweeds are known to possess anti-cancer activity. Japanese studies show that a diet with as little as 5% seaweeds inhibits cancer growth, even causing remission of some active tumors. Kombu contains the substance, U-fucoidan, which has been found to cause cancer cells to self destruct.

Seaweeds are also loaded with body building minerals like calcium, iron, iodine and potassium. Just one-half cup of cooked hijiki contains more iron than two eggs and the same amount of calcium as a half-cup of milk!

Seaweed is not only good for your internal health, it’s also has many benefits externally as well. Beauty and the Seaweed: Now to discuss what most women really care about. Did you know seaweeds add amazing luster to the skin? A seaweed face mask increases circulation, stimulates lymphatic drainage and dilates capillaries to tone your skin. Seaweed extract retexturizes sun damaged skin.

Okay, all this talk has really made me want to relax and take a-you guessed it- a seaweed bath. Here’s how we will do it:

• Buy dried seaweeds from health food store.
• Run very hot water over the seaweed in a tub, filling it to the point that you will be covered when you recline.
• The water will turn rich brown as the plants release their minerals.
• As you soak, the gel from the seaweed transfers onto your skin.
• This coating increases perspiration to release toxins from your system and replaces them by osmosis with minerals.
• Rub your skin, especially cellulitic areas, with the sea leaves during the bath.
• When the seaweeds have done their work, the gel coating dissolves and floats off the skin, and the leaves shrivel- a sign that the bath is over.
• This bath generally lasts about 45 minutes to balance the acid-alkaline system, which encourages liver activity, cellulite release and fat metabolism.
• The final step is to dry brush skin.

Join me next month for Did You Know when we explore something new. In the meantime, enjoy your bath.

(If you are under a doctor’s care for heart disease or high blood pressure, check with your physician to see if a seaweed bath is okay for you).