Kelp Noodle Salad Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is it okay to eat kelp noodles every day? ›

It's important to know that the high iodine levels in kelp noodles can be harmful. That said, your body actually requires a certain amount of iodine to function properly. As long as you aren't eating kelp noodles daily, you should be fine.

Thyroid Health

Kelp contains iodine, and can prevent hypothyroidism. Be careful, though — too much iodine can cause your thyroid to malfunction. Don't eat too much kelp or take a kelp supplement without talking to your doctor.

Nutrition. Kelp noodles are cholesterol, fat, and gluten-free, and also rich in nutrients. A 1/2 cup serving includes 186 milligrams of sodium, 134 milligrams of calcium, 2.28 milligrams of iron, and 52.8 micrograms of vitamin K. They are a good dietary source of iodine.

You can also add vinegar, baking soda or lemon to warm water. Why? What is this? When you add alkaline compounds like these ingredients, they help break down the fibers in the kelp noodles.

Kelp noodle nutrition and health benefits

A healthy food in its own right, kelp has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory abilities and is rich in disease-fighting phytonutrients that help support your immune system [2]. It's also a good source of calcium, an important mineral for bones, muscles, and nerve function.

As a supplement, kelp is used as a natural source of iodine. But the average laminaria-based supplement might contain large amounts of iodine. This can cause decreased thyroid function (hypothyroidism) or increased thyroid function (hyperthyroidism).

Seafood, eggs, milk, and milk products are among the best sources of iodine. Vegans, people with certain food allergies or lactose intolerance, and others who consume no or minimal amounts of these foods might not obtain sufficient amounts of iodine [49,50].

As we mentioned earlier Iodine is required for smooth functioning of the thyroid gland, but excessive amount of this mineral can cause hyperthyroidism. Apart from thyroid imbalance, excessive consumption of kelp can lead to gastrointestinal problems like nausea and diarrhea, as kelp is a natural laxative.

In a study that surveyed seaweed samples from various Asian countries for their iodine content, it was found that kombu kelp contains, by far, the highest amount of iodine compared to other species of seaweed (5). Kombu kelp can contain up to 2,984 mcg of iodine per seaweed sheet (1 gram).

Fucoxanthin found in brown algae such as Wakame, contributes to weight loss by increasing the bodies metabolism. Fucoxanthin is 100% natural and plant based . It targets the most stubborn fats such as belly fat. Speeding up your metabolism will make the body burn off that stored fat faster.

Which is the healthiest noodles in the world? ›

Kelp noodles should be stored in the refrigerator once opened to maintain their freshness. To do so, one should ensure that the noodles are kept in an airtight container or securely sealed plastic bag. This helps in preventing them from drying out and absorbing odors from other foods.

Tips on softening the noodles

You can also combine baking soda with lime juice if you don't have any lemons. After the treatment, the clear seaweed noodles are ready to eat.

When softening the noodles, they don't need to be marinated. You don't need hot water to boil the noodles, rinse and add them to the lemon and baking soda will soften the noodles. You can also use vinegar with baking soda. However, the noodles will pick on a faint vinegar flavor.

Storage: The unopened package will stay fresh in your pantry for up to six months. After opening the package, simply store them in water and refrigerate to prevent the noodles from dehydrating.

Kelp supplements can come with some serious health risks, and excessive amounts of iodine can cause harm to the thyroid. The FDA recommends a dietary intake of 150 micrograms (mcg) of iodine per day.

While the konjac noodles seem like a miracle discovery with few calories and carbohydrates, I would caution you to consume them in moderation like you would any other food. You need a balance of macronutrients to feel your best and you don't want to get too much of any individual food (even healthy ones).

High doses of iodine can cause thyroid dysfunction and have other negative effects. To be safe, the FDA states that a kelp supplement should not provide more than 225 mcg of iodine per daily serving.