Monday, September 08, 2014

KELP NOODLES - Articles by a Naturopathic Doctor ( N.D.)

Kelp noodles are gluten-free,
fat-free and sugar-free!
A whole package has less than 20 calories!

Dr. Oz has named kelp noodles the new, “No-carb pasta” because they are very low in carbohydrates and calories. A whole package is only 20 calories! So, if you are looking for a healthy, gluten-free pasta substitute, then give kelp noodles a try. They are so easy to use that they don’t even require cooking.

What are Kelp Noodles?

Kelp noodles typically have 3 ingredients; kelp, sodium alginate and water. Kelp is edible brown seaweed and sodium alginate is a salt derived from seaweed. These simple ingredients make kelp noodles a healthy alternative to pasta because seaweeds are nutrient-dense and are full of minerals. Kelp noodles contain zero fat, zero cholesterol and zero sugar. On top of all that, they are gluten-free! Kelp noodles also contain no protein and have only 1 gram of fiber per serving, so it is best to eat kelp noodles with natural sources of protein and fiber like legumes to balance your meal.

What are Kelp Noodles used for?

Kelp noodles are used in cooking and as a comfort-food substitute. Making diet and lifestyle changes are challenging, however there are ways to make it easier and tastier. Using kelp noodles in place of pastas or other high calorie noodles is one way to make your transition easier. 

Kelp noodles are great for those individuals who want to lose weight because they are very low in calories and one serving has less than 10 calories. Since they are gluten-free, they make a great choice for anyone who is avoiding gluten or has gluten allergies. Kelp noodles are rich in iodine, which is important for thyroid health and preventing hypothyroidism

You can use kelp noodles if you are following a raw food diet because they do not require cooking in their preparation. However, not all kelp noodles are raw, so be sure to carefully read the manufacturer’s label. 

How do Kelp Noodles work?

Since kelp noodles are made from kelp, they have many of the benefits that eating kelp does. Kelp is naturally rich in iodine and contains over 70 minerals and trace elements like potassium, magnesium, calcium and iron. Iodine is a trace mineral and essential nutrient that you need to get through your diet by eating sea vegetables like kelp. Iodine is used by your thyroid to make thyroid hormones and plays a key role in metabolism and thyroid function. However, like all foods, moderation is the key to balance. You can get too much iodine, which can make some thyroid conditions worse, so do not consume more than 3-4 servings of kelp noodles per week.

How do you use them?

Kelp noodles do not require cooking and can be used right out of the bag. Just rinse under water, pat dry and incorporate into your favourite dishes. Rinsing reduces the salt content and taste. Kelp noodle’s neutral taste makes them a great addition to flavourful salads, stir-fries, hot broths and casseroles. While you expect them to taste like a noodle because they are shaped that way, they really have no taste and tend to pick up the flavor of what ever they are mixed with. The texture is mildly crunchy or a little like al dente pasta.

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