Hijiki seaweed

How to use hijiki

 The stem of hijiki is long hijiki "naga hijiki", and the bud of the tip is hijiki "mehijiki".  When cooking, wash the hijiki seaweed with water to remove dust.  Soak in plenty of water for 20-30 minutes before use.  When dried hijiki is soaked in water, the amount to about 8.5 times .  In Japan, it is used for ingredients such as simmered dishes, salads, and cooked rice.  After soaking the hijiki seaweed in water, drain hijiki in a colander store it in a closed container and store it in a cool and dark place away from direct sunlight.

Nutrients contained in hijiki

Seaweeds, including hijiki, are high in iodine, sodium, potassium and calcium.  Among them, hijiki contains a lot of iodine and calcium.

The vitamins contained in hijiki include many vitamins such as A, B1, B2, B6, B12, niacin, folic acid, C and E.

Hijiki is low in calories and is rich in nutrients necessary for the body such as proteins such as amino acids and vitamins.

Iodine "ヨウ素"

Iodine is a mineral contained in the body of an adult at about 10 to 20 mg, and most of it is present in the thyroid gland.  Dietary iodine is absorbed by the stomach and intestines and taken from the blood into the thyroid gland.  The thyroid gland secretes hormones necessary for maintaining the metabolism of the body, and iodine is a material for making thyroxine and triiodothyronine, which are one of the thyroid hormones.  The physiological functions of these hormones are not yet fully understood, but they are mainly involved in protein synthesis and enzymatic action.  Since it is responsible for cell metabolism by promoting basal metabolism and increasing oxygen consumption, it can be said that it has a role of promoting growth during the growth period and promoting basal metabolism in adults.

Dietary fiber "食物繊維"

Dietary fiber, which is abundant in hijiki, has various functions.  Dietary fiber can be insoluble or water-soluble.  Insoluble fiber boosts bowel movements, shortens the transit time of ingested food, increases stool volume, and promotes stool excretion.  These actions improve the intestinal environment and help prevent constipation and intestinal illness.

The main function of water-soluble dietary fiber is to absorb water and swell to prolong the residence time of ingested food in the stomach, and when sugar is absorbed in the small intestine, sugar is digested by water-soluble dietary fiber. It becomes difficult to come into contact with enzymes and moderates the rise in blood glucose level that accompanies absorption.

Dietary fiber also interferes with the absorption of cholesterol, making it easier to excrete from the body.  It can be said that these actions help prevent and improve diabetes and dyslipidemia.  Alginic acid, a type of dietary fiber contained in seaweed, is known to have cholesterol, blood pressure lowering and intestinal regulating effects, and is expected to have antitumor effects.

Iron "鉄分"

Iron, which has been thought to be abundant in hijiki, is one of the minerals that make up hemoglobin (a protein present in red blood cells) and various enzymes.  It also plays an important role in transporting oxygen throughout the body as a component of red blood cells.  The deficiency can lead to anemia and impaired motor and cognitive function.