Hijiki

Hijiki or hiziki is a brown sea vegetable growing wild on rocky coastlines around Japan, Korea, and China. The written kanji kinds of its 2 names, which are examples of ateji, literally imply deer-tail yard and sheep-nest grass, respectively. Hijiki is a traditional food and has belonged of a well balanced diet in Japan for centuries. Hijiki is understood to be rich in dietary fiber and essential minerals such as calcium, iron and magnesium. According to Japanese folklore, hijiki help health and beauty, and thick, black, lustrous hair is linked to routine consumption of percentages of hijiki. Hijiki has been sold in United Kingdom natural items shops for 30 years and hijiki’s cooking usages have actually been embraced in North America. Current research studies have actually revealed that hijiki contains potentially hazardous quantities of inorganic arsenic, and food security companies of a number of nations have advised against its consumption. [1]

The History of Hijiki

Hijiki was consumed since ancient times.

Japan originally did not have calcium in the soil and might not obtain calcium from vegetable and water like European countries. To conquer the issue, portable and preservable seaweed was appreciated and taken into their diet plan.

Hijiki believed to be consumed because Yayoi age (100-200AC). What believed to be hijiki was discovered in piece of pottery Ryugado cave in Kochi prefecture. [2]

Nutritional Information

Nutrition info displayed such as percent meal value and PFC balance scales are based upon a 1800 calorie diet plan for females between ages 18 and 29 years of ages weighing around 112 pounds and day-to-day dietary requirements. [3]
While hijiki may be a delicious addition to your meals, it also serves a very functional function in the human diet plan. Hijiki, like lots of sea vegetables, includes a wide variety of essential minerals for the body, as well as significant levels of dietary fiber, vitamin K, calcium, iron, magnesium, and iodine.

Health Advantages of Hijiki

Health advantages of hijiki consist of the following:.

May Help Balance Hormonal Agents

Although we seldom speak about iodine as a part of our diet, it is an essential part of staying healthy and keeping our physical processes on track. Iodine plays a significant role in the adjustment and balance of our hormonal agents, as it straight interacts with the thyroid gland, one of the most crucial aspects of the whole endocrine system. Although excessive iodine can be harmful, most people do not get enough, and hijiki is an excellent place to discover some!

May Improve Digestive Health

Seaweed is the ultimate leafy green vegetable, and like so many other veggies, it is loaded with dietary fiber, which ensures that your digestion process is smooth and healthy. Dietary fiber promotes peristaltic movement to move food through the digestive tract, optimizing nutrient consumption, and decreasing irregularity along the way.

May Enhance Energy Levels

The iron content of hijiki is unprecedentedly high for a veggie; some varieties that have been evaluated have up to 5 times more iron than chicken liver, which is considered one of the most concentrated sources for that vital mineral. This means that the avoidance of anemia is very easy with hijiki as a part of your weekly diet. Proper levels of iron in your body increase your red cell count, which can increase oxygenation to your extremities and boost total energy levels.

May Improve Bone Health

One of the inevitable parts of getting old is losing our strength and needing to be more concerned about the toughness of our bones. However, if you have a proper influx of minerals through your diet, than you can substantially prevent the painful and devastating condition of osteoporosis. Hijiki contains far more calcium than milk, which is typically thought about one of the best dietary sources. Hijiki can absolutely assist keep you strong and active for many years.

May Assist Examine Cholesterol Levels

Hijiki is not only a low-calorie food that fills you up, due to the high level of fiber, but that exact same dietary fiber also removes excess cholesterol from the cardiovascular system and helps to stabilize glucose and insulin levels within the body. Optimizing the digestive system has many unexpected benefits for the rest of the body, and sea vegetables can be a great location to benefit from them.

Might Induce Sleep

Magnesium has actually been called an efficient sleep aid for several years, primarily due to the fact that it can stimulate the production of certain hormonal agents that induce relaxation and tension release, naturally lending itself to restful sleep. The potentially high levels of magnesium in hijiki suggest that it would be a fantastic late-night snack in case sleep is avoiding you. All you need is a magnesium increase! [4]

Hijiki advantages for skin and hairs

Parts utilized

• Seaweed.

Seaweed is considered to be the eventual green leafy veggie and, comparable to numerous other vegetables, it is packed with dietary fiber that is healthy for your gastrointestinal process. Moreover, dietary fiber guarantees smooth movement of bowels by means of promoting peristaltic movement, which transfers the consumed foods through the digestive tract. This, in turn, helps the body to make the most of ingested nutrients and, at the same time, reduces the dangers of constipation.

Generally, the Japanese think that usage of hijiki helps to keep their hair shiny and healthy. Considering the loads of nutrients contained by this seaweed, possibly it is likewise helpful for the health of our skin and nail.

Compared to any other vegetables, hijiki contains incredibly raised levels of iron. In fact, tests on some ranges of this seaweed have actually shown that they contain about five times more iron compared to what is found in a chicken liver. For that reason, hijiki is considered to contain the optimum concentration of this necessary mineral. To put it simply, incorporating hijiki in one’s weekly diet assists to avoid establishing anemia. In addition, when the level of iron is appropriate in your body, it assists to augment the count of red cell. This, in turn, assists to supply more oxygen to the extremities and, at the same time, increases the energy levels in general.

Loss of strength is one of the downsides that we deal with as we age. In addition, the resilience of our bones likewise becomes less when we become old. Nonetheless, incorporating the right amount of minerals in our routine diet plan helps to prevent the unbearable along with weakening conditions connected to osteoporosis. It has actually been discovered that the calcium material of hijiki is more compared to milk, which is thought to be amongst the very best dietary sources of this necessary mineral. There is no doubt that usage of hijiki works in keeping one healthy as well as active for several years.

Hijiki offers numerous other health benefits. While its calorie material is really low, consumption of this seaweed gives one a sensation of fullness for a long time. Considering that hijiki includes raised levels of fiber, it helps to get rid of extreme cholesterol from one’s cardiovascular system. At the same time, intake of this seaweed assists to preserve a healthy balance in between insulin and glucose in the body. When the digestion system operates efficiently, it offers many advantages to the staying body parts. For that reason, consuming hijiki and other sea veggies can assist to keep your gastrointestinal system as well as other parts of the body in sound health.

It has been established that magnesium promotes sound sleep, generally since this vital mineral promotes particular hormonal agent production that assists the body to launch tension and unwind. This, in turn, helps us to sleep and rest well. Since hijiki includes raised levels of this important mineral, taking this seaweed as a late night treat will assist in sound sleep, consequently promoting your mental and physical health. [5]
Below are simply 12 ways in which seaweed’s minerals and vitamins can benefit your skin and your hair.

1. Vitamins and Minerals

An amazing mix of minerals and vitamins are discovered in seaweed, including B1, B2, B3, B6, E, H, K3, Vitamin C, Beta-Carotene and a lot more. All of these assistance enhance your skin and keep it in fantastic condition. Our skin soaks up seaweed right down to the skin to hydrate and nourish cells, harvesting the goodness from the sea, revitalising and stimulating our skin. Seaweed assists remove dead skin cells, hydrates the skin and after that forms a protective barrier to keep it hydrated and conditioned.

Idea: Aalgo Organic Seaweed either applied as a paste, or powder shaken into a bath for a long relaxing soak, enables your skin to soak up the energy and strength from the sea.

2. Anti-aging

The Anti-aging affect brought on by seaweed is because of the immediate hydration seaweed has on the skin when applied as a facial. The seaweed tightens up the skin cells and with its high level of vitamins, improves the skins natural radiance triggering an anti-aging affect. Furthermore, the amino acids found in seaweed plump up your skin, enhancing its flexibility, raveling any great lines for much healthier, firmer skin.

Used in the bath it hydrates the entire body, seeing anti-aging outcomes all over, for smoother and supple skin.

Tip: Aalgo powder combined with water into a cream and applied as a facial 3 times a week for 5mins, will keep your skin glowing. Or take in a luke warm Aalgo bath and feel completely revitalized with purified skin.

3. Cellulite

Medically Cellulite is the name provided to explain the deposits of fat and contaminants trapped in pockets of connective tissue below the skin.

Seaweed covers are used around the world and are considered the most effective treatment for cellulite as the seaweed draws the body of contaminants and heavy metals out of the body, helping with detoxing. After a wrap, the body feels contoured and the skin feels smoother and enriched.

Idea: Mix Aalgo with warm water into a cream and use as a seaweed wrap. You’ll be ready for that summer season holiday.

For best outcomes, always drink 8 x glasses of still water in conjunction with the application of wraps daily. This increases the cleansing procedure and assists in the breakdown of the fat cells triggering the cellulite.

4. Acne and Unclogs Pores

Seaweed deep cleans our skin and minimizes the accumulation of spots and acne. In extracting the toxins it rids the skin of blackheads and stimulates the renewal of harmed skin cells, leaving a clear skin tone, smooth texture, tone and total better appearance of the skin.

Pointer: Quick and simple 2 teaspoons of Aalgo powder combined with water into a cream, use as a facial for 5mins, 3 times a week, this will provide you astounding lead to three to 4 weeks.

5. Acne Rosacea

With all the nutrients and minerals held inside seaweed it naturally unblocks all those pores leaving your skin refreshed and clear. All black and white heads cleansed away.

Tip: Aalgo combined with water into a cream and applied as a facial for 5 minutes daily will keep your pores cleared and cleansed and the redness at bay.

6. Dry Skin

Our body’s absorb seaweed in its pure form through the pores and this rehydrates our skin naturally from within, likewise as a natural exfoliant organic seaweed gently sloughs away dead skin cells leaving your skin fully refreshed and hydrated.

Idea: Take in a luke warm Aalgo bath and feel the all over full hydration.

For extremely dry skin apply Aalgo as a paste covering with cling film for about fifteen minutes and remove by soaking in a luke warm Aalgo bath.

7. Eczema

Individuals who swim in the sea find an immediate remedy for the signs of eczema, such as dry, sore, red, scratchy, cracked and inflamed skin. Over a period of time, everyday swimming in the sea clears the skin entirely of eczema. This is now clinically accepted and with the effective treatment of seaweed, you can likewise heal, soothe your skin and discover remedy for this stubborn and painful skin condition.

Suggestion: Where you can, try to swim in tidy seawater as this is such an effective therapist, however also use in conjunction with Aalgo as we have actually focused all the recovery residential or commercial properties into our organic seaweed powder. This is a basic home option that works. Take in a tepid Aalgo bath daily and feel it relieve away scratchy dry skin.

Continue daily up until the skin is soft and flexible.

8. Child Eczema

There are extremely couple of products we’re comfortable in applying to our child’s skin, specifically when it aches, red and really scratchy. Organic seaweed relieves and minimizes the itch and exfoliates away the dry scaling skin very rapidly.

Tip: Merely including Aalgo natural seaweed to a warm bath, relieves the skin, stops the itching, which assists that vicious cycle of itch-scratch-itch enabling your children skin to recover. Use daily. No more sleepless nights.

9. Detox

With Seaweed’s various vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, it is a perfect product to include in your detoxing routine. Seaweed extracts toxic substances and expels them from the body. You are left with a luxurious feeling later on when your body is fully revitalised, refreshed and purified.

Idea: As recommended by ‘GAPS’ an Aalgo Organic Seaweed bath or facial assists in getting rid of impurities from the system, drawing out all toxins and helps get rid of heavy metals.

Boost water usage when detoxing.

10. Psoriasis

The sea is known, and the Dead Sea in particular for clearing the noticeable indications of Psoriasis, if continued for 6 weeks the outcomes will last for a year approximately. Because of its amazing exfoliating residential or commercial properties, seaweed works wonders on the treatment of Psoriasis, offering relief and descaling plaqued skin.

Tip: Aalgo Organic Seaweed mixed with water into a cream and applied to the dry areas, exfoliates away the dry scaling. Follow this with daily bathing in a lukewarm Aalgo bath which lowers the red/purple blotches. Aalgo shampoo bar is incredible for the scalp.

11. Broken heels

As seaweed works as such a strong exfoliator, it does marvels for broken heels on the soles of the feet. Not just that however will likewise relieve any aches and discomforts in the feet at the same time.

Tip: Soak your feet in a tepid Aalgo footspa and delight in the dead skin cells exfoliating away.

For very dry skin use Aalgo as a paste covering with cling movie, and a heavy sock, for about fifteen minutes and remove by taking in a lukewarm Aalgo footspa.

12. Alopecia

Seaweed contains high levels of silicon to renew skin cells in addition to amino acids which stimulate hair follicles, motivating hair development. It also rehydrates and moisturises the present hair allowing it to shine.

Idea: Mix Aalgo with warm water into a cream and use all over the scalp and hair. Wrap in cooking area stick film, behind the ears, and leave on for half an hour. Rinse with Aalgo hair shampoo bar. Repeat this procedure every other day to see a visible improvement of your hair. [6]

5 Ways to Serve Hijiki

Hijiki salad is a popular addition to bento boxes that you can also function as a standalone side dish or integrate into lots of other Japanese dishes. Usage hijiki as an addition to these preparations:.

1. In a stir fry. Usage hijiki as the last component in a rice or veggie stir-fry; provide whatever a fast toss in the pan to incorporate, or serve over the leading as a garnish.
2. Mix into soba noodles. Add to prepared and chilled soba noodles for a brilliant, multifaceted meal. (The earthiness of the seaweed is a great complement to the tasty notes of buckwheat noodles.)
3. Mix into sushi rice for onigiri. The filling for onigiri (Japanese rice balls) does not only need to be hidden in its starchy interior: Equally disperse the taste by blending hijiki into the rice, and press into a triangular shape for an on-the-go, nutrient-dense treat.
4. Mix with rice. Toss prepared hijiki salad into steamed long-grain rice for labyrinth gohan (blended rice).
5. As a topping. Serve hijiki over soft, creamy scrambled eggs for a pop of sweet-salty flavor and included texture.

Hijiki Seaweed Salad Dish

Active ingredients

• 1/2 cup dried hijiki
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons mirin
• 2 teaspoons sake
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 cup dashi
• 1 tablespoon neutral oil, like vegetable or grapeseed oil
• 2 large carrots, julienned
• 5 oz. shiitake mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 1– 2 aburaage (fried tofu pouch), very finely sliced, optional
• 1/2 cup shelled, cooked edamame
• Toasted sesame seeds, to garnish

Technique

1. Immerse the hijiki in a large bowl of water and rehydrate for at least 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, drain well and set aside.
2. Integrate the soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, and dashi in a determining glass and blend well to dissolve the sugar.
3. Heat oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Cook the carrot and mushrooms just long enough to soften a little, about 6 minutes.
4. Include the aburaage, hijiki, and soy sauce mix, and toss to integrate. Lower the heat and bring to a simmer. Add the edamame, and prepare a few minutes longer till everything is well-distributed and has actually taken in the sauce.
5. Get rid of from the heat and let cool to space temperature.
6. Garnish with sesame seeds and serve. [7]

Hijiki Side Effects

In spite of all these health benefits, hijiki is known to have an excessively high level of inorganic arsenic, a substance that both carcinogenic and hazardous to human beings. Exposure to high levels is likewise related to liver damage and gastrointestinal problems.

Still, it would need an exceptionally high amount of hijiki to build up enough arsenic to present a health issue. Some nations have however warned their people from taking in excessive of the vegetable.

Extremely excessive iodine consumption can be just as bad as insufficient. Issues like hyperthyroidism are often as a result of excessive intake of iodine-rich foods like hijiki.

Other possible adverse effects include interaction with medication like blood slimmers, typically because of the high vitamin K material. Hijiki could hence present a host of health problems if consumed exceedingly. As with whatever else, it would be a good idea to eat it in moderation. [8]

Daily intake quantity

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan has actually responded with a report mentioning that while the consumption of more than 4.7 g hijiki seaweed daily could result in an intake of inorganic arsenic that surpasses the bearable day-to-day consumption for this substance, the typical daily usage for Japanese individuals is approximated at 0.9 g. Several of the reports from other food safety firms acknowledged that periodic hijiki usage was not likely to trigger significant health dangers however advised against all intake regardless. [9]

Regional circumstance

Samples of hijiki taken under the Food Surveillance Program of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) in November 2004 discovered that the arsenic levels of the samples went beyond the statutory limits (1.4 ppm (parts per million) of arsenic revealed in As 2O 3) under the Food Adulteration (Metallic Contamination) Regulations made under the general public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance. Offenders upon conviction are liable to a fine of $50,000 and to jail time for 6 months. All the products in question have been withdrawn from the marketplace.

Due to the high level of inorganic arsenic present, consumption of a reasonably small amount of hijiki can substantially increase the dietary exposure to arsenic. Additional safety assessment showed that periodic usage of percentage of hijiki is not likely to cause negative health impact. Nevertheless, individuals who are fond of hijiki are at greater danger.

Advice to public

• To prevent usage of hijiki and avoid selecting hijiki as food ingredient.
• To pick foods from markets carefully in particular prepackaged ones by reading their labels to make certain they do not contain hijiki.
• Except the hijiki range, there is no requirement to stop consuming other varieties of seaweed as they consist of high levels of minerals and trace elements such as iodine that are beneficial to health.

Guidance to trade

• To prevent sourcing hijiki as food ingredient.
• To inspect the seaweed supply and its label carefully to ensure it is not hijiki.
• To avoid using hijiki as active ingredient in any kind of foods such as beginners, appetisers in Japanese or Korean foods, etc, and to use other safe food components as substitutes for hijiki.

The bottom line

Hijiki is an uncommon type of seaweed collected primarily from seas off Japan and Korea. It is generally sold in dry and shredded form (short coarse strips) and is practically black in colour. Because of these looks, dried hijiki seaweed is physically distinct from other ranges of seaweed such as arame, kombu, wakame and nori. It is typically used as starter or appetiser in Japanese and Korean cuisines. Hijiki can likewise be used as an ingredient in salad, soup and vegetarian meals. Unlike nori seaweed which is usually offered in dried, thin sheets, hijiki is not utilized in rolling sushi. In Hong Kong, hijiki seaweed is usually sold in Japanese grocery stores and restaurants.

Hijiki might include arsenic naturally at high levels, specifically the more harmful inorganic kind. On the other hand, abroad research studies reveal that arsenic contents in other seaweed ranges such as kombu are mainly in the less hazardous organic type and the levels are much lower than those found in hijiki. Additionally, one of these studies likewise exposes that none of the other ranges is found including detectable level of inorganic arsenic. Based on these findings, seaweed other than the hijiki variety is safe to eat with respect to its arsenic material. [10]

Recommendations

1. https://www.definitions.net/definition/HIJIKI
2. https://www.kurakonusa.com/hijiki/the_history_of_hijiki.html
3. https://slism.com/calorie/109031/
4. https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/vegetable/hijiki.html
5. https://elmaskincare.com/herbs/herbs_hijiki.htm
6. https://aalgo.com/blogs/news/12-health-benefits-of-seaweed-powder-for-your-skin-and-hair
7. https://www.masterclass.com/articles/hijiki-seaweed-salad-recipe
8. https://superfooddrinks.org/5-benefits-of-hijiki-seaweed/
9. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hijiki
10. https://www.cfs.gov.hk/english/programme/programme_rafs/programme_rafs_fc_02_08.html