Get Yourself Acquainted With Cochayuyo, a Seaweed From Chile

Cochayuyo — its name is truly like no other. But wait until you see what it looks like! Without any doubt, it’s one of the strangest sea vegetables ever to grace the planet. It consists of long brown-colored stems that gradually taper — there are no leaves whatsoever. Also, it is often sold at markets bundled up, so it’s definitely a head-turner.

But what makes cochayuyo even more interesting is the fact that it offers so many health perks, thanks to its nutritional profile that can impress. In this article, you will learn what some of those are.

Prior to getting you introduced to the many benefits that cochayuyo is known to offer, let’s get to know it better.

Cochayuyo is a sea vegetable that’s native to Chile. It got its name from a Quechua phrase that translates to “sea grass” in English. Yup, that’s exactly how cochayuyo looks like, but only several times larger!

Just like many other sea vegetables, cochayuyo is a nutritional powerhouse. It supplies the body with fiber, protein, iron, manganese, magnesium, selenium potassium, calcium, phosphorous, zinc, sodium and vitamins B, C and E. And as one would expect from a sea vegetable, cochayuyo is loaded with iodine. By the way, this Chilean treat straight from the ocean is also a wonderful source of omega-3 fatty acids, or what’s also known to some as healthy fat.

Unfortunately, a lot of people are not happy with the intense taste of cochayuyo. Fortunately, you don’t need to eat a lot it because it’s dense in nutrients. A few thin slices of it may be added to omellettes, soups, stews and various rice dishes. Sprinkling raw chopped cochayuyo on salads may be done as well.

As you can see, there are lots of ways to include cochayuyo in your diet on a regular basis. And why is it a good idea for you to do that? Here are some of the best reasons why:

It Lowers High Blood Pressure

One of the many, many nutrients present in cochayuyo is potassium. Everyone knows that potassium is a mineral that can help lower the blood pressure. It works by widening the blood vessels, thus permitting the blood to flow through them without trouble. Potassium also regulates the blood pressure by flushing out excess water.

It Strengthens the Immune System

There are two things that make cochayuyo an excellent booster of the immune system. First, it supplies the body with zinc that is essential for the production of certain immunity cells. Second, cochayuyo is loaded with vitamin C, a nutrient necessitated by the various cells of your immune system to function optimally.

It Keeps the Bones Tough

Every serving of cochayuyo provides the body with adequate amounts of calcium. This is why the regular inclusion of this Chilean sea vegetable in the diet can help in keeping fractures and osteoporosis at bay. By the way, cochayuyo also contains magnesium, a mineral that assists the bones in absorbing calcium present in the bloodstream.

It Helps Ward Off Constipation

Just like most other vegetables out there, cochayuyo is also rich in dietary fiber even if it’s harvested from the ocean. This only means that consuming it on a regular basis can help in promoting regular bowel movement. Doctors say that a diet containing good amounts of fiber can help prevent hemorrhoids and may lower colon cancer risk.

It Keeps the Joints Pain-Free

Earlier, it was mentioned that cochayuyo supplies the body with those healthy fat called omega-3 fatty acids. They are especially beneficial for individuals who suffer from achy joints because those omega-3’s help fight off inflammation. Additionally, they are also important for healthy heart, brain and skin.

Don’t forget to repost this article on social media to let your friends and family know about cochayuyo, an impressively nutritious sea vegetable coming straight from Chile!

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