Hijiki

Hijiki or hiziki is a brown sea veggie growing wild on rocky coastlines around Japan, Korea, and China. The written kanji kinds of its two names, which are examples of ateji, actually mean deer-tail yard and sheep-nest grass, respectively. Hijiki is a conventional food and has been a part of a well balanced diet in Japan for centuries. Hijiki is understood to be abundant in dietary fiber and necessary minerals such as calcium, iron and magnesium. According to Japanese folklore, hijiki aids health and charm, and thick, black, lustrous hair is connected to routine intake of small amounts of hijiki. Hijiki has been sold in UK natural items stores for thirty years and hijiki’s cooking uses have been adopted in North America. Current research studies have revealed that hijiki contains possibly hazardous quantities of inorganic arsenic, and food safety firms of several nations have advised against its usage. [1]

The History of Hijiki

Hijiki was consumed considering that ancient times.

Japan initially lacked calcium in the soil and might not get calcium from vegetable and water like European nations. To get rid of the issue, portable and preservable seaweed was appreciated and taken into their diet.

Hijiki thought to be taken in considering that Yayoi period (100-200AC). What thought to be hijiki was found in piece of pottery Ryugado cave in Kochi prefecture. [2]

Nutritional Details

Nutrition information showed such as percent meal worth and PFC balance scales are based on a 1800 calorie diet plan for females in between ages 18 and 29 years of ages weighing around 112 pounds and daily dietary requirements. [3]
While hijiki may be a yummy addition to your meals, it also serves an extremely practical role in the human diet. Hijiki, like numerous sea vegetables, includes a wide range of vital minerals for the body, along with considerable levels of dietary fiber, vitamin K, calcium, iron, magnesium, and iodine.

Health Benefits of Hijiki

Health benefits of hijiki include the following:.

Might Help Balance Hormonal Agents

Although we hardly ever talk about iodine as a part of our diet plan, it is an essential part of staying healthy and keeping our bodily procedures on track. Iodine plays a major role in the control and balance of our hormones, as it directly interacts with the thyroid gland, among the most important aspects of the entire endocrine system. Although extreme iodine can be dangerous, most people don’t get enough, and hijiki is a great location to discover some!

May Improve Digestive Health

Seaweed is the supreme leafy green vegetable, and like so lots of other veggies, it is loaded with dietary fiber, which guarantees that your digestive procedure is smooth and healthy. Dietary fiber stimulates peristaltic movement to move food through the digestive tract, maximizing nutrient consumption, and lowering irregularity along the way.

May Enhance Energy Levels

The iron content of hijiki is unprecedentedly high for a vegetable; some ranges that have been evaluated have up to 5 times more iron than chicken liver, which is considered among the most focused sources for that necessary mineral. This indicates that the prevention of anemia is really easy with hijiki as a part of your weekly diet. Correct levels of iron in your body increase your red cell count, which can increase oxygenation to your extremities and enhance total energy levels.

May Improve Bone Health

Among the inevitable parts of getting old is losing our strength and having to be more concerned about the sturdiness of our bones. However, if you have an appropriate influx of minerals through your diet plan, than you can significantly avoid the agonizing and debilitating condition of osteoporosis. Hijiki consists of far more calcium than milk, which is typically considered among the very best dietary sources. Hijiki can definitely help keep you strong and active for several years.

May Assist Inspect Cholesterol Levels

Hijiki is not just a low-calorie food that fills you up, due to the high level of fiber, but that same dietary fiber likewise eliminates excess cholesterol from the cardiovascular system and assists to balance glucose and insulin levels within the body. Optimizing the digestion system has numerous unforeseen advantages for the rest of the body, and sea vegetables can be a fantastic place to benefit from them.

May Induce Sleep

Magnesium has been called an effective sleep help for many years, mostly because it can promote the production of specific hormones that cause relaxation and tension release, naturally providing itself to relaxing sleep. The possibly high levels of magnesium in hijiki indicate that it would be a fantastic late-night snack in case sleep is avoiding you. All you require is a magnesium increase! [4]

Hijiki benefits for skin and hairs

Parts utilized

• Seaweed.

Seaweed is considered to be the ultimate green leafy veggie and, similar to a number of other vegetables, it is packed with dietary fiber that is healthy for your digestive process. Moreover, dietary fiber guarantees smooth motion of bowels by means of promoting peristaltic motion, which transfers the consumed foods through the digestive system. This, in turn, assists the body to maximize consumed nutrients and, at the same time, lowers the dangers of constipation.

Generally, the Japanese think that intake of hijiki assists to keep their hair shiny and healthy. Considering the loads of nutrients consisted of by this seaweed, perhaps it is also valuable for the health of our skin and nail.

Compared to any other vegetables, hijiki contains exceptionally elevated levels of iron. In fact, tests on some varieties of this seaweed have actually shown that they contain about five times more iron compared to what is found in a chicken liver. Therefore, hijiki is thought about to consist of the optimum concentration of this vital mineral. To put it simply, incorporating hijiki in one’s weekly diet helps to prevent establishing anemia. In addition, when the level of iron is appropriate in your body, it assists to augment the count of red blood cells. 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 among the drawbacks that we face as we get older. In addition, the resilience of our bones also becomes less when we become old. However, including the right amount of minerals in our routine diet plan assists to prevent the unbearable as well as weakening conditions related to osteoporosis. It has actually been discovered that the calcium material of hijiki is more compared to milk, which is thought to be among the very best dietary sources of this vital mineral. There is no doubt that consumption of hijiki works in keeping one healthy along with active for several years.

Hijiki offers a number of other health benefits. While its calorie content is extremely low, intake of this seaweed offers one a sensation of fullness for a long time. Considering that hijiki consists of raised levels of fiber, it assists to eliminate extreme cholesterol from one’s cardiovascular system. At the same time, ingestion of this seaweed helps to preserve a healthy balance in between insulin and glucose in the body. When the digestion system works efficiently, it uses many benefits to the remaining body parts. Therefore, taking in hijiki and other sea vegetables can assist to keep your digestive tract along with other parts of the body in sound health.

It has been developed that magnesium promotes sound sleep, generally since this necessary mineral promotes specific hormone production that assists the body to release stress and relax. This, in turn, helps us to sleep and rest well. Considering that hijiki contains elevated levels of this vital mineral, taking this seaweed as a late night snack will assist in sound sleep, therefore promoting your psychological and physical health. [5]
Below are just 12 ways in which seaweed’s minerals and vitamins can benefit your skin and your hair.

1. Vitamins and Minerals

An incredible blend of minerals and vitamins are found in seaweed, consisting of B1, B2, B3, B6, E, H, K3, Vitamin C, Beta-Carotene and a lot more. All of these aid enhance your skin and keep it in great condition. Our skin soaks up seaweed right to the epidermis to hydrate and nourish cells, harvesting the goodness from the sea, revitalising and revitalizing our skin. Seaweed helps get rid of 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, allows your skin to soak up the energy and strength from the sea.

2. Anti-aging

The Anti-aging affect triggered by seaweed is because of the instant hydration seaweed has on the skin when applied as a facial. The seaweed tightens the skin cells and with its high level of vitamins, improves the skins natural radiance triggering an anti-aging affect. Additionally, the amino acids found in seaweed plump up your skin, improving its elasticity, smoothing out any fine lines for much healthier, firmer skin.

Utilized in the bath it hydrates the whole body, seeing anti-aging results all over, for smoother and supple skin.

Idea: Aalgo powder combined with water into a cream and applied as a facial 3 times a week for 5mins, will keep your skin radiant. Or soak in a luke warm Aalgo bath and feel fully refreshed with cleansed skin.

3. Cellulite

Scientifically Cellulite is the name provided to describe the deposits of fat and contaminants trapped in pockets of connective tissue underneath the skin.

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

Tip: Mix Aalgo with warm water into a cream and use as a seaweed wrap. You’ll be ready for that summertime vacation.

For finest results, always consume 8 x glasses of still water in conjunction with the application of covers daily. This increases the detoxing procedure and helps in the breakdown of the fat cells causing the cellulite.

4. Acne and Unclogs Pores

Seaweed deep cleans our skin and minimizes the accumulation of spots and acne. In extracting the contaminants it rids the skin of blackheads and promotes the renewal of damaged skin cells, leaving a clear skin tone, smooth texture, tone and total improved look of the skin.

Idea: Quick and easy 2 teaspoons of Aalgo powder mixed with water into a cream, use as a facial for 5mins, 3 times a week, this will offer you amazing lead to 3 to 4 weeks.

5. Acne Rosacea

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

Idea: Aalgo blended with water into a cream and used as a facial for 5 mins daily will keep your pores cleared and cleaned and the soreness 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, also as a natural exfoliant organic seaweed gently sloughs away dead skin cells leaving your skin totally refreshed and hydrated.

Suggestion: Take in a luke warm Aalgo bath and feel the all over complete hydration.

For exceptionally dry skin use Aalgo as a paste covering with cling film for about fifteen minutes and eliminate by soaking in a luke warm Aalgo bath.

7. Eczema

People who swim in the sea discover an instant remedy for the signs of eczema, such as dry, aching, red, scratchy, cracked and inflamed skin. Over a time period, day-to-day swimming in the sea clears the skin entirely of eczema. This is now medically accepted and with the reliable treatment of seaweed, you can also heal, relieve your skin and discover remedy for this stubborn and agonizing skin disorder.

Pointer: Where you can, try to swim in tidy seawater as this is such a powerful therapist, however likewise use in conjunction with Aalgo as we have actually concentrated all the recovery properties into our organic seaweed powder. This is a basic house option that works. Soak in a tepid Aalgo bath daily and feel it relieve away scratchy dry skin.

Continue daily till the skin is soft and flexible.

8. Child Eczema

There are really few products we’re comfortable in applying to our infant’s skin, particularly when it aches, red and really scratchy. Organic seaweed soothes and eases the itch and exfoliates away the dry scaling skin extremely quickly.

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

9. Detox

With Seaweed’s many vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants, it is a perfect item to consist of in your detoxing regime. Seaweed extracts contaminants and expels them from the body. You are left with a glamorous feeling afterwards when your body is totally revitalised, refreshed and cleansed.

Idea: As recommended by ‘GAPS’ an Aalgo Organic Seaweed bath or facial helps in removing pollutants from the system, extracting all toxins and helps get rid of heavy metals.

Increase water consumption when detoxing.

10. Psoriasis

The sea is known, and the Dead Sea in particular for clearing the visible indications of Psoriasis, if continued for 6 weeks the outcomes will last for a year or two. Because of its remarkable exfoliating homes, seaweed works marvels on the treatment of Psoriasis, giving relief and descaling plaqued skin.

Idea: Aalgo Organic Seaweed blended with water into a cream and applied to the dry areas, exfoliates away the dry scaling. Follow this with day-to-day bathing in a lukewarm Aalgo bath which reduces the red/purple spots. Aalgo shampoo bar is fantastic for the scalp.

11. Cracked heels

As seaweed works as such a strong exfoliator, it does wonders for split heels on the soles of the feet. Not only that however will also relieve any pains and pains in the feet at the same time.

Tip: Soak your feet in a warm Aalgo footspa and take pleasure in the dead skin cells exfoliating away.

For exceptionally dry skin use Aalgo as a paste covering with stick film, and a heavy sock, for about fifteen minutes and remove by taking in a tepid Aalgo footspa.

12. Alopecia

Seaweed contains high levels of silicon to restore skin cells along with amino acids which stimulate roots, encouraging hair development. It likewise rehydrates and moisturises the current hair allowing it to shine.

Pointer: Mix Aalgo with warm water into a cream and use all over the scalp and hair. Wrap in kitchen stick movie, behind the ears, and leave on for half an hour. Wash out with Aalgo hair shampoo bar. Repeat this process every other day to see a visible enhancement of your hair. [6]

5 Ways to Serve Hijiki

Hijiki salad is a popular addition to bento boxes that you can likewise act as a standalone side dish or incorporate into lots of other Japanese dishes. Use hijiki as an addition to these preparations:.

1. In a stir fry. Use hijiki as the last ingredient in a rice or vegetable stir-fry; give whatever a fast toss in the pan to include, or serve over the leading as a garnish.
2. Mix into soba noodles. Add to cooked and chilled soba noodles for a bright, multifaceted meal. (The earthiness of the seaweed is an excellent complement to the mouthwatering 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 distribute the flavor 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 ready hijiki salad into steamed long-grain rice for labyrinth gohan (combined rice).
5. As a topping. Serve hijiki over soft, velvety scrambled eggs for a pop of sweet-salty flavor and added texture.

Hijiki Seaweed Salad Recipe

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 veggie or grapeseed oil
• 2 big carrots, julienned
• 5 oz. shiitake mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 1– 2 aburaage (fried tofu pouch), thinly sliced, optional
• 1/2 cup shelled, cooked edamame
• Toasted sesame seeds, to garnish

Method

1. Immerse the hijiki in a large bowl of water and rehydrate for at least thirty minutes. After 30 minutes, drain pipes well and reserved.
2. Combine the soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, and dashi in a determining glass and blend well to liquify the sugar.
3. Heat oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Prepare the carrot and mushrooms just long enough to soften somewhat, about 6 minutes.
4. Include the aburaage, hijiki, and soy sauce mixture, and toss to integrate. Lower the heat and bring to a simmer. Add the edamame, and cook a few minutes longer until whatever is well-distributed and has soaked up the sauce.
5. Eliminate from the heat and let cool to room temperature.
6. Garnish with sesame seeds and serve. [7]

Hijiki Side Effects

In spite of all these health advantages, hijiki is known to have an exceedingly high level of inorganic arsenic, a compound that both carcinogenic and toxic to humans. Direct exposure to high levels is also linked with liver damage and gastrointestinal issues.

Still, it would need a very high quantity of hijiki to build up enough arsenic to provide a health concern. Some countries have actually nevertheless warned their citizens from taking in excessive of the vegetable.

Exceptionally excessive iodine consumption can be just as bad as too little. Issues like hyperthyroidism are typically as a result of too much consumption of iodine-rich foods like hijiki.

Other possible negative effects consist of interaction with medication like blood thinners, generally because of the high vitamin K material. Hijiki might hence provide a host of illness if consumed exceedingly. As with whatever else, it would be recommended to consume it in small amounts. [8]

Daily usage quantity

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan has responded with a report mentioning that while the usage of more than 4.7 g hijiki seaweed per day could lead to a consumption of inorganic arsenic that exceeds the bearable day-to-day intake for this compound, the average day-to-day intake for Japanese people is estimated at 0.9 g. Numerous of the reports from other food safety firms acknowledged that occasional hijiki consumption was not likely to cause significant health threats however advised against all consumption regardless. [9]

Local circumstance

Samples of hijiki taken under the Food Monitoring Programme of the Food and Environmental Health Department (FEHD) in November 2004 discovered that the arsenic levels of the samples surpassed the statutory limits (1.4 ppm (parts per million) of arsenic expressed in As 2O 3) under the Food Adulteration (Metallic Contamination) Regulations made under the Public Health and Municipal Solutions Ordinance. Culprits upon conviction are liable to a fine of $50,000 and to jail time for 6 months. All the products in question have actually been withdrawn from the marketplace.

Due to the high level of inorganic arsenic present, consumption of a relatively percentage of hijiki can significantly increase the dietary direct exposure to arsenic. Additional safety assessment showed that periodic usage of percentage of hijiki is unlikely to cause negative health impact. However, individuals who are fond of hijiki are at higher danger.

Guidance to public

• To avoid intake of hijiki and prevent choosing hijiki as food active ingredient.
• To select foods from markets thoroughly in particular packaged ones by reading their labels to ensure they do not consist of hijiki.
• Other than the hijiki variety, there is no requirement to stop consuming other ranges of seaweed as they include high levels of minerals and trace elements such as iodine that are beneficial to health.

Advice to trade

• To prevent sourcing hijiki as food active ingredient.
• To inspect the seaweed supply and its label carefully to guarantee it is not hijiki.
• To avoid utilizing hijiki as component in any type of foods such as starters, appetisers in Japanese or Korean foods, etc, and to utilize other safe food ingredients as substitutes for hijiki.

The bottom line

Hijiki is an unusual sort of seaweed collected mainly from seas off Japan and Korea. It is usually sold in dry and shredded type (short coarse strips) and is almost 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 commonly used as starter or appetiser in Japanese and Korean cuisines. Hijiki can likewise be utilized as a component 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 offered in Japanese grocery stores and dining establishments.

Hijiki might include arsenic naturally at high levels, particularly the more toxic inorganic kind. On the other hand, overseas research studies show that arsenic contents in other seaweed varieties such as kombu are mainly in the less toxic organic form and the levels are much lower than those discovered in hijiki. Moreover, one of these studies also reveals that none of the other varieties is found including detectable level of inorganic arsenic. Based on these findings, seaweed besides the hijiki range is safe to eat with respect to its arsenic content. [10]

References

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