Sea grapes are a type of jade vine, and are cultivated in the subtropical waters of Okinawa, Japan, Malaysia, and the Philippines. As one of the five major seaweeds in Okinawa, Japan, it is known as a regional specialty. After harvesting, it is soaked in seawater to maintain freshness. Sea grapes are also called Umibudo in Japanese, and in English-speaking countries they are similar to caviar, which is a steel shark roe, so they are also called various names such as green caviar and sea grapes, meaning sea grapes. Sea grapes, characterized by a bursting texture in the mouth, are washed clean and eaten with vinegar, soy sauce, or vinegar, or are often used as ingredients for various dishes such as pickles and salads. Various vitamins and minerals are evenly contained, and it has the characteristics of a low-fat, low-calorie food with low fat and low calories, and is known to have excellent health benefits. In Okinawa, Japan, which is the main planting area, it is said to be recognized for its excellent efficacy to the extent that it is called a longevity plant. Now, let’s take a look at the main effects of sea grapes. Main effects of sea grapes
1. Prevention of adult diseases
The complex action of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber contained in sea grapes lowers cholesterol levels and improves the elasticity of blood vessels, thereby improving blood circulation and promoting overall health of blood vessels. Due to these related actions, it is said to have an excellent effect in helping to prevent vascular-related adult diseases such as high blood pressure and arteriosclerosis. In addition, it has the effect of helping control blood sugar, so it can help prevent diabetes, a metabolic disease caused by abnormal secretion of insulin.
2. Immunity enhancement
Vitamins A and C, which are abundantly contained in sea grapes, are known as excellent antioxidants that help maintain and strengthen biological membrane tissue. It is said that this abundant vitamin component helps to strengthen the immune function by activating the metabolism and at the same time protecting the body from free radicals that attack and damage normal cells. In addition, sea grapes are rich in fucoidan, a type of mucilage vegetable fiber. This fucoidan component is known to have beneficial effects in preventing cancer and inhibiting metastasis because it induces only cancer cells to self-destruct and at the same time prevents cancer cells from forming new blood vessels for metastasis.
3. Skin health
The fucoidan component contained in sea grapes mentioned above also has the effect of helping the skin to maintain elasticity and moisture, so it has an excellent effect on skin regeneration and elasticity enhancement. In addition, various vitamins and minerals evenly contained in sea grapes protect the skin from free radicals and help the synthesis of collagen that composes the skin tissue, so they are effective in managing and maintaining healthy skin. It is said that sea grape extracts are often used as raw materials for various cosmetics due to these related actions.
4. Weight Control
Sea grapes are said to have a very low caloric content of about 4kcal per 100g and are rich in dietary fiber that helps maintain a feeling of satiety, so it is said to be a good food for diet. In addition, the abundant dietary fiber has the effect of facilitating bowel movements by promoting intestinal peristalsis, so it is said to help prevent constipation, which is easy to occur when dieting.
Other Efficacy
Sea grapes have a high content of calcium, a mineral that plays an essential role in the construction and maintenance of bones, so it is said to have a good effect in preventing osteoporosis, which is at a high risk of fracture due to weakened bone density. Also known as an excellent alkaline food, it is known to have a beneficial effect on improving the constitution by neutralizing the acidified body caused by excessive consumption of meat, instant food, and processed food. Sea grape side effects and notes on consumption
Although sea grapes have various health benefits introduced above, there are also side effects from excessive consumption. It is important to consume adequately as it has been reported that symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea may occur, and various symptoms such as insomnia, dizziness, and nervousness may appear. Because sea grapes are seaweed that grows in a subtropical climate, it is recommended to avoid refrigeration and store them at room temperature above 15℃. Also, note that sea grapes have a strong salty taste when eaten as they are, so it is recommended to soak them in cold water for a certain period of time to remove salt before consuming.
