Hijiki

Hijiki or hiziki is a brown sea veggie growing wild on rocky shorelines around Japan, Korea, and China. The written kanji forms of its 2 names, which are examples of ateji, literally imply deer-tail turf and sheep-nest grass, respectively. Hijiki is a conventional food and has actually been a part of a balanced diet plan in Japan for centuries. Hijiki is known to be abundant in dietary fiber and necessary minerals such as calcium, iron and magnesium. According to Japanese folklore, hijiki aids health and beauty, and thick, black, lustrous hair is linked to regular usage of small amounts of hijiki. Hijiki has been sold in United Kingdom natural products shops for thirty years and hijiki’s culinary usages have been adopted in North America. Recent studies have actually shown that hijiki includes potentially toxic amounts of inorganic arsenic, and food security agencies of a number of countries have actually advised against its usage. [1]

The History of Hijiki

Hijiki was consumed because ancient times.

Japan initially did not have calcium in the soil and could not obtain calcium from vegetable and water like European nations. To get rid of the problem, portable and preservable seaweed was valued and taken into their diet.

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

Nutritional Information

Nutrition details showed such as percent meal worth and PFC balance scales are based on a 1800 calorie diet for ladies between ages 18 and 29 years of ages weighing around 112 pounds and everyday nutritional requirements. [3]
While hijiki may be a tasty addition to your meals, it also serves a very functional role in the human diet. Hijiki, like lots of sea vegetables, consists of a large range of essential minerals for the body, along with considerable levels of dietary fiber, vitamin K, calcium, iron, magnesium, and iodine.

Health Advantages of Hijiki

Health advantages of hijiki include the following:.

Might Assist Balance Hormones

Although we rarely discuss iodine as a part of our diet plan, it is an important part of staying healthy and keeping our physical procedures on track. Iodine plays a significant function in the manipulation and balance of our hormonal agents, as it directly engages with the thyroid gland, one of the most essential aspects of the whole endocrine system. Although extreme iodine can be dangerous, most people don’t get enough, and hijiki is a terrific location to find some!

May Improve Digestive Health

Seaweed is the supreme leafy green veggie, and like so numerous other veggies, it is loaded with dietary fiber, which ensures that your gastrointestinal process is smooth and healthy. Dietary fiber stimulates peristaltic motion to move food through the digestion tract, taking full advantage of nutrition intake, and reducing constipation along the way.

May Enhance Energy Levels

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

May Improve Bone Health

Among the unavoidable parts of getting old is losing our strength and needing to be more concerned about the toughness of our bones. Nevertheless, if you have an appropriate influx of minerals through your diet plan, than you can considerably avoid the uncomfortable and devastating condition of osteoporosis. Hijiki consists of much more calcium than milk, which is often considered one of the very best dietary sources. Hijiki can certainly help keep you strong and active for several years.

May Help Examine Cholesterol Levels

Hijiki is not only a low-calorie food that fills you up, due to the high level of fiber, however that same dietary fiber likewise eliminates excess cholesterol from the cardiovascular system and assists to stabilize glucose and insulin levels within the body. Optimizing the digestion system has lots of unanticipated advantages for the remainder of the body, and sea vegetables can be an excellent place to take advantage of them.

May Induce Sleep

Magnesium has actually been referred to as an efficient sleep aid for many years, mainly due to the fact that it can stimulate the production of particular hormonal agents that induce relaxation and stress release, naturally lending itself to peaceful sleep. The possibly high levels of magnesium in hijiki imply that it would be a great late-night snack in case sleep is avoiding you. All you require is a magnesium increase! [4]

Hijiki benefits for skin and hairs

Parts used

• Seaweed.

Seaweed is thought about to be the ultimate green leafy vegetable and, comparable to several other vegetables, it is loaded with dietary fiber that is healthy for your gastrointestinal procedure. Furthermore, dietary fiber guarantees smooth motion of bowels by means of promoting peristaltic movement, which transfers the consumed foods via the digestive tract. This, in turn, helps the body to maximize ingested nutrients and, at the same time, decreases the threats of constipation.

Generally, the Japanese think that usage of hijiki helps to keep their hair glossy and healthy. Considering the loads of nutrients consisted of by this seaweed, perhaps it is likewise handy for the health of our skin and nail.

Compared to any other veggies, hijiki contains incredibly raised levels of iron. In fact, tests on some ranges of this seaweed have revealed that they consist of about 5 times more iron compared to what is discovered in a chicken liver. Therefore, hijiki is considered to consist of the optimum concentration of this important mineral. Simply put, integrating hijiki in one’s weekly diet plan assists to prevent developing anemia. In addition, when the level of iron is appropriate in your body, it helps to enhance the count of red blood cells. This, in turn, helps 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 grow older. In addition, the resilience of our bones also becomes less when we end up being old. Nevertheless, integrating the right amount of minerals in our regular diet plan helps to prevent the agonizing along with weakening conditions associated with osteoporosis. It has been discovered that the calcium content of hijiki is more compared to milk, which is thought to be amongst the best dietary sources of this important mineral. There is no doubt that consumption of hijiki is effective in keeping one healthy in addition to active for several years.

Hijiki uses several other health advantages. While its calorie content is very low, consumption of this seaweed provides one a sensation of fullness for a long time. Because hijiki includes raised levels of fiber, it assists to get rid of extreme cholesterol from one’s cardiovascular system. At the same time, ingestion of this seaweed assists to preserve a healthy balance between insulin and glucose in the body. When the gastrointestinal system works efficiently, it provides many advantages to the remaining body parts. Therefore, taking in hijiki and other sea veggies can help to keep your digestive tract as well as other parts of the body in sound health.

It has actually been developed that magnesium promotes sound sleep, primarily due to the fact that this necessary mineral promotes specific hormonal agent production that assists the body to release tension and unwind. This, in turn, assists us to sleep and rest well. Given that hijiki contains raised levels of this essential mineral, taking this seaweed as a late night treat will help with sound sleep, thereby promoting your psychological and physical health. [5]
Below are simply 12 ways in which seaweed’s vitamins and minerals can benefit your skin and your hair.

1. Vitamins and Minerals

An unbelievable blend of minerals and vitamins are found in seaweed, including B1, B2, B3, B6, E, H, K3, Vitamin C, Beta-Carotene and many more. All of these assistance enrich your skin and keep it in excellent condition. Our skin takes in seaweed right to the epidermis to hydrate and nourish cells, collecting the goodness from the sea, revitalising and stimulating our skin. Seaweed assists eliminate dead skin cells, hydrates the skin and then forms a protective barrier to keep it hydrated and conditioned.

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

2. Anti-aging

The Anti-aging affect caused by seaweed is due to the immediate hydration seaweed has on the skin when used as a facial. The seaweed tightens up the skin cells and with its high level of vitamins, enhances the skins natural radiance causing an anti-aging affect. In addition, the amino acids found in seaweed plump up your skin, improving its elasticity, raveling any fine lines for healthier, firmer skin.

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

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

3. Cellulite

Clinically Cellulite is the name offered to explain the deposits of fat and toxic substances trapped in pockets of connective tissue underneath the skin.

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

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

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

4. Acne and Unclogs Pores

Seaweed deep cleanses our skin and lowers the build-up of areas and acne. In extracting the contaminants it rids the skin of blackheads and promotes the renewal of damaged skin cells, leaving a clear skin, smooth texture, tone and total improved appearance of the skin.

Idea: Quick and easy 2 teaspoons of Aalgo powder combined with water into a cream, apply as a facial for 5mins, 3 times a week, this will give you unbelievable lead to 3 to four 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.

Suggestion: Aalgo blended with water into a cream and used as a facial for 5 minutes daily will keep your pores cleared and cleaned and the redness at bay.

6. Dry Skin

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

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

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

7. Eczema

Individuals who swim in the sea discover an instant remedy for the signs of eczema, such as dry, aching, red, scratchy, cracked and irritated skin. Over a time period, everyday swimming in the sea clears the skin totally of eczema. This is now medically accepted and with the efficient treatment of seaweed, you can likewise recover, relieve your skin and discover relief from this persistent and agonizing skin disorder.

Tip: Where you can, attempt to swim in clean seawater as this is such a powerful healer, but also utilize in conjunction with Aalgo as we have focused all the healing homes into our organic seaweed powder. This is a simple house option that works. Soak in a warm Aalgo bath daily and feel it relieve away itchy dry skin.

Continue daily up until the skin is soft and supple.

8. Child Eczema

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

Idea: Merely including Aalgo natural seaweed to a tepid bath, relieves the skin, stops the itching, which assists that vicious cycle of itch-scratch-itch permitting your infants skin to heal. Usage daily. No more sleep deprived nights.

9. Detox

With Seaweed’s numerous vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, it is a perfect item to consist of in your cleansing program. Seaweed extracts toxins and expels them from the body. You are entrusted a luxurious feeling afterwards when your body is completely revitalised, refreshed and purified.

Tip: 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 assists deal with heavy metals.

Boost water consumption when detoxing.

10. Psoriasis

The sea is understood, and the Dead Sea in particular for clearing the noticeable signs of Psoriasis, if continued for 6 weeks the results will last for a year or so. Because of its fantastic exfoliating residential or commercial properties, seaweed works wonders on the treatment of Psoriasis, giving relief and descaling plaqued skin.

Suggestion: Aalgo Organic Seaweed combined with water into a cream and applied to the dry locations, exfoliates away the dry scaling. Follow this with day-to-day bathing in a lukewarm Aalgo bath which decreases the red/purple spots. Aalgo hair shampoo bar is remarkable for the scalp.

11. Broken heels

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

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

For incredibly dry skin apply Aalgo as a paste covering with cling movie, and a heavy sock, for about fifteen minutes and remove by soaking in a tepid Aalgo footspa.

12. Alopecia

Seaweed contains high levels of silicon to renew skin cells as well as amino acids which promote hair follicles, encouraging hair development. It also rehydrates and moisturises the current hair permitting it to shine.

Idea: Mix Aalgo with warm water into a cream and apply 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 procedure every other day to see a noticeable improvement 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 many other Japanese recipes. Usage hijiki as an addition to these preparations:.

1. In a stir fry. Usage hijiki as the last component in a rice or vegetable stir-fry; offer whatever a quick toss in the pan to incorporate, or serve over the top as a garnish.
2. Mix into soba noodles. Contribute to cooked and cooled soba noodles for a brilliant, multifaceted meal. (The earthiness of the seaweed is a terrific complement to the mouthwatering notes of buckwheat noodles.)
3. Mix into sushi rice for onigiri. The filling for onigiri (Japanese rice balls) doesn’t only have to be hidden in its starchy interior: Uniformly distribute the taste by blending hijiki into the rice, and press into a triangular shape for an on-the-go, nutrient-dense treat.
4. Combine with rice. Toss prepared hijiki salad into steamed long-grain rice for labyrinth gohan (mixed rice).
5. As a topping. Serve hijiki over soft, creamy scrambled eggs for a pop of sweet-salty flavor and added texture.

Hijiki Seaweed Salad Dish

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, very finely sliced
• 1– 2 aburaage (fried tofu pouch), thinly sliced, optional
• 1/2 cup shelled, prepared edamame
• Toasted sesame seeds, to garnish

Approach

1. Immerse the hijiki in a big bowl of water and rehydrate for a minimum of 30 minutes. After thirty minutes, drain pipes well and set aside.
2. Integrate the soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, and dashi in a determining glass and whisk well to liquify the sugar.
3. Heat oil in a big sauté pan over medium heat. Cook the carrot and mushrooms just long enough to soften somewhat, 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 until whatever is well-distributed and has taken in the sauce.
5. Get rid of from the heat and let cool to space temperature level.
6. Garnish with sesame seeds and serve. [7]

Hijiki Side Impacts

In spite of all these health advantages, hijiki is understood to have an exceedingly high level of inorganic arsenic, a substance that both carcinogenic and poisonous to humans. Exposure to high levels is also linked with liver damage and intestinal problems.

Still, it would need an exceptionally high quantity of hijiki to collect enough arsenic to provide a health problem. Some countries have nevertheless cautioned their citizens from consuming excessive of the vegetable.

Exceedingly too much iodine intake can be just as bad as insufficient. Problems like hyperthyroidism are often as a result of excessive intake of iodine-rich foods like hijiki.

Other possible side effects consist of interaction with medication like blood thinners, typically because of the high vitamin K content. Hijiki could therefore present a host of health problems if taken in exceedingly. As with everything else, it would be advisable to consume it in small amounts. [8]

Daily intake quantity

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Well-being of Japan has responded with a report explaining that while the intake of more than 4.7 g hijiki seaweed each day might lead to a consumption of inorganic arsenic that exceeds the tolerable daily intake for this substance, the typical day-to-day consumption for Japanese individuals is estimated at 0.9 g. Numerous of the reports from other food safety agencies acknowledged that occasional hijiki intake was unlikely to cause substantial health dangers however advised against all usage regardless. [9]

Regional scenario

Samples of hijiki taken under the Food Surveillance Program of the Food and Environmental Health Department (FEHD) in November 2004 found that the arsenic levels of the samples exceeded 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 Regulation. Transgressors upon conviction are liable to a fine of $50,000 and to jail time for 6 months. All the items in question have been withdrawn from the market.

Due to the high level of inorganic arsenic present, consumption of a reasonably percentage of hijiki can significantly increase the dietary exposure to arsenic. Additional security assessment revealed that occasional consumption of percentage of hijiki is not likely to trigger adverse health impact. However, people who enjoy hijiki are at greater threat.

Recommendations to public

• To avoid consumption of hijiki and prevent picking hijiki as food component.
• To select foods from markets carefully in particular prepackaged ones by reading their labels to make sure they do not include hijiki.
• Except the hijiki variety, there is no requirement to stop eating other varieties of seaweed as they consist of high levels of minerals and micronutrient such as iodine that are beneficial to health.

Suggestions to trade

• To prevent sourcing hijiki as food active ingredient.
• To inspect the seaweed supply and its label thoroughly to ensure it is not hijiki.
• To avoid using hijiki as ingredient in any sort of foods such as starters, appetisers in Japanese or Korean foods, etc, and to utilize other safe food active ingredients as replacement for hijiki.

The bottom line

Hijiki is an unusual sort of seaweed collected generally from seas off Japan and Korea. It is usually sold in dry and shredded type (brief coarse strips) and is almost black in colour. Because of these looks, dried hijiki seaweed is physically distinct from other varieties of seaweed such as arame, kombu, wakame and nori. It is commonly used as starter or appetiser in Japanese and Korean cuisines. Hijiki can also be used as an active ingredient in salad, soup and vegetarian dishes. Unlike nori seaweed which is usually sold in dried, thin sheets, hijiki is not utilized in rolling sushi. In Hong Kong, hijiki seaweed is normally offered in Japanese supermarkets and dining establishments.

Hijiki might include arsenic naturally at high levels, specifically the more hazardous inorganic form. On the other hand, overseas research studies reveal that arsenic contents in other seaweed ranges such as kombu are mainly in the less poisonous organic kind and the levels are much lower than those discovered in hijiki. Moreover, among these studies likewise reveals that none of the other ranges is discovered including detectable level of inorganic arsenic. Based upon these findings, seaweed other than the hijiki range is safe to consume with respect to its arsenic content. [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