When we think of farming and plant based sources of nutrition, we no doubt primarily conjure land based crops and agricultural practices in our mind. However, given the Earth’s surface is 71% water, it should be no surprise that we can turn to this liquidity for unique sources of nourishment and dietary accompaniments. Below is just a small selection of our favorite vegan nutritional contributions sourced straight from the sea.
Sea Moss
Sea moss, also known as Irish moss or red algae, is more common to Caribbean and Irish diets than what we may be accustomed to in the United States. These cultures have long used the dietary supplement for its healing properties. It is little wonder, as the plant contains 92 of the 102 minerals needed by the body, included but not limited to B-Vitamins, amino acids, Calcium, Magnesium and Zinc. How does one consume sea moss, you may wonder? Try soaking the plant in water overnight, draining, then blending. A gelatinous substance is the result, great for adding to smoothies and juices as a thickening agent. Virtually tasteless, you will hardly notice its presence on your palette. However, you will no doubt reap the benefits, highlights of which include immune support, metal detoxification, mitigating symptoms of anxiety and depression and improvement to gut health.
Seaweed
In many cultures and cuisines, seaweed has long been a common contender for nutrition. It is only as of late that it has experienced a more widespread adoption not just on the menus of trendy fine dining establishments or cocooning your favorite sushi roll, but with its own dedicated section in grocery store aisles. Health enthusiasts seeking snackable items gravitate towards such products for their widespread merit. Low in calories yet high in nutrient content, and with a salty and crunchy appeal, seaweed snacks seem to be the new kale chips, offering clean, plant-based protein as well as important minerals. The snack also runs the alphabetic gamut of vitamins, providing a source for A, B, C, E and K. We are partial to Sakara’s Original Nori Chips.
Water Lentils
Water lentils are remarkable in their ability to double in crop size in just a day, making them an extremely sustainable source of nutrition. They are known as the world’s smallest flowering plant, grown upon the surface of fresh water. Often found in a powder form, water lentils can be incorporated into smoothies, energy shots, tea, snack bars or anywhere you may incorporate a type of protein powder or similar supplement. Or, eaten in a fresh form, they garner salads, stir fries and curries with a mild watercress taste. Water lentils contain all of the essential amino acids, as well as double the protein and iron of your typical lentil. Further, they are a great source of the elusive B12 and have high values of fiber and lutein. It is predicted water lentils will soon begin replacing ingredients such as soy in veggie burgers.
BLUE MAJIK
A scroll through the Instagram feed or recipe archive of any vegan chef will likely at some point have you stumbling upon an aesthetically pleasing smoothie bowl featuring a beautiful milky blue color. The culprit here is a derivative of spirulina, a freshwater algae, with photosynthetic compounds that provide the colorant used to create beautiful smoothies and smoothie bowls, or perhaps a vegan ice cream, latte or other inspired item. The powder is hailed for its abilities to protect and support joint health, provide high amounts of iron and potassium, and is overall an immune-boosting superfood. It is recommended to be mixed with strong fruit flavors to mask the aquatic taste, but this can be relatively easily disguised. Don’t miss our resident Vegan Chef Extraordinaire Morgan’s Blue Nice Cream recipe.
Have you tried any of the four best sources of aquatic nutrition? Or is there a different water based supplement you swear by? Drop a comment below.