Kelp has become the most popular dish recently due to its certain anti-radiation effects. Did you know that besides being anti-radiation, kelp has many other benefits, such as "hair protection," "weight loss," and "calcium supplementation"? It is truly an "all-rounder" for maintaining health. However, kelp cannot be eaten carelessly; improper consumption can even lead to poisoning. Next, the editor will explain the taboos for you one by one.
1. Kelp should not be soaked for a long time
Kelp should not be soaked for a long time before consumption. Generally, soaking for about 6 hours is sufficient. Soaking for too long will cause the nutrients in the kelp, such as water-soluble vitamins and inorganic salts, to dissolve in the water, reducing its nutritional value. If the soaked kelp becomes mushy and loses its texture like it has been overcooked, it has spoiled and should not be eaten. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that kelp is cold in nature, so people with a weak spleen and stomach should avoid it.
2. Don't treat kelp as a staple food
Do not treat kelp as a staple food for long periods, as this can lead to excessive iodine intake, which can affect your health. Moreover, kelp contains a certain amount of arsenic, and excessive intake can cause poisoning. Therefore, before eating kelp, you should rinse it with water to dissolve the arsenic.
3. Don't drink tea or eat fruit immediately after eating kelp
After eating kelp, do not drink tea (which contains tannic acid) or immediately eat sour and astringent fruits (which contain plant acids). This is because kelp is rich in iron, and both of these foods can hinder the absorption of iron in the body.
4. Special populations should eat kelp with caution
Patients with hyperthyroidism should not eat kelp because it is rich in iodine, which can aggravate the condition. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not eat too much kelp. This is because the iodine in kelp can enter the fetus's and infant's bodies through the bloodstream, causing thyroid dysfunction.