Dulse
Species Name: Palmaria palmata.
Also known as: Rhodophyta, Dillisk, Dilsk, Rhodymenia Palmata, Palmaria Palmata (Linnaeus) Kuntze, Red Dulse, Purple Dulse, Purple Seaweed, Red Seaweed, Red Algae, Sea Lettuce flakes, Creathnach, Söl, Dilli.
Dulse is a reddish or purple colored seaweed that is grown and harvested in the cold northern waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean.
Though seaweed is sometimes referred to as a plant, it's not a plant at all. All seaweeds are marine algae. Dulse is an edible algae that grows close to shore in sheltered intertidal zones (the area that's in between high and low tides).
Dulse is hand harvested during low tide from June to September. It looks very similar to wilted lettuce when harvested.
Dulse is a good source of fiber and is a popular snack food in many countries such as Canada, Ireland, Iceland and Norway. The whole seaweed is cleaned and cut and can be eaten fresh, fried, dried or roasted to eat as a snack.
When shredded, flaked or powdered, Dulse is used to enhance flavor; it's slightly salty and adds a savory taste (called umami) to the food it is added to.
Dulse can be ground into a powder and added to hot water to consume as a tea. Dulse is also available as a concentrated liquid extract or capsule.
Home Remedies and Benefits of Dulse
There are many reasons to like this healthy algae:
Dulse is loaded with over 90 trace elements and phytochemicals that stimulate the endocrine system and thyroid hormones within the human body.
Dulse in its basic form is a true health-food; it's completely natural, organic, and it's loaded with nutrients that are easily absorbed/bio-available. It is best known for it's high levels of easily assimilated iodine. But it also contains potassium, calcium, protein and many essential trace minerals essential for good health.
Iodine is essential for cell growth and for removing virus infected cells and cancerous cells. Iodine’s regulation of cell integrity and the effective elimination of cancer cells is critical for good health.
Iodine removes toxic chemicals from our body— fluoride, bromide, lead, aluminum, mercury to name a few. It also removes biological toxins.
Iodine reduces the occurrence of auto-immune disorders (autoimmunity: where your body does not recognize its own cells as itself), it strengthens our immune system, and it protects the stomach from abnormal growth of bacteria.
Colorful Red and Purple Dulse are considered "super foods". A super food means that Dulse is a whole nutrient dense power food that contains multiple health benefits.
- Natural source of Iodine / Potassium iodide (KI) Strengthens an under active thyroid
- Increases our body's ability to scavenge chemicals, drugs, heavy metals & radioisotopes.
- Natural cholesterol-lowering effects / Excellent source of bio-available iron.
- High in vitamin C and strengthens blood vessels.
- Aids in waste movement & digestion / Relieves constipation / Removal of parasites.
- High mineral content, especially: iodine, calcium, iron, magnesium.
- Contains Xylose which is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and helps prevent cancer of the digestive system.
- Contains polysaccharides that strengthen immunity and have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Contains vanadium which helps regulate carbohydrate metabolism & blood sugar.
Super Food, Great Taste and Super Immunity
Dulse is considered a super-food because it's high in many vitamins and minerals, an excellent source of phytochemicals, and a natural source of iodine.
Dulse is a clinically proven antioxidant. It contains high levels of potassium, calcium, B vitamins. It's rich in 90+ nutrients and trace elements that are essential for good health.
Dulse is unusually high in protein compared to other seaweeds and other vegetables that are grown on land.
Dulse contains a natural amino acid called glutamic acid. Glutamic acid is the basis for food that has a "savory" or "meaty" taste that I referred to earlier as "umami". When we eat, we enjoy a combination of sweet, salty, sour, bitter and umami flavors in food. Umami is the 5th taste and is described as meaty, earthy, savory, satisfying or mushroom like. Dulse contains glutamates that makes food more flavorful and enhances both nutrition and taste. (That's always a plus!)
Glutamic acid aids digestion and improves nervous system functions and mental capacities. It is also thought to control schizophrenia, sugar cravings, and alcoholism.
NOTE: Dulse does not contain MSG. MSG is the synthetic manufactured form of glutamic acid called Mono Sodium Glutamate.
Parasites
Dulse has been traditionally used as a natural cure for parasites. If you believe you have internal parasites, don't give them a chance to multiply.
The trace elements in Dulse will support your adrenal glands and ensure that your thyroid is working properly. The iodine and potassium in Dulse will kill internal parasites. It might take a few weeks (or longer) depending on how long you have been afflicted. Supplement with Vitamin b1 (thiamine) while taking the treatment.
Thyroid/Metabolism Problems
Dulse is recognized as a natural home remedy for hypothyroid problems (HYPO means lacking or "not enough") caused by a lack of iodine in the diet. The Mayo clinic states that a natural source of iodine such as Dulse is critical for those with goiter or hypothyroid symptoms.
Dulse is an excellent natural source of all the minerals and trace elements that your body needs to make the thyroid hormones (thyroxine and triiodothyronine) which directly relate to your metabolic rate and weight.
The thyroid and adrenal nutrition helps to support the pancreas and spleen. This boosts the strength, effectiveness and agility of your immune system.
Hypothyroid is usually a very easy condition to correct and a very difficult condition to live with untreated.
Low Thyroid Hormones Cause a Slow Metabolism and Weight Gain
Low Thyroid Hormone is also called hypothyroid. Hypothyroidism is most commonly caused by a lack of dietary iodine.
Hypothyroidism is more common in women than in men, and the risk of the disease increases with age.
It is estimated between 3-5% of the world population has some level of Hypothyroidism. Where iodine is scarce, severe hypothyroidism can be seen in 5%-15% of the population.
Hypothyroidism can develop very slowly, and a person may be suffering from it's effects for many years before a diagnosis is made. (Take note of the varied and non-specific symptoms below- I have 4 of the issues right now, and I know my thyroid hormone levels are normal)
Goiter is the enlargement of the thyroid gland on the front and sides of the lower neck. Goiter is a physical indicator of abnormal thyroid secretion, usually indicating hypothyroidism. If low thyroid levels are left untreated for a long enough time, the neck can appear to be double in size.
- Lack of energy and overall fatigue. Tiredness and difficulty getting up.
- Weight gain or obesity, despite a sensible diet.
- High blood cholesterol.
- Frequent headaches and/or migraines.
- Poor memory and/or foggy mental processes.
- Heavy menstrual periods.
- Overall dry patchy skin.
- Brittle, weak and peeling nails.
- Body pain and muscle aches.
- Chest pains.
- A general feeling of being cold or more sensitive to cold temperatures than usual.
- A lower than normal *basal body temperature.
- Hard stools/constipation/difficult bowel movements.
- Depressed mood. Low Motivation.
- Excess hair loss or brittle or thinning hair. (We normally shed 100-300 or so hairs a day depending on hair color).
*Basal body temperature means your body temperature in the morning before getting out of bed or moving around.
Precautions
There are many causes of low thyroid hormone levels.
Certain diseases or conditions cause low hormone levels, regardless of the amount of iodine in a persons diet. Some medications make people feel slow or lethargic. Call your doctor if you suspect that you are having problems with your thyroid. A simple blood test will identify any problems with your hormone levels, and your doctor can address the specific cause.
Antioxidant/Neutralizes Free Radicals
Dulse extract is a proven antioxidant and it neutralizes free radicals.
Stress, toxic chemicals, environmental pathogens, poor diet and lack of whole nutrient dense foods compromise our immune systems. Antioxidants such as Dulse are a very effective defense of our body's tissue, immune system and our overall health.
Toxin Inhibitor/Auto Immune Disease Prevention
Dulse has been shown to reduce the growth of fat cells, (in a laboratory setting) and many of the toxins we are exposed to are stored in fat cells. Exposure to environmental toxins and pathogens are generally believed to be the primary cause of auto-immune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, urticaria, and rheumatoid arthritis along with many others.
Environmental pathogens are in the water, soil, air, food and can affect everyone. These microorganisms are in our environment and appear harmless until they come in contact with their host (AKA The victim), and cause serious disease with repeatable results. A few examples of environmental pathogens and toxins are those that cause Legionnaires disease, West Nile virus, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, Toxoplasmosis. Toxins from certain drugs and chemicals such as lead, mercury, alcohol, tobacco, tetracycline, cortisone, hydrocortisone, etc.
Side Effects of Dulse
More is not better. Dulse contains bioactive ingredients your body will quickly respond to. If you have excess Thyroid (hyperthyroidism), avoid Dulse completely.
Do not take this supplement if you are pregnant. Do not take Dulse if you are already being treated for thyroid or endocrine problems without consulting your doctor.
You only need a small amount of Dulse to receive the proper amount of trace minerals your body requires. Try to get your minerals with a balanced and varied diet of whole food rather than just a supplement. Don't rely on Dulse to meet your trace mineral needs or use on a daily basis for more than 2 weeks at a time- Stop and take a 2 week break before starting the supplement again.
Consuming too much iodine is just as problematic as not taking enough iodine, either extreme will cause a serious imbalance in your thyroid function and may cause serious problemss. Consult with your physician if you suspect you have an auto immune disorder or thyroid disease.
