Kelp
Kelp proteins are comparable in quality to animal proteins.Kelp is arguably the best-known sea vegetable, and for good reason - it's packed with more vitamins and trace minerals than probably any other seaweed. Aside from containing impressive quantities of vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K (effectively covering the entire vitamin spectrum), kelp is also loaded with protein, fiber, iodine, and sodium alginate, the latter being a chemical compound that helps remove radioactive particles from the body. A regular consumption of kelp - preferably raw - has been linked to improved thyroid function and digestive health, and it is also an effective blood purifier and demulcent.
Hijiki
Hijiki is a mineral-rich, high-fiber seaweed, with 20% protein, vitamin A, carotenes and calcium. Hijiki has the most calcium of any sea green, 1400mg per 100gr. of dry weight. Trailing just behind kelp in the nutritional department is hijiki, another seaweed that contains just about every trace mineral our oceans can provide. Like kelp, hijiki also contains iodine, fiber, protein, sodium alginate, and vitamins A and B, albeit typically in lower quantities. One area in which hijiki excels, however, is its calcium content. In fact, hijiki contains more calcium than any other sea vegetable on Earth, making it an excellent bone-builder and protector against osteoporosis and other bone diseases. It also contains respectable levels of magnesium, phosphorous, iron, and potassium - important trace minerals that work in tandem to aid our bodies' natural processes.
Kombu has a long tradition as a Japanese delicacy with great nutritional healing value. Kombu is an excellent 'all around' seaweed that contains robust quantities of almost of the major vitamins and minerals due to its high mineral salt content. Aside from being rich in vitamins B, C, D, and E, iodine, calcium, fiber, protein, iron, and potassium, kombu also contains a rare nutrient called germanium, which has excellent skin healing properties.
Thanks to certain characteristics in their nutritional composition that set them apart from the rest of the crowd:
Nori is comprised of between 30-50 percent protein, making it an excellent natural protein source for vegetarians and vegans..Nori's fiber makes it a perfect sushi wrapper. Nori is rich in all the carotenes, calcium, iodine, iron, and phosphorus.
Although it doesn't compare to the brown seaweeds in nutritiousness, agar - a gelatinous matter that accumulates around the cell walls of red algae - is nonetheless an ideal weight loss food. Agar swells in the stomach due to water absorption, thereby inducing a feeling of fullness that discourages overeating. It also contains no sugar or fat, and only 14 calories per tablespoon. Therefore, if you're seeking a healthy dessert that won't compromise your weight loss plans, consider purchasing some agar jellies.