The ocean contains a bounty of marine life that is widely used around the world for nutritional, cosmetic and pharmaceutical purposes. When it comes to natural beauty, there are a few standout sea treasures that contain unparalleled mineral and medicinal properties in comparison to what is available on land, such as fish oil, algae and oysters. It is time to schedule some seafood into this week’s menu and reap the best of the sea’s natural beauty secrets.
Beauty benefits
Fish oil
The beauty benefits of fish oil are derived from its therapeutic components, including vitamins A and D, selenium and essential omega-3 fatty acids including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), α-linolenic acid (ALA) and linoleic acid (LA).
Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are the building blocks of cell membranes and play a fundamental role in reducing inflammation in the skin, encouraging wound healing, supporting the skin’s barrier function and integrity, attenuating UV damage and assisting in keeping skin hydrated. EFAs are not created by the body and must be obtained from the food you eat. Enjoy oily fish at least once per week, or if you have limited access to seafood consider incorporating a high-quality fish oil supplement into your regime under the guidance of your health practitioner.
Micro- and macroalgae
When it comes to true superfoods, micro- and macro-algae top the list. Algae are one of the most mineral-rich vegetables available to humanity; by gram, they possess anywhere from 10 to 100 times greater mineral content compared with land vegetables and possess antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-ageing and anticancer properties.
Topically, algae provide the skin with moisture, promote blood circulation, activate skin cell renewal, regulate sebaceous gland function, support tissue drainage, reduce inflammation and enhance the skin’s barrier resistance. Algae may even help mitigate signs of ageing, with studies detailing particular algae containing valuable antioxidants that protect the skin against UV rays and prevent wrinkles.
Algae are also rich in chlorophyll, which is a pigment in plants that creates the striking green colour. Chlorophyll is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, properties that may help in the treatment of acne and skin inflammation. Additionally, chlorophyll has been shown to improve wrinkles and skin elasticity.
Oysters
Oysters are little nutritional powerhouses and are particularly rich in zinc. The skin alone contains about 6 per cent of the body’s total zinc, and it is required in optimal amounts for correct functioning and integrity of the skin. Therefore, if this mineral is deficient you may notice symptoms such as poor wound healing, worsening of inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, eczema and rosacea or cracked nails. Zinc is anti-inflammatory, encourages wound healing and has been found useful in preventing UV-induced damage and reducing the incidence of malignancy. The recommended daily intake of zinc for adults is between 8 and 11mg; one oyster alone contains 5.5mg of zinc.
Salmon Ramen with Nori Seaweed
Ingredients | Serves: 2
2 salmon fillets
1 tbsp tamari sauce
1 tbsp coconut oil
1 bulb garlic, cloves diced
½ brown onion, finely diced
1 tsp white sesame seeds
Ramen
3 cups filtered water
2 packets organic ramen
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp sesame paste (or tahini)
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp miso paste
1 tsp diced garlic
1 tsp rice vinegar
1 tsp tamari sauce
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
¼ tsp sea salt
A sprinkle ground ginger
A few generous sprinkles ground pepper
1 bunch buk choy, chopped in half
1 bunch broccolini, chopped
Garnish
Spring onion, diced
2 sheets roasted nori seaweed
A pinch white sesame seeds
A pinch ground pepper
Method:
- Add the salmon to a bowl and top with tamari sauce, coconut oil, garlic, onion and white sesame seeds and allow to marinate for around 2 hours.
- Flip the salmon back and forth a few times throughout this time.
- Add 1 tbsp olive oil to a hot pan and fry the salmon until cooked through.
- Put 3 cups of water in a medium saucepan and add the ramen, olive oil, sesame paste or tahini, sesame oil, miso paste, garlic, rice vinegar, tamari sauce, cayenne pepper, salt, ground ginger and pepper.
- Chop the buk choy in half and add to the saucepan along with the broccolini.
- Turn the heat on high and cook for a total of 8 mins (may take longer/shorter depending on the ramen and your stove), but by that time the noodles should be boiling and soft. Place the ramen in bowls and add the salmon on top.
- Garnish with spring onion, nori, white sesame seeds and ground pepper.
