- sources of vitamin A, specific minerals, water and fiber. It is particularly rich in minerals dissolved in the sea which we will list later.
In the context of vegetables, glasswort has a considerable energy intake, which is around 65 kcal / 100 g. Energy is mainly provided by proteins (over 13 g / 100 g), followed by few carbohydrates (just over 3 g / 100 g); lipids are irrelevant, but of excellent quality - essential omega 3 polyunsaturated. an incomplete biological value, that is, they do not contain all the essential amino acids compared to the human protein model.Sugars are almost totally soluble.
Glasswort also contains dietary fiber, while it is free of cholesterol, lactose and gluten. It is low in phenylalanine, purines and histamine.
As far as vitamins are concerned, the retinol equivalent content (vitamin and provitamins A) is discreet. Among the most abundant minerals in glasswort we mention: sodium, potassium, magnesium, sulfur, calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, manganese, copper and iodine - which is probably the most important from a nutritional point of view.
in the low-calorie diet. Due to the presence of omega 3, fiber and the absence of cholesterol, like other vegetables, it is desirable in the diet against dyslipidemias - hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia - and chronic hyperglycemia - even type 2 diabetes mellitus. sodium sensitive in the diet against arterial hypertension provided that foods with added sodium are not consumed and discretionary salt is not used.The presence of fibers, the precise content of which is not known, plays a positive role on intestinal health.These, which give satiety and positively modulate the absorption of fats and carbohydrates, prevent constipation and all related complications - diverticulosis, diverticulitis, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, prolapse, etc. In addition, in the long term they are able to decrease the "incidence of certain types of colon cancer. The soluble ones are also important prebiotics and play a positive role in maintaining the trophism of the intestinal bacterial flora - which further contributes to keeping the colon healthy.
Vitamin A is probably present in the form of equivalent retinol - such as carotenoids - powerful antioxidants and precursors of retinol, which maintains essential functions such as visual, reproductive, cell differentiation, etc.
The water and minerals of glasswort help maintain hydration and prevent electrolyte imbalances - both of which are more common in athletes and the elderly. The levels of iodine, iron - even if not very bioavailable - and calcium are particularly interesting. In particular, iodine is a very rare microelement in food but extremely important, because it is necessary for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland - which produces regulatory hormones of cellular metabolism: T3 and T4.
. It is considered a prized wild vegetable, with a savory taste and a slightly spicy flavor. Salicornia is excellent eaten raw, as a side dish, or blanched in water; some prepare it pickled. However, the plant must be harvested young, by hand, in the month of May. Since the roots of the glasswort draw directly to sea water, the plant contains all the nutrients and minerals of this environment.
