The Captains Lady
Old World Energy Wellness for Highly Sensitive Women!
The Mermaid Diet
I often wake up with insights. I woke one morning thinking about the amygdala, the fish part of our brain, the amphibious part of ourselves that controls our emotions. The thought crossed my mind that perhaps we should be eating more like sea creatures, than land creatures, or at least leaning that way, and the picture of mermaids chomping on sea lettuce popped into my minds eye and wouldn't leave. It was a very curious moment.
A Mermaid Diet? Why not? I mean, in my e-book, "Eating, Naturally!", and on my web page, 'Anxiety & Phobias', I discuss the importance of seafood, minerals and Omega 3s in the diet, right?
Hence, I jumped out of bed and, still in my pajamas, immediately begin studying about foods from the sea and Mermaids, and came up with The Mermaid Diet, which is not a diet at all, but a way of life. I think it is worth considering, especially as land food sources are becoming more harmful and less nutritious all the way around.
To follow The Mermaid Diet, in place of some of the green vegetables you should be eating each week, substitute sea vegetables in their place! I'll show you how, below!
But First, Some Mermaid Lore!
Mermaids are popular all over the world. Christopher Columbus and Henry Hudson both wrote detailed entries in their ships logs about their encounters with mermaids. They have been spotted in China, Japan, Korea, Hawaii, the South Pacific Islands, Denmark, Ireland, Wales, Scotland and Iceland. Japan says you gain mortality without aging by eating the flesh of a 'Ningyo' and the 'Syrenka' has been the symbol of Warsaw since the 14th Century.
Mermaids and Mermen appear human in form from the waist on up and as fish from the waist on down. They have smaller sex organs than humans. The lower body, appearing to have scales, is actually very smooth and their tails are iridescent, which causes them to shimmer and sparkle in the water. There are, reportedly, greenish, white and black skinned merfolk. Some even have two tails rather than one.
Mermaids are said to be beautiful, having ageless beauty, although some resources say they are not as beautiful as some have reported. Perhaps they were speaking of the males. Mermen tend to be uglier than females and can be quite wild and scary.
A Mermaid is a mammal. Her lungs are able to breathe both the air from the sky and the oxygen from water. In fact, Mermaids and Mermen can be on land for awhile, if they choose, before swimming back out to sea.
Mermaids give birth as other mammals do. Merbabies learn to swim immediately, but are often carried encircled in the mother's arms as she glides through the water. As they mature, they often grasp on to their mothers hair or tail fin to be pulled along, especially when they are tired. Mermaids can live to be 300 years old, or longer, and then dissolve into sea foam.
Humans, especially men, are attracted to the song of the Mermaid. If a Mermaid falls in love with a human male she will go to great lengths to show him how much she loves him. If he returns her love, she may live forever as a mortal and give birth to a mortal child. If not, she is doomed to watch the land babies from the shore.
Yes. Mermaids do sleep. Mermen snore, while females do not, as they are more sensitive to water disturbances that air bubbles cause. All Merfolk dream.
Mermaids live in underwater castles and coral caves. They often travel great distances and sleep over in underwater shelves and coves. They have even been known to visit lakes, rivers and swamps. During their travels they collect treasures, such as seashells, pearls, and anything that has been lost at sea. They take them home for useful purposes and souvenirs.
The personality of merfolk differs between male and female. Mermen don't care much for humans and avoid them. Too bad, as they are able to cure sickness, grant wishes and lift curses. Mermaids have a tendency to be innocently vain, loving their own images. Mermaids often warn sailors of a coming storm or disaster. They, like the Mermen, are able to offer cures to sicknesses, but often expect something in return for their favors, often feeling slighted if they are not rewarded. In this case, they may provoke a storm or curse a ship so that sailors will fall into the ravaging sea or ground their ships. Not realizing her own physical strength, she may squeeze a drowning victim too hard and cause his death. Sometimes, Mermaids forget that humans can't breathe under water. While carrying him home in order to help him, he loses his life to the sea.
Merfolk have many friends and a strong social network. Among their friends are the Sirens, Harpies, Nereids, Oceanides, Dryads, Selkies, Sea People and Water Fairies. I am sure there are even more that they consider friends, such as dolphins, whales, manatees, dugongs and serenia. They often play and exercise together.
How do Merfolk exercise? For Merfok it is important to increase upper body and back strength in order to age more gracefully. There's nothing worse than a case of dropsy for a Mermaid! Mermaids should exercise moderately, longer, and more frequent routines than Mermen, who benefit from exercising shorter, fewer and more intense routines. Both swim and do water aerobics, of course, perform water sports and engage in Mermaid Pilates. As humans, we can mimic these activities and add others, such as scuba diving, kyacking and beach-walking.
Mermaids, especially merchildren, often have pets, such as hermit crabs, snails, toads, and an occasional dragon fly, which are treated with love and allowed to roam freely. Of course, the very young must be taught to keep their pets out of their mouths.
So, What Do Mermaids Eat?
I did a thorough study as to whether Merfolk eat fish and I believe this depends entirely upon an individual philosophy. All prefer a higher protein, lower carbohydrate diet, which is perfect for humans too. Those feeling more human than fish do eat fish. But, those feeling more fish than human do not, as that, in their heart of hearts, rings with of cannibalism. Some prefer to just remain vegetarians. Remember, Merfolk are actually mammals, neither human or nor fish. Some have no preference at all and even eat humans!
With this in mind, I can confidently tell you Merfolk eat Seaweed, Algae and other Fruits de Mer (fruits of the sea), Shrimp, Lobster, Calm, Oysters, Sea Monkey (Sea Horses are often pets rather than food) and other sea creatures, Sea Urchins, Sea Monkey, Plankton, Brine, Gilly Weed, Sea Cucumbers, and an occasional bird creature. But, they never eat doves! Doves are sacred, especially white ones.
When traveling close to land, Mermaids will also pick coconut, bananas and berries. They will often try just about anything they can nibble at, including foods sailors lose in containers at sea. They prefer whole foods and, sometimes, eat grains resembling sand. like grits, tapioca and rice, to help with digestion.
Merfolk also prefer a higher salt diet, but can afford this as they are constantly replenishing their body fluids with water.
Why the Mermaid Diet?
Why Is It Necessary?
Mineral imbalances in the water that we use and drink can lead to illnesses such as low blood pressure, arthritis, nervous problems, phobias, low energy, sadness and stomach ailments. Water from the sea has nearly the same proportion of minerals as the human body and foods from the sea carry an abundant supply of the minerals we need.
Take seaweed, for example. Seaweed contains vitamins A, B-12, C, D, E and K, Omega 3s, Amino Acids, Enzymes, Potassium, Magnesium, Zinc, Lignans, Iodine, Essential Fatty Acids, Nucleic acids (RNA, DNA), and phytochemicals, such as Carotenoids. Seaweed is extraordinary! It even helps to rid the body of toxins and restores pH balance when used minimally!
The Benefits of Adding Seaweed To Your Diet!
The minerals in seaweed are already chelated (pronounced key-lated), which means they are easily absorbed by the body. In fact, many of the nutrients and trace minerals found in seaweed are those you will not find in a land diet, even if you take vitamins and supplements.
Only 1-2 teaspoons of sea vegetables in your diet every day is sufficient to reap a world of benefits, such as reduced toxicity, fewer body aches, softer skin, and a more alert mind!
Land plants (and humans, animals, birds and insects that eat them) become polluted with acid rain and fertilizers. They don't grow the way they should, become sick and are attacked by insects and illnesses. Not so with Sea vegetables. Seaweed, unlike land food and some seafood, absorb very few toxins.
Seaweed is a high fiber vegetable. No more worrying about whether you are getting your fiber in each day. In fact, seaweed offers a source of fiber that is physio-chemically different from land plants because it does come from water, which by the way, makes up about 72% of our body. An intake of high fiber reduces the chances of cancer, high blood pressure, bowel problems, arthritis and diabetes.
Many humans crave salt. This is a sign of Potassium deficiency. Potassium is necessary for proper nerve function, hormone balancing and muscle functioning. However the salt that is found in in the typical foods we eat is sodium chloride, which is very bad for us and should be avoided. The salt contained in sea vegetables is potassium chloride, which is exactly what we need! Potassium chloride reduces cravings for salty foods.
Dietary seaweed modifies estrogen and phytoestrogens, helping to balance hormones and eliminating menopausal and andropausal symptoms.
Seaweed helps with thyroid dysfunction, chronic fatigue, lethargy, depression, circulatory conditions, cancer prevention, phobias, anxiety, diseases of the joints, digestive issues, muscle problems, sleep apnea, muscle myalgia and more.
To learn more about seafood (fish and other sea meats) and portion sizes, there’s my e-book, "Eating, Naturally!", which also gives you tips on how to balance your pH and how to lose weight, naturally. Wherever green vegetables are called for in your diet, use seaweed at least part of the time and you will have begun The Mermaid Diet!
Sea Vegetables
Seaweed is the richest form of plant life, containing fiber and minerals, on earth. There are several types of sea vegetables, including Irish Moss, that grow naturally in different depths of the sea. Seaweed gets its color from the rays of the sun. The color of seaweed is determined by the depth of the water it grows in. It usually grows somewhere between the high tide and low tide marks of an ocean shore.
Seaweed can be purchased as flakes, leaves, sheets, powder or leaves. It can be used as a source of salt, for seasoning, for fermenting, as a medicine, as well as a nutritive.
Seaweed varies in tastes ranging from nutty to tangy. Most seaweed has a very strong flavor so it is used minimally.
Types of Seaweed - Brown or Red
Arame is light, lacy and wiry. It is less salty and more mild and sweet than other sea vegetables and can be steamed, sauteed and added to soups and salads quite easily.
Bladder Wrack is similar to Wakeme (see below).
Dulce is reddish brown in color and is sift and chewy. It contains less Iodine than Kelp, but each serving contains a daily requirement of B-12, Iron and Potassium. It can be added to a recipe without softening or cooking first. Just rinse quickly under cool running water and then cut it with a rocking motion with your knife. It is great in soups along with Kombu and Wakame.
Hijiki is a Brown Algae Seaweed usually found in the Far East. It looks like wiry pasta strands. It contains the highest amount of Calcium. It is not to be eaten raw, as it is too rough. It is traditionally dried, steamed and then dried again for best flavor. You can place Hijiki in a strainer to rinse before placing in a bowl of warm water to soften (5 minutes or so). Strain and rinse again. Then, chop in whatever size you like. It is very strong and good sprinkled in Chinese cabbage salads (tossed with soy sauce) or in stir fry.
Irish Moss is a Red Algae Seaweed that is popular in breads such a Laverbread. Some people snack on it raw.
Kelp Brown Algae Seaweed makes up 10% of the Japanese diet. It has a higher Potassium content than other seaweeds and is rich in Iodine. It grows along the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines. It is light brown to dark green in color and is usually dried and sold in whole or granaulated forms to sprinkle on food. Kelp is the primary seaweed used for people with slow thyroids. A jar of Kelp flakes can be mixed with other seasonings, such a garlic, parsley, onion powder and pepper to use as an added nutrient to your food.
Kombu is a Brown Algae Seaweed popularly consumed in China. It is extremely dark in color and is the only seaweed that produces stock (a vegetable broth) by immersing it in water. This stock is called Dashi. Kombu is one of the best sea vegetables to eat. Rinse under running water for a bit, then place in warm water for about 12 minutes to soften. Chop into desired pieces. You may add Kombu to the bottom of a pot of rice for flavoring rice, in Sushi, as a side salad or in bean dishes to prevent gas. Keep in mind that Kombu takes about 20 minutes to cook and about 10 minutes longer to cook than other sea vegetables, so add it to the pot first.
Nori is a Red Algae Seaweed is grown in Japan rather than collected in the wild sea and is high in protein and vitamin A. It is used to cover rice or oniguri, but is mostly used as a wrap that covers Sushi. It is a purplish black color that turns a green phosphorescent color when it is toasted. It is sold in pretoasted strips for snacking and can be crumbled up to use in soup or salad. To toast your own Nori, palce it in a preheated oven (350 degrees) for 1-2 minutes until it turns green.
Wakeme is a Kelp seaweed, similar to Kombu, and is more like spinach. However, it has the highest amount of sodium (salt). Rinse under cool running water for a bit and then soak in warm water for about 4-7 minutes until soft. It will turn silky green. Chop and add to your recipe. It is often used in salads and soups, especially miso soup, and for use as a topping. Cook for only 10 minutes.
How To Buy Seaweed
Asian Markets typically have a variety of seaweed to choose from. You may also purchase seaweed online. Make sure your seaweed is sold in tight packages. Avoid any that are excessively moist. Some types are sold in different forms (powder, flakes, sheets, etc.).
Other cultures that also use seaweed as a staple in their diet are Scotland, Ireland, Iceland, Denmark, Hawaii, the South Pacific Islands and all Mediterranean cultures. All of these countries have food markets in which to purchase seaweed. If you are interested in purchasing online, you might try www.KuraKonusa.com.
How To Store Seaweed
Store dried seaweed in a tightly sealed container in a room temperature cupboard and semi-dried in the fridge or freezer. They should last several months.
How to Prepare Seaweed
All species of seaweed can be simmered gently in salted water or sauteed with a bit of olive oil. For recipes requiring the liquid used after soaking seaweed, use no more water than what is needed for your recipe.
Current Popular Seaweed Diets
The Kanton Diet in Asia: A gelatin is made from seaweed that has been ground up (known as Agar). By ingesting this gelatin, appetite is reduced and weight is lost from eating less food.
Seaweed Supplements: Fuco-Thin (fucoxanthin formula by Garden of Life), which boost metabolism and reduces appetite.
Seaweed Supplements & Precautions
I do not recommend seaweed supplements simply because mineral and fiber content and dosages are often not listed on the bottle. Unless these are listed, it is impossible to tell the quality of the product. Also, for those who are sensitive to iodine, not knowing the existence or the amount of iodine included in each capsule can pose a health risk.
It might interest you to know that seaweed supplements are treated to reduce their strength in flavor and odor. I am not sure of this process. However, I would imagine it would remove some of the healing qualities as well.
If you do use supplements, make sure they are harvested from unpolluted waters.
Besides Iodine, Arsenic was found to be a problem in a herd of sheep on a remote Scottish island several years ago. Arsenosugars were found in their blood. However, this particular herd sheep had been reduced to eating nothing but seaweed for over 200 years. The shepherds ran out of food for the sheep and began collecting seaweed, which the sheep readily ate. This became their only food source after being abandoned. I doubt we will be reduced to this radical of a diet. Still, it is an important fact and I believe it is important to know where the seaweed that you are eating comes from.
Seaweed for Ageless Beauty!
Even Cleopatra knew the value of the minerals found in Seaweed. Seaweed has been used for thousands of years as face and body wraps. Seaweed draws out impurities from the skin. Trace minerals are absorbed into the skin and leave you looking soft, radiant and youthful! Seaweed is often an ingredient found in natural lotions and creams.
Throw 2-3 ounces into your bath tonight. It will help your skin to detoxify and protect your skin even after your bath. You can also put some seaweed in a cheese cloth bag and place the pouch in the tub. This will keep seaweed from clogging your tub. Make sure you have very warm, but not too hot, water in the tub to cover yourself laying down. Act like seaweed! Float for 20 minutes or so! Rinse with warm water afterwards.
Energy Wellness Tip!
For more information concerning the amygdala, the fish part of the brain, and its role in the body, please download my e-book, Anxiety & Phobias (Depression Too!), which explains the amygdala in easy to understand terms.
Do You Have Any Favorite Sea Vegetable Dishes?
If so, email me at DriftingGallion@yahoo.com and I will include them here with your first name and location.
The summer black seaweed has the best flavor. Its best gathered after the herring spawn in early spring. After gathering, hang it overnight to get water out then spread on sheets in the sun for one or two days. You can grind it in a meat grinder and set it back in the sun. Some people squirt it with sugar water or clam juice for the flavor. I like it plain. Fresh or dried its a natural laxative. Actually, its good mixed with plain rice with onion and garlic seasoning too but I especially like the cabbage and salmon fry.
Ya just throw a bunch of cut up cabbage in the frying pan, add the smoked salmon (or canned or whatever) when it's cooked down some, and toss a handful of black seaweed in at the same time. It (seaweed) is also good mixed with Chex mix!
Karen - Juno, Alaska
May Love & Energy Be Yours!
Email: DriftingGallion@yahoo.com
