Palmaria palmata, or dulse is reddish brown and is accounted a delicacy by many. It has doubtless been harvested for many, many a century but the earliest recording of it is 1400 years ago; St Columba and the monks of Iona ate it. Icelandic peoples also used it from early times. Now it is being cultivated and sold as a gourmet food. In Nova Scotia it is called Sea Parsley.

Dulse powder (Rhodymenia palmata) comes from a sea vegetable that has a fine distinct taste of seaweed. Naturally mineral rich, our raw Organic Dulse powder can be easily included in practically any dish. Sprinkle it on entrees, soups and salads. Or add it to smoothies, teas and iced drinks. Our organic Dulse powder comes from the pristine and protected oceans off the coast of Canada.

In several traditions of European herbal medicine, Dulse was used to remove parasites, to relieve constipation and as a treatment for scurvy. It is also a great natural source of Iodine / Potassium iodide (KI). Iodine is a chemical element essential for the production of thyroid hormones that regulate growth and metabolism. Diets deficient in iodine increase risk of retarded brain development in children (cretinism), mental slowness, high cholesterol, lethargy, fatigue, depression, weight gain, and goiter: a swelling of the thyroid gland in the neck. The natural Potassium iodide (KI) / Iodine from Dulse is absorbed by your body more slowly and safely than chemical or synthetic iodine. Further Dulse helps promote an alkaline pH balance within the body and also boosts the immune system.

Iodine / Potassium iodide (KI), administered orally immediately after exposure to certain types of radiation, may be used to protect the thyroid from ingested radioactive iodine. But Potassium iodide (KI) / Iodine would only be effective if the radiation contains radioactive iodine.

Dulse is an excellent source of phytochemicals and minerals, and a superior source of iodine. The complex polysaccharides in the herb make it a gentle alternative to psyllium or senna in the treatment of constipation. There are anecdotal reports that the daily use of a few flakes of Dulse can relieve cyclic mastalgia after two months.

Dulse is eaten also with fish and butter, boiled with milk and rye flour, or as a relish. The gelatinous substance contained in Dulse is a thickening agent and imparts a reddish color to the food with which it is mixed.

Dulse is exceptionally nutritious and high in dietary fiber, containing around 10 - 20% protein and a whole slew of vitamins and minerals including, Alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, cobalt, lutein, niacin, phosphorous, riboflavin, selenium, silicon, sodium, tin, zeaxanthin, calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, iodine, manganese, copper, chromium, zinc, vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, C, E and zinc. Unlike other seaweeds, it is relatively low in sodium.

Some possible benefits of our organic raw Dulse powder may include:

● Ability to scavenge chemicals, drugs, heavy metals & radioisotopes throughout the body
● Great natural source of Iodine / Potassium iodide (KI)
● Strengthening immunity
● One of the richest plant sources of calcium
● Removal of parasites
● More vitamin C than oranges
● Relieves constipation
● Nurturing healthy heart vessels
● Aids in waste movement & digestion
● High mineral content, especially: iodine, calcium, iron, magnesium
● Relieves cyclic mastalgia
● Anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory properties
● Fighting scurvy
● Polysaccharides: important in the prevention of degenerative diseases
● Strengthens an underactive thyroid
● Excellent source of bioavailable iron
● May play a role in lowering risk of estrogen-related problems
● Cholesterol-lowering effects
● Anti-viral, anticoagulant, & antithrombotic properties
● Contains fucoidans which may have anti-inflammatory benefits
● Natural source of the mineral vanadium which appears to play a multi-faceted role in regulation of carbohydrate metabolism & blood sugar

Suggested Use: Take 1/4 teaspoon 1 - 3 times daily.

● sprinkle on salad or add to salad dressings
● add to soups, stews, chowders and casseroles
● add to fish sauces for sea flavor
● bake in breads
● complements most cheeses, nuts and seeds, potatoes, tomatoes, most seafood's, most fruits, all salads and all sea vegetables

Botanical Name: Palmaria Palmata

Origin: Canada - Certified Organic

Z Natural Foods strives to offer the highest quality organically grown, raw, vegan, gluten free, non-GMO products available and exclusively uses low temperature drying techniques to preserve all the vital enzymes and nutrients. Our raw Dulse powder is certified organic and passes our strict quality assurance which includes testing for botanical identity, heavy metals, chemicals and microbiological contaminants. ZNaturalFoods.com offers organic raw Dulse powder packaged in airtight stand-up, resealable foil pouches for optimum freshness. Once opened, just push the air out of the pouch before resealing it in order to preserve maximum potency. Keep your raw Organic Dulse powder in a cool, dark, dry place.

References:

1. a b Indergaard, M. and Minsaas, J. 1991. 2 "Animal and human nutrition." in Guiry, M.D. and Blunden, G. 1991. Seaweed Resources in Europe: Uses and Potential. John Wiley & Sons. ISBN 0-471-92947-6.

2. a b Hoek, C.van den, Mann, D.G. and Jahns, H.M. 1995. Algae: An Introduction to Phycology. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. ISBN 0-521-30419-9.

3. Algaebase :: Species Detail.

4. Abbott, I.A. and Hollenberg, G.J. 1976. Marine Algae of California. Stanford University Press, California. ISBN 0-8047-0867-2.

5. Mondragon, J. and Mondragon, J. 2003. Seaweeds of the Pacific Coast. Sea Challengers, California. ISBN 0-930118-29-4.

6. Algaebase :: Species Detail.

7. Hiscock, S. 1986. A Field Key to the British Red Seaweeds. Occasional Publications No. 13 . Field Studies Council, Dorset Press, Dorchester ISBN 1-85153-813-6.

8. van der Meer, J.P. and Todd, E.R. 1980. The life-history of Palmaria palmata in culture. A new type for the Rhodophyta. Can. J. Bot. 58: 1250–1256.

9. a b c d Irvine, L.M. & Guiry, M.D. "Palmariales and Rhodymeniales" in Irvine, L.M. 1983. Seaweeds of the British Isles. Volume 1. Part 2A. Cryptonemiales (sensu stricto) Palamriales, Rhodymeniales. British Museum (Natural History), London. ISBN 0-565-00871-4.

10. Finest Quality Dulse, harvested from the shallows of the Atlantic at West Donegal.

11. Børgesen, F. (1903) Marine algæ. In: Botany of the Færöes Vol. II, pp. 339-532. Copenhagen and London.

12.Barton,E.S. 1891. "On the occurrence of galls in Rhodymenia palmata Grev." J.Bot. Lond. 29: 65–68.