Yam and Kelp Noodles – Are They Really Raw and Healthy?
Yam, Kelp, Miracle Noodles
Kelp noodles have been labeled “raw” which makes them popular with the raw food crowd. However, are they really “raw?” We will discuss these noodles in more detail below.
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How do we feel about Yam and Kelp Noodles?
Even though these noodles are not truly raw in the classical sense, we believe they can be valuable as a diet food. They are satisfying and filling and add texture to vegetable and salad dishes. These noodles are a wonderful substitute for those folks who love pasta but are looking for a lower calorie alternative.
Of course, we highly recommend eating mostly fresh organic raw fruits, vegetables, raw sprouted seeds, nuts and grains above all else if at all possible. But these inventive and creative noodle products can be part of a delicious diet.
So… ARE These Noodles Really Raw and Healthy?
They are not really a completely raw food with enzymes and raw factors intact. However, they can be considered healthy in the sense that they do no harm and are valuable as a diet food. They can greatly contribute to a weight loss dietary program as they are so low in calories. They can be very tasty and help satisfy those “pasta” urges and cravings.
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More Details About Yam and Kelp Noodles
Yam Noodles and Kelp noodles are made from the extracted starch and components of yams, other vegetables, or in the case of kelp noodles, a bleached form of sodium alginate which is a dry, isolated, processed powder commonly used as a thickener for food, clothing dyes, paints.
Thus, all of these noodles are highly processed, having little if any actual nutritional value, but are considered convenient as a “filler” food. When properly prepared, these noodles are almost flavorless and therefore work well with sauces and seasonings.
There are some Yam noodles that have “zero calories” which makes them a popular food for dieters.
None of these noodles are actually “raw.” Legally, there are no standards for labeling processed foods, “raw.” Therefore, manufacturers can claim the term even though their product is highly processed and/or exposed to higher temperatures.
In the manufacturing of these extractives and powders, the base ingredients have been subjected to high heat.
Some have claimed that small amount of agar agar used in some noodle products will function as a bit of an absorbent of heavy metals, but currently, we are not aware of any certified laboratory tests that have confirmed this.
All kelp, yam and other “starch” based noodles can be considered a “treat” food and used as a filler to help satisfy the appetite. One of our favorite ways of serving would be with a raw organic soy, ginger, garlic, honey sauce, or, a fresh tomato sauce.
Yam and Kelp Noodle Recipes. (Opens new tab or window)
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One response to “Yam and Kelp Noodles – Are They Really Raw and Healthy?”
More About Kelp Noodles, Shirataki Noodles, Starch, Yam Noodles and Bean Thread Noodles
Kelp Noodles, Yam Noodles, Bean Thread noodles are made in rather odd ways.
Kelp Noodles are popular as a “raw type food” (even though they aren’t REALLY raw at all : ) so let’s talk about them.
Kelp
Noodles are really a reconstituted gelled substance derived from sodium
alginate, which is the sodium salt of alginic acid.
Sodium
Alginate is a highly processed powder derived from kelp. High heat is
used in the processing. Sodium Alginate is used as a thickener for
paints and such things as fabric dyes.
Alginate is often also bleached and treated with chemicals and manufacturing processes.
To form into noodles, sodium or calcium carbonate is added to reconstituted alginate to solidify.
One could say that Kelp Noodles are one of the most highly, chemically processed foods in the “health” diet.
That
said, they are a low calorie “filler” food when one is craving a pasta
substitute. But they are not truly raw, nor do they provide any
mentionable nutrition.
: )
As for Yam and other types of
noodles, these are derived from the starch in these vegetables. They can
have zero calories – amazing, isn’t it?
None of these noodles can be considered harmful, other than to a wallet that’s on the thin side.
Luv!
Ellienne
PS:
I do love to add starch noodles to food if I have them. They absorb
sauces very well and can add a delightful texture. Great for dieting and
losing weight.
But I really think Kelp Noodle manufacturers
should rethink using the term, “raw.” Although just about anything
processed can be legally called raw, they are oftentimes not raw at all.
Thus, a misnomer.
: )