Dulse, also known by its scientific name, Palmaria palmata, or by the nickname sea lettuce flakes, is a type of red algae. Dulse grows in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, and it can be a nutritious addition to your diet, as it's low in calories but rich in nutrients. Among the nutrients dulse provides is potassium, which is a mineral vital for optimal health.
Potassium
Potassium is an essential mineral classified as an electrolyte, which means that it helps transmit electricity -- the mode of transmission for nerve impulses -- throughout your body. Consuming potassium ensures that your nervous system and the tissues with which it communications, such as your cardiac, digestive and skeletal muscles, function properly. If you don't eat enough potassium, you may experience cramps, irregular heart beat and weakness.
Potassium in Dulse
Dulse is a rich source of potassium, as even small servings provide a large dose of this mineral. Each 1/3 cup, or 7 g, serving of dulse contains 547 mg of potassium. That amount represents 27 percent of the daily suggested intake of 2,000 mg, so it would take about 1 1/6 cups of dulse to provide you with your entire daily suggested potassium intake.
Elevated Potassium Needs
While the daily suggested intake of 2,000 mg is intended to be an adequate amount for healthy adults, it may not be appropriate for everyone, as certain actions can deplete your body's stores of potassium. If you suffer from congestive heart failure, magnesium depletion, severe diarrhea, vomiting, bulimia or anorexia, or if you abuse laxatives or alcohol, you may deplete your body's stores of potassium more rapidly than you can replenish them. Thus, eating high-potassium foods or taking potassium supplements may be appropriate for you. However, you should consult a doctor prior to altering your diet or taking supplements to treat any condition.
Other Sources of Potassium
While dulse is a good source of potassium, it's not your only option for obtaining this nutrient. Among the richest sources of potassium are orange juice, white beans, dates, raisins, potatoes, grapefruit juice and soybeans.
Dulse Nutritional Profile
Dulse offers nutritional benefits beyond its potassium content. The food is low in calories, as 1/3 cup contains just 18. Dulse is fat-free and contains 2 g of protein per serving. While this may seem insignificant, it is 44 percent of the total calories in dulse. Dulse also provides 3 g of carbohydrates and 2 g of fiber per serving, making it a good source of fiber and an appropriate food for low-carbohydrate diets.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Potassium
- MyFitnessPal: Nutrition Facts: Maine Coast Sea Vegetables - Dulse
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University; Potassium; Jane Higdon, Ph.D.; February 2004
- USDA National Nutrient Database: Potassium, K (mg) Content of Selected Foods per Common Measure, Sorted by Nutrient Content
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