Scrumptious Guilt-Free Sea Delight Crackers to Combat Fatigue and Support Thyroid and Adrenal Function

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A white plate with a pile of tortilla chips, also known as Sea Delight Crackers, on it.

Enjoy these Sea Delight Crackers this Memorial Day weekend knowing that you are eating a whole food cracker that is not only gluten-free but nourishing and energizing. And you can make it ahead, so you can enjoy the day. Have this with the Broccoli Hummus recipe HERE.

What are Sea Delight Crackers Made Of?

This recipe combines mineral-rich sea vegetables, almonds, sunflower seeds, celery, red bell pepper, onion and garlic, salt and lemon juice.

How Do You Make Sea Delight Crackers?

It is best to start this recipe the night before or early in the day. While it may look like it takes some time, there is very little hands-on time with this recipe, and it is super easy if you use a food processor.

Start by soaking the almonds and the sunflower seeds.  Then place the arame in water to soak while you assemble your ingredients and process the nuts, seeds, and vegetables in the food processor.  Then stir in the remaining ingredients, spread them out on dehydrator sheets, score, and dry until you have a crispy cracker.

How Do These Ingredients Help with Adrenal and Thyroid Hormones?

Sea vegetables, or seaweed, such as arame and kelp, are known for their nutritional benefits. 

Sea vegetables are particularly rich in minerals such as iodine, calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium. Incorporating seaweed into each day helps to boost mineral status which is very important for the biochemical pathways related to all of our body systems but especially the adrenal and thyroid hormones.

Sea Delight Crackers

Many of the minerals in sea vegetables aid in adrenal function.

Calcium plays a role in overall hormone regulation and muscle function. Adequate calcium intake is important for maintaining strong bones and supporting nerve and muscle function.

Iron is necessary to support the production of hemoglobin and ensure an adequate oxygen supply to the adrenal glands and other organs. Insufficient iron levels can lead to anemia, which may impact adrenal function and overall energy levels. Iron is involved in numerous enzymes, including those involved in hormone synthesis and metabolism.

Iron is necessary for the enzymatic reactions involved in the production and regulation of hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. Adequate iron levels support the proper functioning of the adrenal glands and help maintain a balanced stress response.

It's important to note that both iron deficiency and iron overload can have negative effects on adrenal health. Iron deficiency can lead to fatigue, weakness, and compromised adrenal function, while excessive iron levels (iron overload or hemochromatosis) can cause oxidative stress and damage to organs, including the adrenal glands.

Magnesium is involved in more than 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, including energy production, muscle and nerve function, and hormone synthesis. Adequate magnesium intake is essential for supporting adrenal health and managing stress. 

Potassium works in conjunction with sodium to maintain fluid balance and nerve function, and plays a role in adrenal hormone production and helps regulate blood pressure.

In addition to minerals, seaweed contains bioactive compounds that have been associated with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects, and have a prebiotic effect on gut microbiota, improving gut health. 

Almonds are a good source of healthy fats, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, such as magnesium, which is linked to better hormone balance. Research has shown that consuming almonds can lead to improvements in various risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and insulin resistance. Additionally, almonds contain phytoestrogens, which can mimic the effects of estrogen and may be helpful in regulating hormones. 

Sunflower seeds are rich in healthy fats, fiber, and minerals like magnesium and selenium, which are essential for hormone balance. Studies have shown that consuming sunflower seeds can improve glycemic control, reduce insulin resistance, and decrease oxidative stress, potentially reducing the risk of hormone-related diseases. Selenium is crucial for thyroid balancing and supports estrogen detoxification in the liver.

Red bell peppers are one of my favorite sources of vitamin C which is crucial for immune health and is a wonderful antioxidant that defends us against oxidative stress.  The red color also shows us that red bell peppers contain beta-carotene and lycopene.

Beta carotene is the precursor to vitamin A which helps with our immune system, white blood cell growth, and intestinal lining integrity.  Vitamin A is frequently low in those with an autoimmune condition. While you could take supplements for vitamin A, getting it from your foods is always our first choice.

Lycopene is another antioxidant that is heart protective and lowers some cancer risks.

Garlic and onions belong to the allium family, and they contain compounds like allicin that possess antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. These vegetables have been associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and improved immune function. They can reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and enhance overall heart health. 

Garlic and onions have also been linked to reduced cancer risk. The presence of antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant compounds in alliums contributes to their health-boosting and hormone-regulating effects.

Sea salt contains many minerals instead of being limited to chlorine and sodium found in table salt.  Table salt is highly processed, so we recommend always using natural sea salt.

Lemon juice is very high in antioxidants like vitamin C.  It also contains calcium, potassium, and folate.  Most Americans are low in all 3 of these important nutrients which is why we include lemon juice in many recipes and even in our Morning Gut Rejuvenator drink.

Potassium is not only vital for our electrolytes, it helps us maintain healthy blood pressure, stabilizes blood sugar, and supports bone health.  Folate is a key nutrient for all of our hormones.  It aids in energy production, is important in producing red and white blood cells, and is needed to regulate sex hormones.

Make these nutrient-dense, hormone-balancing crackers today.

Sea Delight Crackers

Ingredients: 

  • 1 cup arame sea vegetable, soaked in 4 cups of water for 15 minutes to soften
  • 2 cups almonds, soaked 6 hours or overnight and drained
  • 1 cup sunflower seeds, soaked 4 hours or longer and drained
  • 4 stalks celery
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 1/2 small onion
  • 1 – 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 or more tablespoons kelp powder, finely ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced

Directions:

1. Rinse almonds and sunflower seeds and drain excess water.
2. In a food processor, thoroughly grind almonds, sunflower seeds, celery, bell pepper, and onion and garlic until smooth and well combined. Place in a bowl.
3. Add kelp, arame, salt, and lemon juice.
4. Blend with hands until the mixture holds together.
5. Spread evenly on a dehydrator sheet to about 1/4-inch thick.
6. Score into desired sized pieces.
7. Leave to dehydrate at 105°F until crispy. After several hours, the dehydrator sheet will be easy to remove. Turn it over onto a mesh tray and gently peel off the dehydrator sheet. If it sticks or leaves chunks behind, dehydrates longer before attempting to do this.

Personal Note: Different seasonings and nuts can be substituted for a variety of flavors. Add a teaspoon of tahini for a flakier texture. Add chia seeds to hold together into a firmer cracker.

Sea Delight Crackers

This recipe is adapted from Greens from the Sea: A Guide to Deliciously Nutritious Bounty from the Ocean from the Body Freedom Nutrition Lab.

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The myth of one size fits all.
The myth of one size fits all.

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