Kelp is a plant which belongs to the family of brown algae. This mystical plant grows in the seas and oceans in shallow coastal waters. Has the capacity to grow very fast, it can grow 30 cm per day and it can reach up to 30 meters high. Kelp is growing in pure and mineral-rich water at a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius.
Colonies, i.e. so -called kelp forests are among the most beautiful in the world. It is used as a vegetable, as a dietary supplement, and for its wealth of healthy ingredients and as a supplement to take the necessary vitamins and minerals.
Nutritional Value
Kelp contains many vitamins, especially B vitamins, which are essential for cellular metabolism and providing your body with energy. It also contains vitamins C and E, which are both strong antioxidants and promote blood vessel health.
Minerals, such as calcium, boron and magnesium are plentiful in kelp; they are necessary for strong bones and normal muscle function.
Health Benefits of Kelp
Treats hypothyroidism – Today kelp mostly has medical application due to the high concentration of iodine which it contains. Iodine is very important in the formation of thyroid hormones. At people with insufficient iodine intake and decreased function of the thyroid gland it decreases levels of thyroid hormones and thus the occurrence of fatigue, swelling of the lower part of the legs and around the eyes, decreases appetite, downtime (both physically and mentally) hair loss and breaking of nails, weight gain, depression, dizziness, anemia, etc. This seaweed also provides input of sufficient amounts of iodine and thus improves the performance of the thyroid gland.
Maintains Normal pH Balance – Also kelp has very important application because it is rich with alkali. At people with disrupted nutrition and weak immunity, acidic environment is produced in the organism due to excess of acid, which reduces the pH in the organism, thus is worsening the situation. Kelp enables to neutralize excess acids in the body and to maintain the normal pH value, because it contains alkali.
Prevents Cancer – In terms of antioxidants, it is rich in vitamin C and other vitamins that are shown to be effective in seeking out free radicals and neutralizing them. Furthermore, contains “fucoidan”, which induces apoptosis, or cell death, in cancer cells, while leaving healthy cells alone. Kelp is often consumed specifically by women in Asia because of its proven record against breast cancer.
Protects from Radiation – In a similar vein, kelp has high levels of iodine, which can actually prevent the uptake of irradiated iodine by the thyroid gland, thereby protecting the body from the disastrous effects of radiation poisoning, which often leads to cancer.
Promotes Bone Health – The impressive amount of minerals (more than 40!), including essential minerals like calcium, boron, zinc, copper, and manganese all ensure that our bones remain strong and that any bone damage heals quickly. A healthy diet of kelp can prevent the onset of osteoporosis or other bone mineral deficiencies.
Other health benefits of kelp:
- reduces the level of cholesterol in the blood;
- helps against problems with digestion;
- strengthens the immunity;
- the body has more energy;
- treats anemia.
Precautionary measures
Kelp can be taken as a supplement. It can be found in form of tablets, capsules and powders. Consuming kelp must be strictly on the recommendation of a doctor due to high concentrations of iodine. It cannot be used by people with hyperthyroidism and hypersensitivity to iodine!
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