Kelp
has been shown to contain 46 minerals, 16 amino acids (the building blocks of
protein) and 11 different vitamins. Prominent among the minerals are iodine,
salt, iron, potassium, phosphorus and calcium. The lead vitamins in kelp are
vitamin A and niacin.
Helps in Thyroid Gland Regulation
Due to Kelps high levels of natural iodine, it is essential in regulating our
thyroid hormones and therefore our metabolism and energy levels.
Kelp helps in hydration
This may be particularly important to note when you have been ill or exposed to
too much heat and sun. Make a soup or broth with kelp and rehydrate quickly.
Assists in Weight Management
Due to kelp's iodine content and its role in thyroid function, one of kelps
benefits is improving metabolism and energy. An iodine deficiency can slow your
metabolic function by as much at 50 percent, so including kelp can naturally and
significantly improve weight loss and other associated health problems.
Improves body pH
Kelp is an alkaline food and therefore an essential part of maintaining acid
base balance in the body and an effective component in a healthy acid-alkaline
diet.
Protects against Radiation Poisoning
Once again, due to kelp's high natural iodine levels, it prevents the thyroid
from up-taking harmful levels of radioactive iodine present after a nuclear
disaster. This has been particularly important since the recent nuclear fallout
in Japan in 2011.
Cancer prevention
Particularly in estrogen sensitive cancers such as breast, endometrial and
ovarian cancers.
As a detoxifier
Studies continue to show that the ocean is home to some of the best filtering
systems on earth, facilitating the breakdown of chemicals, toxins and heavy
meals. Kelp is in fact one of these amazing detoxifiers in oceans and seas
around the world (Barry, 1994). The addition of kelp into your diet as either a
raw food or supplement can help with the detoxification of the body which can in
turn help to prevent health problems whilst making you feel rejuvenated.
As an immunity booster
Kelp/kelp extract can also help to improve the effectiveness of the immune
system. Studies such as that conducted by Fleurence et al. (2012) have found
that kelp supplementation assists with the immune response to a wide range of
diseases. More research needs to be conducted surrounding how, however it has
been suggested that it is linked to the rich nutrient value.1 serving of kelp
would provide you with around 20% of the recommended daily allowance of this
vitamin, along with large percentages of other vitamins. One of the best ways to
ensure good immune health and function if by taking in a balanced diet and all
the vitamins and minerals required by the body.
For skin longevity
Kelp
can also help to prevent early loss of elasticity of the skin and therefore keep
skin looking firmer and younger for longer. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer
Centre reports that extracts of the bladderwrack kelp demonstrated both
antioxidant and skin firming attributes. Kelp also contains minerals like
calcium, fluorine and magnesium that contribute to a more radiant skin tone. It
is also rich in Vitamins A, C and E, as well as minerals such as magnesium,
selenium and zinc. These vitamins and minerals are essential to regenerating
skin cells and tissue.
For thyroid function
Kelp is also high in iodine (one serving a day would be enough) therefore kelp
extract is a good replacement for salt, especially if you're on a diet for high
blood pressure and need to reduce or restrict your sodium intake. Up to 80
percent of iodine in the body is found in the thyroid and deficiencies can have
a serious impact on thyroid hormone production as well as on all of the
processes they affect.
The BBC released a report in April 2011 suggesting that iodine deficiency could
be becoming endemic in the UK. A study involving more than 700 teenage girls at
nine UK centres found more than two-thirds had a deficiency, highlighting the
importance of food/supplements which contain kelp.
For sports performance and weight loss
A survey conducted by Howell (1998) into British sportsmen and women found that
the addition of kelp to their diet, significantly boosted their energy and
endurance levels and also improved competitive performance. Kelp may also help
improve body composition and assist with weight lost, the high iodine content
helps to boost metabolism in people with hypothyroidism or under active thyroid
function. Howell (1998) notes that an independent clinical trial into the
benefit of algae based weight loss products found that all subjects in the trial
lost weight (between 4 and 30 pounds).
Specially for Women
Kelp is especially important in terms of women's health as it is rich in iron,
potassium and calcium, all useful for women of all ages, during menstruation,
pregnancy and for new Mums. Kelp extract also contains large amounts of folic
acid. Research shows that alongside cardiovascular benefits, folic acid is also
essential for the healthy development of babies during pregnancy and folic acid
deficiencies in pregnant women causes an increased risk of birth defects.
Kelp is available in many different forms and can be consumed in any way for
health and beauty benefits. Kelp noodles can be used to replace spaghetti while
kelp flakes are great for adding texture, taste and extra nutrients to any meal.
If you don't like the taste of kelp but want to reap it's health benefits it can
also be taken in capsule or tablet form.
In addition, kelp benefits include the following properties: anti-oxidant,
anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer,
anti-tumor, anti-biotic, anti-viral, and
immune-stimulating. Kelp is more than capable as an adequate daily women�s
vitamin because it is packed with other necessary nutrients such as iron,
calcium and potassium. Since these are so necessary, and lost, during monthly
cycles, pregnancy or lactation, women should especially take note of all the
things that kelp has to offer. Because it has a natural antibiotic synthesized
into it, kelp assists the body in fighting off infection, so it is especially
helpful during cold and flu season, or for those who are susceptible to sinus
congestion due to allergies or who have a lowered immune system. The magnesium
and iron in kelp is beneficial to a healthy bloodstream as it creates a friendly
environment for the growth of red blood cells. This gives us energy and helps to
maintain homeostasis.
Many
people are avoiding sodium in their diets, and for good reason. Sodium is
harmful in a variety of ways as it is associated with heart disease and
water-weight gain. But when salt first became available for seasoning food right
at the table, manufacturers added iodine as a health benefit. For years kelp
stayed hidden in the closet while people got their necessary iodine from table
salt. But now that salt is being avoided, iodine is not as readily available and
so kelp is becoming more and more favored as a healthy source of iodine.
Vegetarians, and especially vegans who are avoiding dairy and animal products
should be taking kelp since, healthy as these diets are, they are lacking in
certain minerals and nutrients necessary for a healthy lifestyle.
Kelp comes in tablet form or can be made into a tea. It can also be found in
seaweed products offered in health food stores for making salads, soups and
other recipes calling for dark, leafy greens.
Risks of Taking Sea Kelp
As sea kelp contains so many minerals and nutrients in such high quantities it
may pose health problems if consumed in an incorrect dosage or by those with
particular health issues. Iodine: Sea kelp is rich in iodine as it rapidly
absorbs the high iodine content of the sea, and you might find anecdotal advice
to take it for iodine deficiency. In the developed world though this condition
is rare, and even if you are a sufferer it's unlikely iodine supplements would
be the recommended course of action.
In fact, you'll probably already get between 160 mcg and 600 mcg of iodine from
salt, and taking excess iodine can cause many health problems including
hyperthyroidism, Grave's disease and thyroid cancers. Different forms of kelp
can vary greatly in iodine content too; another reason to be cautious. For
example, the iodine content of different products containing bladderwrack (or
seawrack) - a type of kelp - may vary greatly.
Heavy metals: Sea kelp grown in polluted waters may well absorb toxic
heavy metals which if ingested can cause major health problems. The potential
for this means it isn't recommended to be taken if pregnant or breastfeeding, or
by children or people with health issues, especially liver or kidney problems.
It should be possible however to make sure a particular supplement comes from
kelp grown in clean waters.
Unpredictability: There are a large number of sea kelp supplements
available containing a variety of different types of algae that all come under
the name 'kelp', which may affect your body in different ways. For instance,
bladderwrack can cause or worsen acne, and there is a single reported case of it
causing kidney failure.
As with any supplements, it's definitely best to consult a doctor before taking
any; especially if pregnant, breastfeeding or suffering from any ailments. Of
course, never exceed the recommended dosage of supplements, or the recommended
daily allowance of minerals like iodine.
Kelp as a superfood with so many benefits but should be taken with care and
precaution.
Health Benefits of Kelp
Kelp
can also help to prevent early loss of elasticity of the skin and therefore keep
skin looking firmer and younger for longer. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer
Centre reports that extracts of the bladderwrack kelp demonstrated both
antioxidant and skin firming attributes. Kelp also contains minerals like
calcium, fluorine and magnesium that contribute to a more radiant skin tone. It
is also rich in Vitamins A, C and E, as well as minerals such as magnesium,
selenium and zinc. These vitamins and minerals are essential to regenerating
skin cells and tissue.
Many
people are avoiding sodium in their diets, and for good reason. Sodium is
harmful in a variety of ways as it is associated with heart disease and
water-weight gain. But when salt first became available for seasoning food right
at the table, manufacturers added iodine as a health benefit. For years kelp
stayed hidden in the closet while people got their necessary iodine from table
salt. But now that salt is being avoided, iodine is not as readily available and
so kelp is becoming more and more favored as a healthy source of iodine. 