Kelp is a wonderful, naturally produced product that has so many health benefits due to the abundant nutrients it contains.
What Is Kelp?
Kelp is a type of marine algae, or seaweed that grows in the sea and is often referred to as ‘sea kelp’. It is naturally found in warm oceans, often where the water is shallow and clear and able to absorb the sun’s rays.
It is a green/brown color and quite unique in that it has no roots like plants and trees. It is not anchored to the sea floor via roots and does not absorb nutrients in the same way as plants.
It grows through the process of photosynthesis – This is where it uses the sun’s energy to make its own food and absorbs the abundant minerals from the sea itself.
Due to its size and density, ‘kelp forests’ are often used to describe large masses of kelp in the sea, because they resemble large forests of trees.
Kelp grows extremely fast and can grow up to 150 feet long at a rate of 20 inches a day. When harvested just a few feet from the surface, it can fully grow back within just ten days.
It is normally gathered or (harvested) and allowed to dry. It is then crushed into powder form for capsules, or to add to drinks, or for use in place of salt.
Kelp provides protection for a variety of marine life and is a vital part of the food chain, eaten by many sea creatures.
The Health Benefits of Kelp
Kelp is one of those amazing food sources that contain a whole host of vitamins and minerals that can be used in foods as well as health and beauty products.
It is notably rich in iodine but is also a good source of folic acid, vitamin K, magnesium, calcium, iron and other mineral and trace elements.
Kelps Fight Cancer
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds are particularly prevalent in sea vegetables such as kelp. Together, these compounds have been shown to help fight free-radical damage that causes cancer.
Colon and breast cancer have both been singled out as showing a reduced risk due to the compounds found in kelp.
Japans diet is rich in kelp and it is not surprising to hear that Japanese women have the lowest rates of breast, ovarian and endometrial cancer in the world.
More research is needed to establish this link but it seems highly likely that future studies will further kelps anti-cancer abilities.
Promotes a Healthy Heart
Many cardiovascular problems caused by free radicals are associated with a lack of antioxidants in the body.
Antioxidants are found abundantly in many fruits and vegetables including sea vegetables such as kelp. Being a sea vegetable, kelp offer slightly different antioxidant compounds and may result in increased benefits.
Heart disease and many cancers are much lower in Eastern countries such as Japan that include seafood and sea vegetables in their diet. The high levels of antioxidants contained in these foods will no doubt be a leading factor.
Treatment for Thyroid Problems
Iodine deficiency is very common among people who don’t eat sea vegetables, dairy or seafood. This may be a contributing cause of hypothyroidism (a thyroid hormone imbalance).
Kelps high iodine content helps promote the body’s production of thyroid hormones, necessary for maintaining a healthy metabolism.
If hypothyroidism is a condition you suffer from, kelp can be a natural treatment that you may want to consider.
Kelp and Weight Loss
Kelp can help to regulate the body’s weight by stimulating your metabolism. Iodine deficiency can slow your metabolism down by as much as 50% which can and often does, result in obesity and other associated health problems.
You only need a small amount of kelp to provide you with 100% of the recommended dose of iodine. Simply substituting it for salt is enough.
Beauty Benefits of Kelp
The nutrients in kelp can provide significant benefits to your skin, nails and hair in the form of a healthier looking complexion and stronger nails and hair.
There are hundreds of beauty products on the market that use kelp as the main ingredient due to the number of nutrients it contains. Hair and skin products are particularly popular.
More Health Benefits..
Kelp comes from the sea which is rich in vital minerals and nutrients, so it makes sense that it might contain a number of health promoting properties.
- Stimulates and boosts your immune system
- Helps fights cancer
- Helps prevent heart disease
- Encourages healthy liver function
- Aids in brain development
- Helps to prevent osteoporosis
- Helps to lower cholesterol levels
- Good for joints which reduces arthritic pain
- Kills the Herpes virus which causes cold sores
- Natural energy booster
- Helps with digestion, flatulence and constipation
- Good for fertility in both men and women
This natural source of goodness has an amazing impact in our bodies and doesn’t receive nearly enough recognition or usage.
My theory is that it’s fairly cheap to harvest and buy, so the drug companies don’t promote it nearly enough.
How to Add Kelp to Your Diet
It’s no surprise to learn that kelp is already used in a variety of health supplements and in healthy cooking. With all these amazing kelp benefits, the secret is to incorporate it into our food so that we can reap the nutritional rewards!
It is extremely versatile in what it can be added to, and many chefs find all sorts of ways to incorporate it into a healthy diet.
Kelp is a wonderful, delicate flavor and can be added as seasoning to dishes like soups, seafood, sauces, dips, salads, casseroles and more. It’s so easy to add to foods, you’ll be experimenting with all sorts of ingredients.
I always substitute salt with kelp granules and this alone ensures I get my daily benefit.
It is also great for your pet cat or dog or even livestock like cattle. It is good for digestion, promotes a healthy coat and fights against infections and parasites. Your pet pouch will look and feel radiant in no time, after some kelp magic!
I hope you are sold on the idea of kelp benefits as much as I am. I’ve been consuming it for over 12 months now and can honestly say I’ve never felt healthier. My family is also addicted to it and we rarely suffer from any ailments.
Where Can I Buy Kelp?
Kelp can be bought as it is, in a dried form, as a powder, in tablet form as a supplement, or in granules as a salt substitute. I personally buy the granules and in powder form so that I can easily add it to recipes when salt is required.
There are plenty of places to buy kelp, such as your local health store. But it’s just as easy and in most cases, cheaper to order it online. Amazon.com is the cheapest I’ve found and they will ship it to you in just a day or 2, and you know your details are safe with them.
If you have an opinion on kelp benefits or use it yourself, let me know what you think by adding your comments below.