Kelp Benefits and Nutrition Facts
Kelp, or more commonly, seaweed, is found in kelp forests in the ocean where the water is shallow and clear. It is an algae that grows underwater and is famous for its ability to spread. Kelp grows 20 inches a day and can reach 200 feet long. It grows in water that is cooler than 68 degrees F.
Most kelp it made up of a body or thallus that are actually leaf-like structure called blades. Blades come from stipes which are long stem-like structures. The holdfast is a type of root that anchors the plant to the ocean floor. The American variety contains gas-filled bladders at the base of the blades that keep the leaves close to the surface.
Normally kelp is acquired as a dried plant, as a powder, or in a capsule. Some use it as a substitute for salt, or as a flavoring for their drink. Others add kelp to their beans, stir fries, stews, soups, or other types of grains.
Wikipedia says that 100 grams of kelp will normally contain 1.3 grams of fiber, 1.7 grams of protein, 9.6 grams of carbohydrates, .6 grams of fat, and .6 grams of sugars. They claim that kelp contains from 3% to 45% of the minimum personal requirements of 13 other vitamins and minerals. In all kelp has over 70 minerals, growth hormones, trace elements, enzymes, vitamins, and this includes potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium, and especially iodine.
Kelp is not only plentiful but it is also healthy. Kelp suppresses AIDS, helps to fight heart disease, and boosts the immune system. It increases body energy, helps to fight cancer, improves the function of the liver, and reduces arthritic pain.
Kelp is used to help control body weight because of its ability to stimulate metabolism. The iodine in kelp is a great help to those with hypothyroid problems. It also aids in problems with poor digestion, constipation, and bowel gas.
Kelp is used in everything from soap to dog food. A compound of kelp is a thickener used in making jelly, toothpaste, salad dressing, and ice cream. The ash is used in the production of soap and glass. Kelp kills the herpes virus and reduces hair loss. It also maintains mucous membranes in the body and lowers cholesterol levels.
Fertilizer called vraic is made from kelp. In the far east, some types of kelp are served as expensive dishes in restaurants.
You will help keep your body regulated by daily ingesting a small amount of kelp in powder or kelp capsule form. This will provide you with needed vitamins and minerals and may ward off health problems you never knew you would have faced.
January 31st, 2009 at 7:49 pm
A friend who says she knows a biologist who says that kelp can be bad for you. Is that in any way true?
March 11th, 2009 at 5:52 am
Ray - Kelp is a very natural source of great health-boosting ingredients. We are aware of no evidence that demonstrates it as being harmful.