A type of seaweed. The stem-like parts of this plant have been used in some cultures to treat certain medical problems. It may have immunostimulatory and anticancer effects.
You already know that vegetables (and herbs) are good for you and should form a sizable bulk of your diet. But do you know that we can also benefit from vegetables and herbs found in the sea? One of these vegetables of the sea is kelp. It is a kind of seaweed called Laminar, which is brown in color and is packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Kelp has high amounts of iron, potassium, magnesium, calcium and iodine. This sea vegetable also contains bromine, boron, protein, sodium salts, alginates, alginic acid, essential fatty acids, nitrogen, selenium, zinc, laminarin, vitamin C and B-vitamins. Really, kelp has one of the highest levels of minerals from any one source. With all this rich mineral content, it helps to ensure the body’s normal metabolism by regulating the pituitary and thyroid glands.
Kelp is especially high in iodine, which must be present for proper glandular function and metabolism. It also contains iron, sodium, phosphorus and calcium, as well as magnesium and potassium. Kelp is a source of vitamins A, B1, B2, C, D and E, plus amino acids. Kelp also makes a popular salt substitute. Because the plant’s nutrients come in a natural form, they are easily assimilated by the body.
One main use for kelp is that it effectively treats thyroid malfunction, particularly goiter. Iodine is essential in ensuring healthy thyroid functions. Kelp is particularly rich in iodine and for years, doctors have recommended patients to take in dried kelp as a solution. Now, iodine can be manufactured. But there are some who have allergic reactions to it. They can instead take kelp, since this does not produce allergic reactions as does manufactured iodine. Other thyroid related benefits include reduced edema, reduced swelling (for enlarged testes, lymph nodes and thyroid). A malfunctioning thyroid is also one cause of weight problems and obesity. When the thyroid is well-regulated, you will have a lot of help in keeping the weight down. Also, a functioning thyroid leads to better metabolism – so that means you burn the fat more quickly and turn it into energy. Kelp is even believed to reduce fat deposits! How about that? Yes, a natural thyroid supplement can do wonders for your conditions.
There are a large number of sea kelp benefits that have been discovered throughout the years and taking a kelp supplement really can help to keep your body healthy. Some of the main benefits that have been discovered are:
Sea Kelp has been shown to help alleviate arthritis pain
Kelp can help to increase energy levels
Boost immunity
Improve liver function
Fight against heart disease and cancer
Suppress AIDS
Control appetite and can help with weight loss due to its metabolism stimulating properties.
Sea Kelp has been used to treat thyroid problems due to the iodine in kelp which helps under active thyroids which is due to the lack of iodine.
Helps with poor digestion, flatulence and constipation.
Kelp kills the herpes virus
Kelp helps to lower cholesterol levels
Kelp helps to maintain the health of the mucous membranes
Kelp can be used to help reduce hair loss.
As you can see taking a kelp supplement really does have some powerful health benefits but what else is there to know about kelp. As you already know kelp is in fact a seaweed and can be bought dried, granulated or as a powder. Getting the health benefits of kelp is extremely easy as kelp can be added to drinks or water and it can also be used for flavouring or as a salt substitute. Kelp can be used when cooking and can be added to soups, stews, stir fries, and cooked with beans or grains.
This product promotes discharge of wastes from the body. Kelp is rich in algin which works to stimulate the kidney, absorb the toxins in our digestive system and improve our digestion. The algin neutralizes the toxins and the waste. Even if you are exposed to or are taking heavy metals, drugs, chemicals and other toxins, these are bound by the algin so that these poisons are not absorbed by the body. Kelp also works as a mild laxative.
With kelp’s help, you can have a stronger immune system and help all body systems (including respiration and digestion). Kelp also lowers your cholesterol levels by slowing down the absorption of bile acid.
Uric acid build-up in the joints cause rheumatic pain. The tissues and joints become inflamed and can be very painful. Kelp extracts eliminate this by flushing the uric acid out of our bodies.
During the Highland Clearances, many Scottish Highlanders were moved off their crofts, and went to industries such as fishing and kelping (producing soda ash from the ashes of kelp). At least until the 1820s, when there were steep falls in the price of kelp, landlords wanted to create pools of cheap or virtually free labour, supplied by families subsisting in new crofting townships. Kelp collection and processing was a very profitable way of using this labour, and landlords petitioned successfully for legislation designed to stop emigration. But the economic collapse of the kelp industry in northern Scotland led to further emigration, especially to North America.
Natives of the Falkland Islands are sometimes nicknamed "Kelpers". The name is primarily applied by outsiders rather than the natives themselves.
One of the most important side effects of kelp is, thyroid imbalance, which can be attributed to its high iodine content. No doubt that, iodine is required for smooth functioning of the thyroid gland, but excessive amount of this mineral can cause hyperthyroidism. Apart from thyroid imbalance, excessive consumption of kelp can lead to gastrointestinal problems like, diarrhea and nausea. Prolonged use of this brown algae can also lead to a reduction in the ability of the body to absorb certain vital nutrients like iron, sodium and potassium. Additionally, it has been observed that intake of kelp extracts or supplements can lower the level of blood sugar, for which it is advised to maintain precaution while using it along with blood sugar lowering medications.
Kelp is supposed to have anticoagulant or blood thinning properties, for which it can raise the risk for bleeding. So, people with bleeding disorders, as well those taking anticoagulant drugs like aspirin, should not use kelp or its supplements without informing their health care provider. Some people can be allergic to kelp and hence, consumption of this seaweed and its supplements can produce allergic reactions in them. Such allergic reactions or kelp side effects can manifest in itching, skin rash, hives, watery or itchy eyes, runny nose and shortness of breath. Some other adverse reactions can result from the contamination of kelp with toxic and heavy metals like arsenic, as the oceans are getting increasingly polluted with such toxic metals.
There are basically three species of kelp, that are mainly harvested to prepare kelp extracts and supplements, that are available in the form of tablets, pills or powder. These species are bladderwrack, laminaria and rockweed. If used in moderation, kelp can provide significant health benefits. But, considering all the kelp side effects, it is imperative to consult a physician or health care professional, before taking kelp or its supplements for medicinal purposes. However, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers are usually advised to avoid kelp or kelp supplements.
In some developing countries, lack of dietary iodine is linked to birth defects. However, few people in the United States or Western Europe need more iodine in their diets. Also, many kelp supplements contain more than the recommended daily allowance of iodine. And while kelp has been promoted as a cure or at least relief for thyroid problems, which can lead to extreme weight loss or gain, it is more likely that too much iodine can actually cause thyroid imbalance. Furthermore, a few studies have linked iodine overdose with acne.
Many parts of the ocean are polluted with toxic metals. If kelp is harvested from a polluted area, these toxins may be included in a supplement. According to one study, some kelp supplements may be contaminated with arsenic, which can be fatal in large doses. Symptoms of arsenic poisoning may include memory loss, hair loss, headache, drowsiness and confusion. If you take kelp supplements and experience any unusual symptoms, you should stop taking the supplement and contact your health care professional immediately.
If you are allergic to kelp or any ingredient in a supplement, you may experience shortness of breath; itchiness or hives on any part of your skin; or swelling in the throat, face or other areas of your body. Itchy or watery eyes and excessive sneezing or runny nose are usually symptoms of environmental allergens, but it may also indicate an allergic reaction to a food or supplement. If you suspect you are allergic to any supplement, immediately stop taking it and, if symptoms continue, see your doctor as soon as possible.
Kelp is a blood thinner. Do not take it with aspirin or any other drug to reduce blood pressure. It may also cause a decrease in red blood cells or platelets. And while blood thinners are used to decrease blood pressure, kelp may also cause high blood pressure in some people.
Kelp can be consumed in different forms.
Use kelp granules as a salt substitude. Just add it to salads, seafoods, sausages or soups.
Use powder form as final seasoning.
Take it as a nutritional supplement.
If you're still not convinced why you should obtain kelp supplements, this may finally do the trick. There are actually quite a number of reasons why you should do so.
One of the reasons why you should take kelp supplements is they are loaded with a number of vitamins and minerals such as B complex. They are a great source of calcium, which your bone definitely needs in order to avoid them from getting brittle. You also require kelp for additional energy.
If you are getting sickly, you can boost your energy by taking such supplements. So far, you can already cite several studies that will point to their potential effectiveness in greatly reducing the risk of debilitating illnesses, such as cardiovascular disorders, cancer, and diabetes. You will be able to delay the process of aging.
A great use of this seaweed is in relation to thyroid function. Thyroid glands secrete hormones that are greatly responsible for controlling or regulating metabolism. However, many people currently lack the trace mineral called iodine, which ensures these glands function properly.
If you have underactive thyroid, you can develop hypothyroidism. It's a condition where your metabolic rate slows down, so it's difficult for you to get rid of excess weight. It also puts you at risk of becoming obese. You will also experience sluggishness, impaired memory, constant sweating, slow speech, dry skin, unkempt hair or hair loss, and gynecomastia.
To combat that, you have to look for a kelp iodine supplement. It should contain just the right amount of iodine you need every day. You also cannot go more than what's required as it may lead to hyperthyroidism or overproduction of thyroid hormones. This may also mean you can develop Grave's disease.
Kelp can also help reduce the excess weight. Besides accelerating your metabolic rate by regulating the functions of your thyroid, you can also take it in conjunction with a low-carb diet.
Though you'll definitely lose weight with this diet program, you can also experience a number of drawbacks. For one, you will find it hard to maintain a better bowel movement. Many suffer from constipation. You will also decrease the amount of calcium in the body and reduce fiber intake.
Kelp is a fibrous material, which still helps in stimulating the colon to contract and get rid of any toxic build-up in there. It can also be a mild laxative. As mentioned, it also contains calcium.
The seaweed gives you plenty of energy that you won't feel tired at any time of the day. You can also maintain vitality by providing you with the essential nutrients even when you're cutting back on food.
There are kelp tablets and powders. It's best to find the supplement that makes use of a process called biological fermentation. The seaweeds have been specially fermented to make sure that most of their nutrients are preserved before they are being packed as supplements.
These reviews are from a big internet site.
RP December 11, 2008, From Idaho
I have been taking perscription thyroid (synthroid)for over 30 years. After a visit to the Dr office to get the annual blood work done in order to get my perscription renewed (thats remained the same mg all these years)and being charged $147 for the office visit not including the lab work and NOT seeing the Dr, just the PA who did nothing more than ask me "how are you feeling" I was determined to find an alternative to the synthroid. After careful and in depth research ... 150 mcg. I started on a regiment of 2 T Energy and 4 Kelp each morning on an empty stomach and after 1 month I have lost several pounds, have more energy and feel better than I have in years. And the added plus is the $$$$$$$ saving on Dr bills,lab bills and meds.
sea kelp May 30, 2009, From Virginia
I have been on thyroid meds for years. It's just slightly sluggish and found my prescription medication just wasn't working for me anymore. I was gaining weight and it was getting out of control. Nothing I did helped. Exercising, dieting, nothing. So I read an article about sea kelp with iodine helping to regulate slightly low thyroid. I have noticed in the past week that my pants seem to fit better and I don't have to struggle to get into them anymore. The sea kelps cost is low and I'm very happy now.
good product February 26, 2008, From Ohio
helps to give me energy. I dont feel sluggish when i take this.
… Kelp October 16, 2008, By penny petree From California
I felt a difference within just a few days. The energy level was amazing.
Kelp May 12, 2009, From Missouri
I readh about taking Kelp for my throyid and after 3 weeks I feel alot better than when I was on my synthroid.
kelp November 02, 2008, By carla cummings From Massachusetts
I was a little scary to try it at first but the result's are very impressive. I have been trying to lose weight for a very long time and within weeks of taking kelp im almost where i want to be...
Wonderful stuff August 12, 2009, From California
I took the iodine one a day p since I received it. It help me a lot. Before I took iodine ,I always get tired land no energy. Now I am not get too tired and have more energy to do a lot of things than before
… Kelp, … November 30, 2008, From Georgia
… Energy levels increased (...) and it just makes you feel good! Everyone I have given some(men and women) to try have the same to say! …
Thyroid Help July 12, 2009, From California
Been using ... Kelp for 3 weeks and feel better... Not sure of the real impact it has made on my thyroid but am hoping that updated blood work will show an improvement. … no noticable side effects, first use made my cheeks feel flush but that hasn't happened since... I do not want to use prescription drugs and this seems to be working...
Great quality December 08, 2009, From California
Prescribed by my healing practioner - works great!
GREAT PRODUCT June 11, 2010, From Bulgaria
HELPS A LOT.
kelp July 03, 2010, From New Zealand
I have taken this product for a while and my mind and enegy is now so good.I have also taken other products which work together
GOOD stuff September 20, 2010, By ann dunkley From Great Britain
have lost a few inches and gained energy