Kelp is a type of seaweed that is found on many rocky coastlines worldwide. A nutritionally rich food source, it can be bought at many health food stores.
It provides many benefits including increasing your energy levels, reducing cholesterol and, in some cases, a treatment for hypothyroidism. In Japan, its consumption is relatively high, as sushi is wrapped in it.
It can be purchased in several different forms, ranging from fresh to dried, and is a component of many different foods. Furthermore, there are around 30 different types of seaweed. It is also available in supplement form.
Nutritional Benefits
Kelp is a wonderfully nutritious food with over 70 vitamins, minerals and trace elements in it. It is especially useful as a vitamin for women as it is high in calcium, iron and potassium, important nutrients for menstruating women.
Brown seaweed contains a carotenoid called fucoxanthin that may help with weight loss. A carotenoid is a substance that is found in yellow and orange fruits and vegetables and in dark green leafy vegetables.
In a 2005 Japanese study, laboratory mice whose diets were supplemented with fucoxanthin for four weeks saw significant drops in their body fat, compared to control mice whose diets did not contain fucoxanthin.
The researchers determined that fucoxanthin causes increased production of a protein known as UCP-1 in fat tissue. This protein causes the body to burn extra calories as it generates heat.
Fucoxanthin has been shown to have anti-tumor, anticoagulant, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. It has also been shown to regulate blood sugar levels in diabetics in animal research.
What Can Kelp Do For You?
There have been numerous health benefits associated with eating seaweed over the years. Eating kelp can help keep your body healthy. Here is a list of some of the benefits that have been discovered:
It can help alleviate arthritis pain
It can help boost energy levels
It can provide protection from heart disease and cancer
It helps to prevent osteoporosis
It can help your body fight a cold or the flu
It helps to prevent the growth of cancerous tumors
It can help pregnant women suffering from morning sickness
It can strengthen your immune system
It improves liver function
As it is a diuretic, it will help you lose excess water weight
Can It Help My Underactive Thyroid?
As seaweed contains lots of iodine, you may be wondering if it will help those with hypothyroidism.
There is a false belief that hypothyroidism and goiters in developed countries are caused by an iodine deficiency.
While this may be true for some developing countries, iodine deficiencies are extremely rare in the Western world, as common foods, such as salt, are fortified with iodine.
In fact, unless your hypothyroidism is caused by an iodine deficiency, eating foods with lots of iodine in them could make your condition worse.
Whether you use it to make a salad, or include it in a mixed vegetable dish, kelp can be a nutritious addition to your diet. It has often been described as an "Ocean Wonder" due to its many health benefits.
Try sprinkling a little on your food each day, or use it as a salt substitute. You can add it to your beans, soups or stews where it can be a healthful addition to your diet.
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Kelp is a type of seaweed that is found on many rocky coastlines worldwide. A nutritionally rich food source, it can be bought at many health food stores.
