Kelp is nutritious and has a variety of health benefits.
Kelp, sometimes called bladderwrack, is found in the ocean and harvested for its nutritional and medical benefits. It is a sea vegetable related to brown algae and grows in every ocean in the world. The Japanese use it as a part of their cuisine. Kelp is available as a powder, in capsule form, in tablets, raw or in liquid form. Gardeners believe kelp helps stimulate soil bacteria and increases garden humus formation, helping plants grow stronger and soak up higher levels of nutrients.
Health
Liquid kelp allows for quick absorption, speeding the health benefits found in all its forms. The liquid possesses an 85 to 98 percent absorption rate, compared to 10 to 30 percent when taken as a pill. It is rich in iodine and helpful for people with hypothyroidism, which is an under-active thyroid. After the earthquake, tsunami and subsequent nuclear crisis in Japan in March 2011, kelp received attention for its ability to reduce the risk of thyroid cancer in those exposed to radiation. It prevents free radical damage, which is linked to all forms of cancer and it balances estrogen levels linked to breast cancer. Liquid kelp is also effective for easing joint pain, reducing anxiety, eliminating heartburn and acid reflux, preventing obesity, easing skin problems and boosting the immune system.
Nutrition
Liquid kelp offers a variety of nutritional benefits. It contains 25 vitamins including vitamins D and B12, as well as folic acid. It contains more than 90 trace elements including boron, iron and aluminum. Vegans and vegetarians use kelp as a vitamin B12 supplement. Kelp also contains protein, but has zero calories, enabling dieters to use kelp as a supplement when eliminating certain foods from their diets. It is also an effective digestive aid, helping people adjust to new eating habits by easing bloating and nausea.
Side Effects
Some of kelp's positive aspects can create side effects, especially in those with thyroid problems. There are limited medical studies on kelp, so many of the health benefits are not officially confirmed. It has also never been tested on pregnant or nursing women, so expectant and early mothers should avoid consumption. Kelp might interfere with other medications, so it is important to consult your physician before use if you are currently taking medicine. It is also believed by doctors to slow blood clotting; it is not recommended for those planning or recovering from surgery, or suffering from clotting or bruising conditions.
Adding Kelp to Your Diet
If you frequently crave salty foods, it may be your body telling you it is deficient in certain minerals found in kelp. Instead of eating a bag of potato chips, add liquid kelp to your daily diet. Add a few drops to a fruit smoothie or to vegetable sauces used over pasta. Some use liquid kelp in tea or water, but since it sometimes has a mild seafood flavor, you may prefer to mask the taste. Sushi is often made with kelp, so if you are uncomfortable using a liquid supplement, try eating kelp the next time you dine on Japanese cuisine.
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