Kelp is an edible seaweed, of the brown algae family (Phaeophyceae) that is extremely rich in health-promoting nutrients. It contains all of the B vitamins, plus macro minerals and trace minerals. Kelp offers several health benefits because it contains iodine, a major component of thyroid hormone, the hormone responsible for setting the body's metabolic rate. The fibre content of kelp, known as "alginate", has also been shown to help slow fat absorption in the gut, thus aiding in weight loss.

Exploring The Nutritional Content of Kelp

Kelp's mineral content benefits the brain, nerves, blood vessels, hair, skin and nails. It can also help to protect the body from damage due to radiation. Natural health practitioners recommend kelp for a variety of conditions including hypothyroidism, hair loss, obesity, ulcers, constipation, radiation sickness and poor mineral status.

Key Health Benefits & Advantages of Kelp

Alginate and Weight Loss

There is a fibre extracted from kelp called alginate that has been used as a thickener in several processed products such as jellies, desserts, toothpaste and even dog food. One 2010 study found that alginate from kelp is better at slowing fat absorption than most over-the-counter weight loss treatments. In this way, alginate is used much like agar before or during a meal to increase bulk in the stomach to speed the feeling of "fullness" with the meal and to slow the absorption of excess fat during digestion.

Iodine Benefits of Kelp

Iodine has become difficult to get in the diet and staple foods like table salt are now enriched with iodine. In the case of iodized salt, the inorganic form of iodine is added. Natural, organic sources, such as those derived from the seaweeds known as kelp and bladderwrack are much more absorbable and easier for the thyroid gland to use than the inorganic (mined) sources used to enrich foods.

Iodine Content and Radioactive Iodine

Kelp, rich in iodine, has the potential to protect the thyroid from taking up radioactive iodine, in the case of a nuclear disaster, as seen in Japan in March of 2011. Radioactive iodine is strongly associated with the development of unhealthy thyroid cells, especially in infant and child populations. The iodine found in kelp binds with receptors on the thyroid gland, essentially filling the receptors, making it impossible for radioactive iodine to bind and be utilized by the gland in the making of thyroid hormone. Excess iodine can cause thyroid dysfunction, so it is not advised long-term, especially in children. Individuals with a hyperthyroid condition are not advised to take Kelp or iodine.

Hypothyroidism Benefits of Kelp

Some cases of hypothyroidism can be attributed to a lack of iodine, and this causes a swollen thyroid (goitre). When there is insufficient iodine available to the thyroid gland, it is not able to produce sufficient thyroid hormone. Thus, it cannot properly regulate the body's metabolism, a condition known as hypothyroidism. Hypothyroid individuals experience many symptoms due to a lack of thyroid hormone including fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, constipation, and frequent colds and flu.

Ways To Include Kelp In Your Diet

Kelp can be eaten raw but it is usually found dried in sheets, or powdered for use as a salt substitute. A liquid form can be added to drinking water. As a supplement kelp is found in tablets. Some commercial "green food" smoothies and "energy" drinks may contain kelp. Green food supplements are combinations of medicinal foods and herbs and may contain kelp. In a supplement form, iodine is usually derived from natural seaweed sources and is available in both liquid and capsule or tablet, forms. The standardized types of these supplements contain a higher level of iodine and a consistent amount in each tablet – usually about 150mcg (0.15mg). This is the preferred form for clinical use in low thyroid conditions, while the unstandardized kelp is suitable for people in need of a daily supplement for health maintenance.