Kelp

Kelp: What is It & Who Needs It?

Kelp has long been recognized as a superfood because of its impressive nutritional density supplying many essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins K, A, C, and E, folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6. It also provides some thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), and pantothenic acid (B5). Kelp is also exceptionally rich in iodine and, to a lesser degree, other minerals like calcium, magnesium, iron, sodium, and phosphorus. Another great attribute of nutrient is that it is extremely low in calories, coming in at around 40 calories per cup, along with 5g of protein, under 8g of carbs, and little to no fat. 

While kelp has been a staple of several Asian cuisines for centuries, it is only starting to gain popularity in the western world as more people have started incorporating it into culinary and therapeutic applications. Indeed, while it can be eaten dried, fresh, pureed, fermented, pickled, steamed, or roasted, it is also widely used as a nutritional supplement thanks to its impressive nutritional profile. 

Above and beyond everything else; however, kelp is used because of its extremely high concentration of iodine (containing up to 2,984 mcg in some varieties). In fact, supplementation of this nutrient is one of the best ways to maintain healthy levels of iodine, a vital nutrient that promotes a healthy thyroid gland and thyroid function. This is extremely important because, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), iodine deficiency is the most prevalent and preventable cause of impaired cognitive development in children. Numerous other conditions have also been associated with iodine deficiency; therefore, adding kelp to your daily regimen can go a long way to optimizing health and wellness and preventing disease. 

Benefits of Kelp

• Boosts Metabolism
• Helps Maintain Optimal Energy Levels
• May Prevent or Treat Diabetes
• Promotes Optimal Thyroid Gland Health & Function
• Supports Weight Management/Loss

Who Needs Kelp Supplements?

Kelp is often recommended as an iodine supplement to help support healthy thyroid function, boost metabolic rate, promote weight loss, and improve energy levels. It may also be suggested to protect against abnormal cell growth thanks to fucoidan, a compound in kelp that has been extensively researched for its healthy cell turnover and anti-inflammatory properties.

Kelp is also ideal for promoting healthy growth and development in babies and children and helping maintain healthy brain function. Those with low thyroid – whether on synthetic thyroid medication or not – may opt to supplement with kelp to help improve hypothyroid symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, constipation, lack of motivation, sensitivity to cold, coarse, dry, brittle hair, hair loss, brain fog, and menstrual irregularities. 

Kelp Supplement Potency, Forms & Formats

Kelp may be purchased as dried algae, powdered, or in supplement forms, including tablets, capsules, and liquid. Kelp supplements may provide a range of iodine doses from 150 to 800 mcg. Always follow the dosing instruction listed on the product label.

Alternately, powdered or dried kelp may be used as a salt substitute to taste. 

Final Thoughts

All sea vegetables can absorb the minerals in the water surrounding them. This is why when you're on the market for kelp, you should insist on organic to reduce your potential exposure to heavy metals. It’s also important to realize that because kelp is incredibly high in iodine, there is always the potential to consume too much iodine, which can lead to issues like hyperthyroidism. If you follow the label instructions and stay within the recommended dosing; however, you can safely reap all of the incredible benefits kelp offers.