Improved Immunity and Other Advantages of Kelp
July 29, 2008
Though it is commonly called seaweed, the official name for this algae is kelp. Kelp may be found in kelp forests, in shallow, clear parts of the ocean. The water needs to be below 68 degrees F. Kelp multiples and spreads easily, growing 20 inches or more in a single day, and at times reaching over 200 feet long!
Most kelp it made up of a body or thallus that are actually leaf-like structure called blades. Blades come from stipes which are long stem-like structures. The holdfast is a type of root that anchors the plant to the ocean floor. The American variety contains gas-filled bladders at the base of the blades that keep the leaves close to the surface.
Kelp may be purchased as a capsule, as a powder, or as the dried plant. It can be used as flavoring in drinks or as a substitute for salt. Many people add kelp to their stir fries, beans, soups, stews, or cook it with grains.
Wikipedia says that 100 grams of kelp will normally contain 1.3 grams of fiber, 1.7 grams of protein, 9.6 grams of carbohydrates, .6 grams of fat, and .6 grams of sugars. They claim that kelp contains from 3% to 45% of the minimum personal requirements of 13 other vitamins and minerals. In all kelp has over 70 minerals, growth hormones, trace elements, enzymes, vitamins, and this includes potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium, and especially iodine.
Let’s examine a few of the many health benefits of kelp. Kelp can increase energy in the body and help it fight disease. Kelp helps the body fight heart disease, some types of cancer, and it suppresses AIDS. It has helped improve the function of the liver and relieve the pain of arthritis.
Kelp is used to help control body weight because of its ability to stimulate metabolism. The iodine in kelp is a great help to those with hypothyroid problems. It also aids in problems with poor digestion, constipation, and bowel gas.
Kelp helps to lower cholesterol levels and to maintain mucous membranes. It kills the herpes virus and is even used to reduce hair loss. Kelp ash can be used in soap and glass production. Alginate, a carbohydrate coming from kelp, is used as a thickener for such things as ice cream, jelly, salad dressing, and toothpaste, and is used as an ingredient in exotic dog food.
Kelp is also used frequently in fertilizer and as such is known as vraic. Some types of kelp are also considered a delicacy in the far east.
You will help keep your body regulated by daily ingesting a small amount of kelp in powder or capsule form. This will provide you with needed vitamins and minerals and may ward off health problems you never knew you would have faced.
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