Kelp and its numerous health benefits

Kelps are large brown algae seaweeds that grow in shallow, nutrient-rich underwater forests called kelp
forests. Kelp is a nutritional powerhouse bursting with countless health benefits. These chlorophyll containing plants are a pivotal unit of marine life. Kelp is considered a superfood derived from the sea
because of its extraordinary health prowess.

How to include Kelp in your diet

It might be hard to find fresh Kelp unless you live in an area where it is cultivated. They are readily
available in frozen, dried, or as Kelp noodles. They are packed with Umami flavor and are one of the five
tastes, besides sweet, bitter, salty, and sour. Kelp is also finding its use as a powdered supplement and is a
go-to addition to your smoothies, soups, sushi, salads, baked items as seasoning. It is one of the best
natural sources of iodine, potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium, folate, Vitamin K.

Kelp for enhanced brain functions

Kelp helps in boosting immunity, and metabolism enhances brain functions and increased immunity.

Kelp for weight maintenance

Kelp contains alginate, fibers within Kelp that inhibit fat absorption in the gut, which leads to fewer
calories being absorbed. It also helps maintain blood glucose levels.

Kelp for healthy bones

Kelp is a powerhouse of Calcium, Vitamin A, K, B12, and Iron. Kelp contains ten times more calcium
than milk and more Vitamin C than Orange Juice.

Kelp as a potential anticancer

Kelp contains powerful antioxidants e.g. carotenoids, flavonoids, and alkaloids which help neutralize free
radicals reduces the risk of cancer, and also inhibit the growth of tumors.

Kelp for diabetes control and anemia

Kelp contains a mineral called vanadium which could help patients with Type 2 diabetes. Kelps are
abundantly rich in Iron content and inhibit any iron deficiency for menstruating women. Kelp has been
used to treat Goiter since medieval times for its high concentration of iodine.

Kelp for healthy hair

Kelp may improve hair health as its iodine prowess proves to check on any sign of hair thinning and
strengthen weak hair.

The bottom line

Kelp has been an essential component of Japanese cuisine for centuries. It adds more variety to your
meals as they are high in sodium and iodine content, however, they also may contain traces of heavy
metals like arsenic, cadmium, lead, and aluminum. People who are under treatment for thyroid issues
should avoid using Kelp. It is advisable to always consult with your doctor before its inclusion in your
diet, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking any medications.