subject: Health Benefits of Kelp [print this page] Health Benefits of Kelp Health Benefits of Kelp
Kelp, also know as brown algae, is a kind of seaweed that grows in shallow, rocky coasts around the world. The herb usually grows under sunlight and takes in the nutrients and minerals from the oceans, which makes it a rich supplement for a healthy lifestyle. Whether in tablet, capsule or powder from, kelp can act as a wonderful health supplement, especially for vegetarians and vegans whose diet usually lacks the essential minerals and nutrients needed for a healthy life. In any case, you should consult your physician before you consume it.
Kelp is Rich in Minerals
Kelp is extremely rich in mineral and nutrients from the sea. It has a total number of around seventy minerals, proteins, amino acids, enzymes, vitamins and essential growth hormones including iodine, calcium, magnesium, iron and potassium. Because of its rich nutrient content, kelp makes a natural and a better source of energy supplement for the body than capsules or tonics derived through chemical synthesis.
Kelp and Thyroid
Kelp plays a significant role in relieving your thyroid problems by supplying iodine that is essential for effective functioning of the thyroid gland, which regulates your body temperature and metabolism. As kelp is also a natural and rich source of other minerals and nutrients, it is effectively used as a supplement for curing the symptoms of hypothyroidism such as lower energy levels, weight gain, depression, memory loss and insomnia, especially in old age.
One of the main reasons kelp is used in treating hypothyroidism is its rich iodine content. But care must be taken about the iodine content in your body as excess iodine can make the thyroid over active, leading to hyperthyroidism.
Also, as kelp is effective in increasing the metabolism by increasing thyroid activity, it acts as an effective stimulator for weight loss. Not only that, this seaweed also has enough fiber in it to enable smooth digestion, supporting weight loss again.
Kelp and Cholesterol
By restricting the bile acid absorption and reducing the congestion in the liver, Kelp helps in increasing good cholesterol' or HDL levels in the body. HDL helps in reducing the LDL or the bad cholesterol' that is usually absorbed from over consumption of fatty food items like meat. If you are a regular meat eater, you should consider including kelp supplements to keep away the risks of heart attacks and strokes tat can be caused by high LDL levels, the study suggests.
Kelp and Liver Damage
Owing to its mineral and nutrient content, kelp is being used to cure a variety of liver and spleen disorders to keep the body healthy. Kelp acts as an effective natural supplement to protect your liver from damage. It not only provides the organ with the salts that are necessary for its healthy functioning, but also cleanses it by helping it get rid of the toxins.
Other Benefits
In addition to the above, kelp can also aid in:
Cleansing the body and reduces excess water weight in body
Relieving the pain caused due to rheumatoid arthritis
