Contents
Kelp health benefits have been known for centuries. Algae is an essential ingredient of traditional Chinese and Japanese cuisine and is becoming increasingly commonly used in Western countries. Several kelp species have comparable properties (for instance, Laminaria Digitata Lam., Laminaria Digitata Lam., and Laminaria Hyperborea Foslie.). A mixture of them all, pressed and dried, makes kombu an ingredient in many oriental meals.
Kelp Scientific Facts
- Scientific Names – Laminaria saccharina Lam.
- French – Laminiere.
- Spanish – Laminaria.
- Environment – It grows on submarine rocks of the Atlantic coast of America and Europe.
- Description – Dun algae of the Laminariaceae family, growing up 2 to 3 m large. It sticks to the rocks utilizing a kind of root called rhizoids. Its thallus is divided into tape-shaped (fronds) fragments, which vary in size and shape depending on its species.
- Parts of the plant used medicinally – The thallus (the body of the alga).
Healing Properties
The many health benefits of kelp are due to alginates (vegetal jelly obtained from algae), sugars (carbon hydrates), minerals (especially iodine, phosphorus, calcium, and sodium), and vitamins A and B.
Alginates can increase their volume up to six times by absorbing water. Thus, when in the stomach, they produce the sensation of being full, which helps calm the appetite in treatments against obesity. In gynecology, a piece of disinfected algae is also used to dilate the uterine neck by putting it inside.
Like other algae, Kelp has refreshing and stimulant properties for metabolism due to its iodine content. Therefore, kelp health benefits are recommended for people suffering from obesity and hypothyroidism.
Alginates are also used in pharmacological and chemical industries as excipients and thickeners.
Norwegian kelp, Nova Scotia dulse, European Irish moss, and California kelp are all beneficial for the trace minerals they possess. However, California kelp does not contain as many nutritional benefits as the others. Kelp provides an abundance of natural iodine that is mostly missing from much of the earth’s soil. Along with its nutritional value, seaweed absorbs waste from bodily fluids, binds with toxic materials, and carries them off when consumed.
Sodium alginate is a kelp factor that binds with radioactive strontium-90 in the intestines and escorts it out of the body. According to some, this phenomenon is a fantastic discovery.
WARNING: Consuming copious amounts of this seaweed could produce goiter-like symptoms because of its high iodine content. However, the excess trace minerals tend to be eliminated quickly in sweat through the kidneys.
How to gain Kelp Health Benefits
- As a dressing or ingredient for salads and several cooking recipes.
- Decoction with thirty grams of algae in 200 ml (a glass) of water, boiling for five minutes and drinking before every meal. You can take the liquid alone, the algae, or both.
- Several pharmaceutical preparations are based on algae, whose use and dosage are clearly shown on their information leaflets.
Infusion: Steep for five to fifteen minutes and take one to two cups daily. Tincture: Take five to ten drops one to two times a day. Fluid Extract: Take ten drops one to two times daily. Powder: Sprinkle on food. Take one teaspoon 1 to 2 times daily. Powder: Take three to five #0 capsules (10 to 30 grains) once or twice daily.
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. Do not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
REFERENCES
- George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. vols. 2 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 652. Print.
- Vance Ferrell Harold M. Cherne, M.D. The Natural Remedies Encyclopedia [Book]. – Altamont, TN: Harvestime Books, 2010. – Vol. Seventh Edition: 7: pp. 165, 166.
- https://www.shape.com/healthy-eating/diet-tips/what-is-kelp-benefits
- https://atlanticseafarms.com/faq/