Kelp, The Sea Vegetable That Is A Super Food

Found throughout the temperate waters and polar coastal oceans of the world, kelp belongs to the brown algae family and the order Luminariales. It is a fast growing algae creating kelp forests which are very important in the marine ecosystem.

Kelp has been researched extensively over the years and it is used widely in the making of nutritional supplements. The varieties of kelp that are harvested and used in supplements are laminaria, rockweed and bladderwrack. There is no doubt that seaweed's health benefits and it is a very inexpensive and natural way of adding these benefits to your diet and life style.

Sea kelp is very high in minerals and vitamins. This seaweed is rich in vitamin A, B, C, D, E and K and contains vital minerals like, iodine, magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron, zinc, selenium and phosphorus. With all these nutrients there is no wonder that kelp is considered so beneficial to good health.

Research has shown that because of its high content of iodine, it can help alleviate the problems with the thyroid gland, especially with hypothyroidism and goiter. Iodine is essential for the thyroid gland to function properly. Iodine is required by the thyroid gland to synthesize hormones that are essential for growth and development.

This seaweed also helps to effectively regulate the pituitary gland. Apart from the pituitary gland it can provide health benefits for the pancreas and prostate, and may even prevent the growth of tumors. Sea vegetables have also been associated with improved liver functions, lowering of cholesterol, lowering of blood pressure, helping relieving arthritis and rheumatism, along with curbing appetite and weight loss. Once again, I have to repeat my title, kelp really is a super food.

Even though it such a great food there may be some side effects for some people when it introduced into their diet. The most common side effects may include, nausea, diarrhea and allergic reactions like, itchiness or hives, watery and itchy eyes, and shortness of breath. Today, some people are saying that because of the increasing levels of pollutants in our oceans the kelp may do us harm.

Because kelp is a blood thinner, it can interact with drugs like aspirin and other medications used to control high blood pressure. Therefore, if you have a medical condition, it is very important to consult your physician before you introduce kelp into your diet.

I truly feel that the good really out weighs the bad in this scenario but precautions have to be taken to make sure you are getting highest quality of kelp available or are taking a supplement with kelp or seaweed in it.