Kelp, a sea vegetable with concentrated sources of minerals, including iodine, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and iron. A large, leafy brown edible seaweed rich in vitamins and minerals that grows along colder coastlines. Kelp absorbs fats and has been shown to have efficacy for obesity, cellulitis and rheumatism. It is rich in nutrients, containing 30 minerals, so it is especially beneficial for anyone who is mineral deficient. It is reported to be beneficial for the brain and nervous system and the spinal chord. Kelp contains iodine which stimulates the thyroid. Kelp has been reported to improve skin, nails and hair, protect against radiation, soften stools and treat obesity and ulcers. •
The alginates in kelp are complex polysaccharides that have a soothing and cleansing effect on the digestive tract and may prevent the absorption of toxic metals like mercury, cadmium, plutonium and cesium. Studies have shown that alginate supplements can reduce strontium-90 absorption from the intestinal tract by as much as 83%. Kelp alginates are hydrasorbent laxatives, compounds that swell to 20 times their original volume by absorbing water, which is much greater than other types of bulk laxatives such as psyllium and bran. Kelp alginates are effective in treating habitual constipation and gastric bloating because they swell in intestinal juices rather than water or gastric juices and are non-irritating. Several studies also document a direct, stimulatory effect of seaweed on the immune system. Kelp has been shown to inhibit 95% of abnormal cell growths, and cause regressions in 6 out of 9 animals tested. In-vitro studies of hot water extract of Laminaria on abnormally growing human cells showed more than 50% apoptosis. Kelp also has antiviral activity against influenza virus due to a very active inhibitor of viral and bacterial neuraminidase.
Kelp is an excellent source of iodine, a major component of thyroxine and triiodothyronine, hormones that affect weight gain and cellular metabolic rates. One to two milligrams of iodine per week are required to prevent goiter. Based on epidemiological studies, thyroid disease is practically unknown in people who regularly eat kelp. Based on human studies, 4mg of iodine daily completely resolves cyclical breast lumps and cysts, usually within only two months.
Polysaccharides: alginic acid (algin) as the major component; fucoidan and laminarin (sulphated polysaccharide esters). Minerals: iodine; calcium; potassium; magnesium; phosphorus; iron and silicon. Total iodine varies between 0.1 to 0.8%, based on dry weight. Raw Laminaria kelp contains: Water 81.6; Protein 1.7%; Total lipid (fat) 0.56%; Carbohydrate, by difference 9.6%; Fiber, total dietary 1.3%; Ash 6.61%. Minerals (per 100g): Calcium, 168mg; Iron, 2.8mg; Magnesium, 121mg; Phosphorus, 42mg; Potassium, 89mg; Sodium, 233mg; Zinc, 1.23mg; Copper, 0.13mg; Manganese, 0.2mg; Selenium, 0.7mcg. Vitamins: Vitamin C, 3.0mg; Thiamin 0.05mg; Riboflavin 0.15 mg; Niacin 0.47mg; Pantothenic acid 0.64mg; Vitamin B-6 0.002; Folate, 180mcg; Vitamin A, 116IU; Vitamin A, RE 12mg; Vitamin E 0.87mg (ate). Lipids: Fatty acids, total saturated 0.25%; Fatty acids, total monounsaturated 0.098%; Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated 0.047%. Also contains several essential and non-essential amino acids, including 0.27% Glutamic acid.
Commonly, Traditionally or known to help or used for: Fatigue
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