Kelp is the perfect food when it comes to minerals, optimal nutrition and boosting iodine content in the body.  This food has been used for centuries in Asian cuisine, and in China, kelp was used in the 5^th century for food.

In fact, some records indicate that seaweeds such as kelp have been used since2,700 BC in China.  Even ancient Hawaiians grew small kelp gardens that they utilized for both food and medicine.

The use of sea vegetables such as kelp was wide spread centuries ago amongst cultures and tribes who lived in coastal areas.  Unfortunately, many no longer consume sea vegetables like our ancestors once did.

As the diet becomes more and more demineralized due to modern farming techniques and poor dietary habits, the use of sea vegetables such as kelp becomes more and more important.

Below are the top 5 benefits of consuming kelp regularly

Kelp Contains the Essential Mineral Iodine

Iodine is an essential mineral that is extremely deficient in diet of most of the population.   This mineral is no longer present in soils and most do not eat enough seafood to achieve adequate levels of this mineral.

Iodine plays in an important role in thyroid function.  In fact, Kelp has been used to treat hypothyroidism in patients with severe motor intellectual disabilities who are at high risk for developing iodine deficiency (1).

However, it’s important to understand that too much iodine can cause the same symptoms such as an iodine deficiency (2).

Moral of the story, kelp is excellent for providing nourishment to thyroid but too much can actually harm it.  Just remember, a little goes a long a way!  A teaspoon a day is all you need in order to reap the benefits of this amazing super food.

Full of Minerals that are Essential for health

As well as containing large amounts of iodine, kelp also contains an abundance of beneficial minerals and vitamins that are essential for health.

Iron, magnesium, riboflavin, calcium, B6, B1, B2, potassium, zinc and copper are all found in a highly bioavailable.

These minerals are absorb extremely well in the human body and can be used effectively by the body unlike many synthetic mineral and vitamin supplements.

Protects Against Radiation

With the recent Fukushima nuclear disaster, everyone needs to be protecting themselves from the harmful radioactive particles that may be making their way around the globe.

Unfortunately, many are toxic due to radioactive iodine that is being obtained through the air, food and water.  In fact, research shows that nuclear incidents (Fukushima) can release radioactive iodine into the environment, increasing the risk of thyroid cancer in people who are exposed to it (3).

Luckily, when the body takes in the natural iodine found in kelp, it will more readily excrete the radioactive iodine in the body.

Helps Fight Disease

Seaweeds such as kelp can help prevent and even reverse disease within the body.  Natives, as well as various coastal cultures, have been utilizing seaweeds such as kelp in order to ward of disease and fight infections.

A study published in The Journal of Applied Phycology found that consumption of seaweeds provided a protective factor against breast cancer (4).

May Prevent or Treat Diabetes

Kelp can make an amazing addition to anyone’s diet that may be at risk or is suffering from diabetes.

A study published in The Nutrition Research and Practice found that seaweed positively influenced glycemic control and increased the amount of antioxidant enzymes in patients with type II diabetes (5).

Where to Buy Kelp

We have found Oregon’s Wild Harvest to be the best kelp on the market.  Unlike most kelp on the market, this brand uses no fillers or binders.  It’s 100 percent kelp without the harmful additives.  Also, it’s certified organic.  It is by far the purest kelp we have found on the market to date.