Kelp is a brown alga used abundantly in kitchens around the world. Highly beneficial to health, kelp exhibits anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-coagulatory properties. Regular consumption of kelp helps you fight diseases like cancer, various inflammations, and blood disorders. It helps increase bone density and is a good source of iodine.
It all started with sushi. But edible seaweeds are now finding their way onto dinner plates all over the world. Sea kelp or simply kelp is one such seaweed that’s widely used in cooking–they are easy to cook, easily available and are known to be extremely nutritious.
Versatile with an umami flavor, kelp is a brown alga. Mostly held responsible for the longevity of the Japanese, these sea greens are storehouses of minerals like iodine and calcium and micronutrients like vitamin B12, C and E, apart from amino acids, fatty acids and antioxidant carotenoids.
But what sets these brown algae like kelp truly apart is the presence of a pigment called fucoxanthin (responsible for their brown shade) that dominates other pigments like chlorophyll and carotenoids.
Fucoxanthin is found to exhibit health properties like antioxidant activity, anti-obesity as well as anti-cancer properties.
Another compound in brown algae, fucoidan, extracted extensively to create health supplements, is also known for its anti-cancer properties.
Health Benefits Of Kelp
Here’s a detailed look at the benefits of having kelp:
1. Healthy Iodine Source
Thriving on seabeds, it is no surprise that kelp is a storehouse of iodine. Thyroid glands need a regular supply of iodine for smooth functioning. Lack of thyroid hormones leads to hypothyroidism which is prevalent worldwide. Powdered kelp is prescribed as a remedy for hypothyroidism.
Though goiter or the enlargement of thyroid glands is the most obvious symptom of thyroid deficiency, there are other thyroid deficiency disorders one needs to be aware of. These disorders are serious as they are found to affect brain function.
Sea salt is the most easily available iodine source. Since sea salt comes with its own health issues and should be limited, natural iodine sources like kelp find prominence in healthy diets.
2. Preferred In Cancer Treatments
The cancer-fighting properties of brown algae like kelp are something you can totally believe in because of the scientific evidence that supports it. Many studies have been done on its tumor annihilating effect with such amazing results that kelp is now a dietary necessity for cancer patients. These anti-tumor properties are largely thanks to the presence of fucoxanthin and fucoidan. A variety of cancers like lung cancer, colon and breast cancer, blood cancer, and prostate cancer 11 can be prevented as well as healed by including kelp in your diet.
3. Stay Slim With Kelp
If you are struggling to lose weight, kelp might come in handy. It has shown anti-obesity properties in the studies done. Fucoxanthin is again the hero here. The effect of fucoxanthin in fighting fat, however, is maximized by adding other elements like pomegranate oil to it.
4. Fights Blood Disorders And Diabetes
The compound fucoidan present in brown algae like kelp is found to fight many blood disorders including blood pressure.
It helps avoid blood clots and ischemic diseases.
Seaweeds like kelp can control blood sugar level, lower blood lipids, and even reduce your risk for cardiovascular diseases related to diabetes.
5. Works Against Inflammation And Bone Loss
Another health benefit of having kelp is its anti-inflammatory property. It is highly recommended to have foods that prevent inflammation to avoid many diseases including cancer. Here too fucoidan plays an important role. Apart from this property, having kelp as you age is very beneficial as it can prevent bone loss. It also increases bone density and bone ash weight.
Are There Any Flip Sides To Having Kelp?
Yes, there are. Kelp is iodine rich which can lead to hyperthyroidism in people with normally functioning thyroid glands. While having kelp occasionally is fine, it is advised that people with no thyroid issues or hyperthyroidism as well as pregnant women stay away from supplementing their diet with kelp.
Toxicity is another major concern related to having seaweeds. If the water they are growing in is toxic, seaweeds can absorb toxic metals and pass it on to us. Depending on the toxicity of the water, it could be contaminated with toxins like arsenic, cadmium, lead, etc.
Lastly, most seaweeds are edible but there are some that can create gastrointestinal issues due to the presence of carbohydrates that cannot be digested. Bull kelp and giant kelp are some of them.
In conclusion, kelp is a highly beneficial food but choose them wisely to enjoy them fully.
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