Health Benefits of Kelp/Seaweed

Health Benefits of Kelp/Seaweed 

Seaweeds are plant-like ocean organisms that are botanically classified as macrophytic marine algae. Marine algae have been divided into three main groups, based more on their pigments and coloration than their genetics: red marine algae (Rhodophyta), brown marine algae (Phaeophyta) and green marine algae (Chlorophyta). "Kelp" is a somewhat vague term that loosely refers to the larger brown seaweed species. Edible seaweeds are often called "sea vegetables."

In botanical terminology, seaweeds have holdfasts, stipes and blades (or fronds) instead of roots, stems and leaves. Their holdfasts function simply as anchors, and do not extract nutrients as do the roots of higher plants. Seaweeds absorb and concentrate nutrients directly from seawater.  They do not make flowers or seeds, but reproduce by a mind-boggling (and perhaps even immoral) variety of complex reproductive schemes, most of which involve sperm, ova, and free-swimming “spores.”

Seaweeds are usually preserved by drying. This is the easiest and best way of preserving their flavor, nutrition and bioactivity. Most dried sea vegetables maintain their quality very well for a year or two if kept away from moisture, light and heat (like crackers, their flavor slowly fades, but nutrition and bioactivity are not affected). They keep very well in airtight glass jars in a dark cupboard.

Kelp or seaweed is a green marine plant that is used in various culinary applications. Kelp is called a "miracle plant" because of its huge therapeutic properties, kelp is the best natural source of trace minerals. Sprinkling a little on your food (about a teaspoonful twice a day) will provide both salt and vital trace minerals. It is also a good source of protein and a rich source of iodine and iron, iodine is important for the proper functioning of thyroid and iron is important for blood cell function.  A variety of kelp known as California kelp is not as good product for nutritional purposes; however, it is useful as a fertilizer, to enrich soil.

Nutritive Value of Seaweeds : Per 100 gm.

• Vitamin A : 2 I.U.
• Niacin : 5.7 mg.
• Calcium : 1,093 mg.
• Iron : 100 mg.
• Phosphorus : 240 gm.
• Fat : 1.1 gm.
• Carbohydrates : 40.2 gm.
• Protein : 7.5 gm 

Ocean minerals, such as iodine, selenium, etc., strengthen the immune system. 
Health Benefits of Seaweeds 

1. Kelps correct mineral deficiencies.
2. A good protective food, valuable in overcoming poor digestion, preventing and overcoming goiter (because it is the richest source of iodine), and rebuilding and maintaining the proper function of all glands.
3. Reported to aid in brain development.
4. Offsets deficiencies of an inferior diet.
5. Kelp helps prevent osteoporosis.
6. Beneficial for those suffering from impotence, anemia and emaciation.
7. Helps to detoxify the body.
8. Helps to increase metabolism.
9. May help in controlling obesity because it dissolves fatty wastes through the skin.
10. Seaweed bath helps maintain hormone balance for a more youthful body.