Kelp Tablets In Weight Loss

If the last time you ate seaweed was the fried portion of a meal in a Chinese restaurant, you may be interested to note the health benefits associated with kelp. Few people consume seaweed on a regular basis and, while kelp remains an acquired taste, supplements are an option.

Kelp

Naturally brown but taking on a greener hue when cooked, kelp grows beneath the surface of the sea in locations around the globe. Herb Wisdom notes the seaweed concentrates that kelp presents in the earth's oceans, making it a source of minerals and a rich source of iodine, a halogen mineral.

Thyroid Function

Iodine plays important roles in the body, according to Dr. David Brownstein, author of "Iodine: Why You Need It." Brownstein estimates that 40 percent of the population may suffer from some form of hypothyroidism, or low thyroid function, with many of these cases responding well to iodine intake. Iodine serves as the precursor to the thyroid hormones, and also discourages the development of autoimmune conditions that may adversely affect the gland.

Cellular Sensitivity

Another crucial contribution made by iodine in the body involves improved cellular sensitivity. Brownstein says this can help cases of insulin sensitivity, which results in a lowered release of the pancreatic hormone. Excessive insulin release triggers the storage of fat, making it a major weight-loss obstacle for many individuals.

Reducing Fat Absorption

Kelp may enhance weight loss through other means. "Time" magazine noted how the alginate, a special type of fiber found in the seaweed, inhibited the absorption of fats in experimental models. The research, conducted by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council in the U.K., looked into 60 different types of fiber for similar effect but found the alginates in kelp stole the show.

Diuretic

Kelp also acts as a natural diuretic. It contains a wealth of vitamins and minerals, including magnesium and potassium, which can help normalize cellular hydration and reduce water retention. Herb Wisdom says that kelp remains a natural diuretic and notes its usefulness for clearing problematic water retention and aiding in detoxification.