Kelp is a sea vegetable that supplies several different nutrients. Phyllis A. Balch reports in her book, "Prescription for Dietary Wellness," that kelp is the name for any type of edible brown leaf-shaped algae. There are many different varieties of kelp, and adding it to your diet in soups, in place of rice or as a side dish can benefit your health in many ways.
Aids Digestion
Kelp can be added to your diet to help promote healthy digestion. Balch notes that the compounds in kelp can replenish your digestive system, which is particularly beneficial if you experience problems digesting on a regular basis. Kelp can also aid your digestion so your stomach, bowels, intestines and colon are able to break food down more quickly. Digesting your food quickly helps prevent constipation, bloating and gas. David Wolfe, author of "Superfoods: The Food and Medicine of the Future," notes that kelp is a good source of fiber, which also helps promote healthy digestion.
Removes Contaminants
Any food that can remove harmful substances from your body is beneficial because it can keep you from getting sick or from experiencing harmful diseases, such as cancer. Wolfe reports that kelp is one of these foods. The phytochemicals in kelp can absorb radioactive elements from your body. Kelp can also remove heavy metals. Eating kelp on a regular basis may help protect your health by keeping these harmful substances from damaging your body.
Iodine
Iodine is typically associated with iodized salt, and most people get plenty from diet alone. Kelp is an additional source of iodine that is more nutritious than salt, Wolfe notes. Your body need iodine for proper function of your thyroid. Your thyroid is responsible for metabolism, energy level and the ability to maintain a healthy weight. Iodine also encourages your internal organs to work the way they should, which improves your health, gives you energy and helps prevent you from getting ill.
Fucose
Kelp, like any fruit or vegetable, contains some naturally occurring sugar. These natural sugars are essential for good health and do not negatively impact your body the way that refined and added sugars do. Kelp contains a specific type of sugar called fucose. Fucose has several benefits to your health, such as the ability to fight allergies and help protect you from lung problems. Fucose can also benefit your memory and help guard against cancer, diabetes and herpes,according to Wolfe.
References
- "Prescription for Dietary Wellness"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2003
- "Superfoods: The Food and Medicine of the Future"; David Wolfe; 2009
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