Kelp

Kelp, commonly known as seaweed, encompasses the leafy brown algae that thrive in the rich beds of cold ocean waters. Various forms of kelp are found in both the North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans, but only the Atlantic kelp is the true kelp, since it belongs to the order Laminariales, family Laminariaceae, and genus Laminaria.

The hardy kelp plant affixes itself to rocks and other hard surfaces. It also grows very quickly and reproduces quickly as well. Large groups of kelp are called "forests," and the larger forests are found in waters near and within the Arctic and Antarctic circles. The profusion of kelp is a boon for those who desire a natural, abundant source of nutrition. Natural forms of nutrition are superior to artificial ones, since the body more easily absorbs them.
Kelp contains varying amounts of these nutrients:
ð Vitamins A, B1, B2, C, D and E
ð Potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, calcium, iron and iodine
ð Amino acids

Kelp is particularly high in the mineral iodine, vital to the healthy functioning of the thyroid gland. Though iodine is contained in salt, some people do not receive enough. But ingesting more salt for the sake of the iodine may not be wise. Perhaps that is the reason doctors recommend kelp for patients who suffer from hypothyroid conditions. Since iodine is the fuel for the thyroid gland, it makes sense that the right amount of supplementary iodine from kelp helps return the thyroid back to normal. (Note I said the "right" amount.)

Due to the negative effects associated with salt, kelp has been used as a more healthful alternative. It has also been used for weight loss purposes, since iodine stimulates the thyroid gland, which in turns boosts metabolism. An additional benefit of kelp comes in the form of algin, which absorbs both nutrients and toxins from the digestive tract. Subsequently both caloric intake and the amount of toxins can be reduced. As a result, kelp may even help protect one from the effects of radiation.

Kelp can be very beneficial, but like most things, it must be used properly. Do not use kelp if you are allergic to any form of iodine, if you are taking iodine medication or if you have a hyperthyroid condition (over-active thyroid). Be sure to find out the source of the kelp. Kelp from polluted waters may contain dangerously high amounts of heavy metals. Kelp harvested from waters that are more pure, such as those found in the North Atlantic, are much safer choices.

P.S. There are even more benefits to the use of kelp. Kelp has been known to nourish sensory nerves, the spinal cord, and the membranes and tissue of the brain. And (as if all these nutritional benefits were not enough), the versatile kelp plant can even be used as a topical treatment for enlarged or hardened glands. The ocean has truly given us a wonderful gift in the form of this wonderfully versatile, beneficial plant.

Prescription for Nutritional Healing, by James F. Balch, M.D., and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C., Avery Publishing (c) 2000, Page 55.

Doctor's Guide to Natural Medicine. By Paul Barney, M.D. Woodland Publishing Co. (c) 1998.

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