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The 13 Health Benefits of Kelp

Seaweed, which is kelp really, is a very broad term that is used to describe many types of plants and algae that live in the sea. Kelp is a subgroup of seaweed and is also the largest type of seaweed. Kelp grows so big that it can form gigantic underwater forests. Forests that are home to a wide variety of marine animals that feel safe here, and that can eat and sleep here.

TIP from Robert Jan: Would you like to experience all the physical benefits of Kelp? You need this >>

But kelp isn't just any seaweed. Kelp is a superfood!

Read all about Kelp in this article, as a supplier of many minerals and vitamins, for detoxification and as a natural iodine supplement.

Kelp: seaweed as a superfood!

Seaweed in general has some very specific characteristics. Of course they live in the water, but in addition seaweed can be floating, but can also have roots. These roots do not, unlike land trees and plants, serve as a means of absorbing nutrients. These roots are used as an 'anchor' to keep the plant in place.
Seaweed in general has some very specific characteristics. Of course they live in water, but seaweed can also be floating, but can also have roots. These roots do not, unlike land trees and plants, serve as a means of absorbing nutrients. These roots are used as an 'anchor' to keep the plant in place.

Seaweeds absorb their food through their leaves. They filter the seawater that passes by, take out their food and just let the rest float on.
Seaweeds absorb their food through their leaves. They filter the seawater that passes by, take out their food and just let the rest float on again.

There are many hundreds of types of seaweed. Lots of subgroups and many more subspecies. And we probably don't know all the species yet.

Kelp is one of those species, or actually a subgroup of the seaweed. Many different types of kelp can be found in this subgroup.
Kelp is one of those species, or actually a subgroup of the seaweed. In this subgroup many different types of kelp can be found.

As already mentioned, kelp is the largest type of seaweed. They are able to form gigantic underwater forests where animals and other plants can find a safe home. One of the types of kelp, the Bull Kelp or Ribbon Kelp, can grow up to 36 meters high. Another species, bladder wrack, can grow up to 50 meters high. The growth rate is impressive: 30 to 50 centimeters per day! One such string can easily weigh a hundred kilos.

Kelp is an incredibly rich source of vitamins and minerals. But kelp, and seaweed in general, is best known for its high iodine content. Kelp can be used as an iodine supplement, while you can also take advantage of all the other nutrients in this seaweed.

Kelp instead of a â € ˜normalâ € ™ iodine supplement?

One of the great benefits of Kelp is its high iodine content, and everyone needs iodine. Unfortunately, it is becoming increasingly difficult for your body to take in iodine, or make optimal use of the iodine it contains. There are two reasons for this:

So, in addition to avoiding the aforementioned antagonists as much as possible, we should also consume more iodine. No problem, you will think. I will buy a supplement and the problem is solved. Of course that would be a solution, but I still prefer using Kelp. I'll give you 4 main reasons for this:

13 Health Benefits of Kelp

And if you are not yet convinced of all the benefits that Kelp can offer you, I hereby give you the 11 most important benefits for your health, at least if you use the recommended amount daily. How much that is? I will come back to that later in this article. First the health benefits at a glance:
And if you are not convinced yet of all the benefits that Kelp can offer you, I hereby give you the 11 most important benefits for your health, at least if you use the recommended amount daily. How much that is? I will come back to that later in this article. First the health benefits at a glance:

Various studies have found Kelp to be one of the best filters for all toxins, chemicals and heavy metals that roam the oceans and seas. Thanks to the Kelp, these substances are largely filtered and broken down into harmless substances. Kelp can also do this for your body: If you add this seaweed to your daily diet, Kelp can remove the chemicals, toxins and heavy metals from your body. A great way to detox!
A variety of studies have found Kelp to be one of the best filters for all toxins, chemicals and heavy metals that roam the oceans and seas. Thanks to the Kelp, these substances are largely filtered and broken down into harmless substances. Kelp can also do this for your body: If you add this seaweed to your daily diet, Kelp can remove the chemicals, toxins and heavy metals from your body. A great way to detox!

By detoxifying your body, you help your own body to remove all toxins more efficiently. Of course, your body itself has a system to â € cutâ € ™ the toxins that we ingest every day into smaller pieces, and then dispose of them naturally. But during this time we do get a lot of toxins in, more than the liver can process. The excess of toxins is then stored in fat cells, and credited to your liver's To Do list. Unfortunately that does not happen in practice, where the toxins will build up in your body, with all the consequences that entails…

By eating Kelp regularly, you help the liver to really defuse and remove all toxins: A healthy body is a clean body!

TIP from Robert Jan: Would you like to experience all the physical benefits of Kelp? You need this >>

Kelp extract can also help make the immune system stronger and more efficient. Several studies have clearly shown that Kelp is of great help to the immune system's response to a wide variety of diseases and conditions. Much more research needs to be done, but initial conclusions suggest this is because Kelp is incredibly rich in all kinds of nutrients that are important for all kinds of bodily processes.

If you eat a serving of Kelp every day, you already have a large part of your daily required amount of vitamins and minerals.

It is a well-known fact that good health of your immune system depends on a balanced diet with all vitamins and minerals. Only in this way can your immune system function optimally.

Kelp can also support you in the fight against aging skin. As we get older, the skin loses its elasticity. This makes you look less tight, and especially less young. Of course this cannot be avoided, but you can of course try to postpone this aging process somewhat.

Kelp can be the solution for this, thanks to the many antioxidants and skin firming properties contained in this seaweed.

Kelp, for example, contains a good amount of minerals, such as magnesium, fluorine and calcium. These three minerals give your skin a radiant glow. Kelp is also rich in vitamins A, C, and E. Along with the minerals magnesium, zinc, and selenium, these are partly responsible for regenerating tissue and skin cells.

Do you want a young and tight skin? Then regularly take a generous portion of Kelp!

Your thyroid is largely dependent on iodine to function optimally. With a lack of iodine, the consequences can be very serious, because the thyroid gland has many important functions in your body, especially with regard to controlling processes with the help of hormones.

Kelp contains a lot of iodine, one is a good substitute for salt. So if you have high blood pressure, so you need to avoid salt as much as possible, you can use Kelp. This gives you a salt substitute, and you also get your daily recommended amount of iodine.

Okay, it's an old study, but in 1998 the scientist did research on the influence of Kelp on British athletes' athletic performance. This showed that the Kelp definitely gives a boost to the energy and stamina of the athletes. I haven't checked, but I don't think Kelp is on the International Doping Authority lists. So Dutch athletes: Take advantage of this! ðŸ˜ ‰

If you want to lose weight, your metabolism is particularly important. If it is too slow, you will be overweight. If it is nice and fast, those pounds will melt away automatically. The same iodine from the previous point stimulates your thyroid gland. And a perfectly functioning thyroid gland will ensure a fast metabolism.

So kelp, as part of healthy eating and exercise, is a great choice if you want to lose weight.

Kelp is rich in calcium, potassium and iron, among other things, which is good news for women. During menstruation, during pregnancy and during breastfeeding, these are essential minerals to be able to function optimally even during these heavy periods.

More good news: Kelp also contains folic acid. This is not only important to minimize the risk of cardiovascular disease, but of course also for pregnant women. Folic acid is essential for the healthy development of the unborn child. A deficiency of folic acid in pregnant women can lead to an increased risk of birth defects such as a spina bifida.

Kelp is very often considered a superfood, and for good reason: Kelp contains, in addition to a wide range of minerals and vitamins, also an impressive amount of antioxidants such as carotenoids, flavonoids And alkaloids. These antioxidants help your body to fight against so-called â € ˜ free radicals â € ™. These are bad cells that can be made harmless by the antioxidants, and then disposed of them naturally. If these free radicals are not made harmless, they can cause serious damage to your body, with all the consequences that entails.

The previously mentioned antioxidants, such as vitamin C, and the minerals, help to combat oxidative stress, and thus can help to minimize the risk of cardiovascular problems. There are many claims that kelp is a true supplement in the fight against chronic diseases, such as cancer.

Recent studies have shown that Kelp may play a role in estrogen-related cancers. Colon cancer and osteoarthritis can also benefit from Kelp. It seems that the development of breast cancer and colon cancer can be slowed down if you use kelp.

Lung cancer and prostate cancer can also benefit greatly from Kelp. This is due to some special connections in the kelp.

This seems like good news, but I would like to add an important nuance here: This does not mean that Kelp can be used to cure diseases, especially cancer. Nor can it prevent cancer. You should consider it as an addition to regular treatment methods and normal precautions to prevent chronic diseases such as cancer.

Alkaline nutrition is an essential part of keeping your Ph. This is the acid-base balance in your body. A correct Ph is extremely important for your body to function optimally. You can restore any imbalance with an alkaline diet. Use kelp as part of this diet. Not just for your Ph, but for your overall health.

In case of exposure to nuclear radiation, iodine pills are distributed as part of the emergency room. Of course, an iodine pill is the best way to minimize the absorption of harmful levels of radioactive radiation at such a time. But Kelp can also help with this: Thanks to the very high content of iodine in this superfood.

Unfortunately, in the Netherlands, in the event of a nuclear disaster, the iodine pills are only distributed to young people under 40 years of age. Unfortunately, the iodine pills don't work for people over 40 years old.

We've talked about kelp and weight loss before, as well as kelp and detox. But kelp also has wicking properties, which is a big plus with both of the other benefits.

Kelp is a natural diuretic, which is good news for people who retain water very quickly. Dehydrators, in general, help remove excess fluid in the body. This also allows the toxic substances to be removed quickly and more efficiently.

Because kelp is able to very strongly support the pituitary gland and the thyroid gland, it is also a superfood for your nails and hair growth. Not only does it make your hair thicker and stronger, but it also stimulates growth itself.

There are also people who use kelp to repair a damaged nail bed, which is often the case after removing fake nails. To take advantage of this, take kelp orally and combine it with a protein treatment on your nails.

Kelp in all shapes and sizes…

Kelp comes in all kinds of shapes these days. I have already seen kelp noodles, for example.

Where you can buy the kelp products, you often have to search in your area. First try in the health food store, because that is where you have the best chance.

You can buy kelp as leaves. This is the most natural form of Kelp, but I do not recommend it. Kelp leaves have to be boiled first, after which it has to be processed into a powder form. Not only does this require special equipment, but also a small deviation in the cooking process will result in a significant loss of minerals and vitamins.

Better to buy powdered Kelp, if you want to use it in a bath, for example, or as an ointment. If you want to take Kelp orally, you can of course buy tablets or capsules. Since Kelp tastes a bit strange, I recommend that you take the capsules. With capsules, the active ingredient is â € packagedâ € ™ in a neutral capsule that you cannot taste. Only in your stomach does the â € ˜packageâ € ™ dissolve and the active substance is released. This way you won't be bothered by the strange taste.

The daily dose of Kelp

We have just determined that taking capsules is the best choice, due to the taste of Kelp. Capsules are quite readily available and the contents can vary greatly. So always read the instructions carefully and follow these advice carefully.

But in general we can say that adults have a daily amount of 1800 mg. can take. If required, this can be as high as 4000 mg.

Children, from the age of 7 years, can take 600 mg daily. ingest kelp.

Younger children and babies often do not need the iodine boost. But if necessary, this group can take 100 mg. up to 300 mg. per day.

Again, read the directions for use and possibly consult your doctor for the ideal dose.

Possible problems with Kelp

If you start taking Kelp, in the vast majority of cases it will not cause any problems. Kelp is a natural product, but that does not prevent violent reactions from occurring.

It is now known that two reactions can occur:

In all cases, I advise you to listen to your body. NEVER persevere against your better judgment. As soon as you feel that something 'goes wrong', immediately lower the dose for a while. Let the negative symptoms pass and you can slowly rebuild the dose.

But don't let this stop you from using kelp. The symptoms described above are rare and therefore temporary.

Bathing with Kelp

If you are really serious about your health, and you try to adjust your diet and lifestyle as much as possible, then you are not there yet. Your body is starving. There is likely a chronic lack of free minerals. Just as you regularly detox, you can also re-feed your body with minerals. You can do this with a kelp bath. Taking a regular bath with kelp really boosts your body and regains access to a wide range of minerals and other nourishing Phytonutrients.

This is how you bathe with kelp:

Finallyâ €

Kelp is a â € superfoodâ € ™, just to use a popular term. But be aware that kelp is never a panacea. It is not some â € magic powderâ € ™ you take and all your problems are solved.