Facts about kelp benefits

Information on Kelp

Kelp is a certain type of seaweed which comes from the orderof laminariales and the family of brown algae. It commonly grows in the polarand temperate coastal oceans of the world. It is a fast grown type of algae,and the kelp forests are among the most important constituents of marineecosystems. It is commonly used for the production of numerous different typesof nutritional supplements, which can be purchased in the form of powder, pillsor tablets. Kelp contains more than 70 different types of essential mineralsand other elements, much more than any other type of vegetable. There are threedifferent varieties of kelp which are mostly used for the production of the aforementionedsupplements and those species include bladderwrack, rockweed and laminaria.Kelp is also an important food item in Japan and certain other parts of theworld.

Health Benefits of Sea Kelp

Sea kelp is an important source of various different sortsof essential minerals and vitamins such as vitamin A, phosphorus, vitamin B,selenium, vitamin C, zinc, vitamin D, iron, vitamin E, calcium, vitamin K,potassium, magnesium and iodine. High amounts of iodine are very beneficialwhen it comes to optimal functioning of the thyroid gland. Iodine improves thegrowth, provides the energy, accelerates the metabolism, prevents theinfections, controls the weight and prevents the allergic reactions. Sea kelpis also efficient in regulating the pituitary gland, maintaining a proper pH balance,preventing tumors and improving the health of the prostate and pancreas. It isrich in fiber, which is excellent for proper digestion and it also gets rid ofwater retention problems due to its diuretic properties. Kelp may also come invery handy when it comes to improving the functioning of the liver, reducingthe levels of bad cholesterol in the blood and increasing the levels of goodcholesterol in the blood. Those whosuffer from high blood pressure may also find that kelp is very beneficial fortheir problems.

Side Effects of Kelp

Kelp is very popular because it provides the human body withnumerous different kinds of health benefits, but unfortunately, it may also beassociated with certain side effects, as well. The most common side effects ofkelp include nausea, thyroid imbalance in the body, diarrhea, shortness ofbreath, allergic reactions, itchy eyes, itchiness, runny nose and hives. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should steerclear of kelp.