Kelp
Botanical Name: Laminaria digitata
Synonyms:
Characteristics:
Laminaria digitata, a family of the Fucaceae, is a type of seaweed. Kelp is the common name for all these plants. Usually, these seaweeds grow on rocks below sea level. There are different varieties: Laminaria, macrocystis, and cereocystis. Laminaria is found in North America on the Atlantic coast from the arctic to long Island south and on the west coast from Alaska to California.
Active Ingredients:
Polysaccharides: alginic acid (algin) as the major component; fucoidan and laminarin (sulphated polysaccharide esters). Minerals: iodine; calcium; potassium; magnesium; phosphorus; iron; and silicon. Total iodine varies between 0.1 to 0.8%, based on dry weight. Raw Laminaria kelp contains: Water 81.6; Protein 1.7%; Total lipid (fat) 0.56%; Carbohydrate, by difference 9.6%; Fiber, total dietary 1.3%; Ash 6.61%. Minerals (per 100g): Calcium, 168mg; Iron, 2.8mg; Magnesium, 121mg; Phosphorus, 42mg; Potassium, 89mg; Sodium, 233mg; Zinc, 1.23mg; Copper, 0.13mg; Manganese, 0.2mg; Selenium, 0.7mcg. Vitamins: Vitamin C, 3.0mg; Thiamin 0.05mg; Riboflavin 0.15 mg; Niacin 0.47mg; Pantothenic acid 0.64mg; Vitamin B-6 0.002; Folate, 180mcg; Vitamin A, 116IU; Vitamin A, RE 12mg; Vitamin E 0.87mg (ate). Lipids: Fatty acids, total saturated 0.25%; Fatty acids, total monounsaturated 0.098%; total polyunsaturated 0.047%. Kelp also contains several essential and non-essential amino acids, including 0.27% Glutamic acid.
Beneficial Qualities
- Soothing for the digestive system (demulcent)
- Stimulates digestion (digestive)
- Stimulates rapid passage through the intestines
- Remineralizes the body
- Regulates thyroid gland
- Regulates the genitals
- Promotes elimination of toxins from the intestines
- Regulates intestinal flora
- Protects against radiation and heavy metals
- Protects against cardiovascular complaints
- Stimulates blood circulation, cleanses blood vessels
- Stimulates excretion of urine (diuretic)
- Tonic for the pituitary gland (hypophysis)
- Induces menstruation
- Protects against the absorption of strontium 90
Beneficial Applications
Historically or traditionally known to support the body’s function and physiology as or in:
- Normalizing thyroid activity (insufficient thyroid activity)
- Excess weight (as a result of insufficient thyroid activity
- Reduces Fatigue, apathy, exhaustion
- Liver and spleen challenges
- Female menstrual cramps, male prostate disorders
- Menopausal complaints
- Enlargement of testicles or womb
- Mild headaches, skin disorders
- Mild accumulation of plaque in the cardiovascular system
- Digestive problems or constipation
- Inflammation of large intestine
- Over Exposed to radiation or when in close contact with heavy metals
- Weak nail, hair loss
- Involuntary contractions of the legs
- Skin Challenges
- Cardiovascular tonic
Side Effects:
In larger doses kelp may cause accelerated heart rate and speed up thyroid activity.
Contraindication:
In case of very high blood pressure consult with your health care professional before use.
Overview
In the 19th century, kelp was recommended for its high level of iodine. Nowadays, iodine deficiencies can be a thing of the past if kelp or other sea vegetables are used as frequently in food. Kelp may supply either a therapeutic or maintenance level of iodine, depending upon the variety chosen or amount ingested. Once the iodine level is normalized, the body requires 150 micrograms of iodine a day, in small doses; kelp may help supply all the body’s daily needs. Additional research has indicated its ability to support lower cholesterol levels and normalize blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors. But kelp is also rich in sodium, which tends to heighten blood pressure. Those who consume excess sodium or suffer from high blood pressure should not use large amounts of kelp, or should choose varieties with lower levels. Kelp and other sea vegetables should be rinsed prior to use to remove any external sea salt.