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Kelp is a large, leafy brown edible seaweed rich in vitamins and minerals that grows along colder coastlines. Kelp is an excellent source of iodine, a major component of thyroxine and triiodothyronine, hormones that affect weight gain and cellular metabolic rates. One to two milligrams of iodine per week are required to prevent goiter. Based on epidemiological studies, thyroid disease is practically unknown in people who regularly eat kelp. Based on human studies, 4mg of iodine daily completely resolves cyclical breast lumps and cysts, usually within only two months.

The alginates in kelp (complex polysaccharides), like other soluble fibers, have a soothing and cleansing effect on the digestive tract and are known to prevent the absorption of toxic metals like mercury, cadmium, plutonium and cesium. Studies have shown that alginate supplements can reduce strontium-90 absorption from the intestinal tract by as much as 83%. The U.S. Atomic Energy Commission advocates 2 tablespoons of alginate supplement per day to prevent strontium-90 absorption and related diseases. Kelp alginates are also hydrasorbent laxatives, compounds that swell to 20 times their original volume by absorbing water, which is much greater than other types of bulk laxatives such as psyllium and bran.

Kelp seaweed alginates are effective in treating habitual constipation and gastric bloating because they swell in intestinal juices rather than water or gastric juices and are non-irritating. Several studies also document a direct, stimulatory effect of seaweed on the immune system. Kelp has been shown to inhibit 95% of abnormal cell growths, and cause regressions in 6 out of 9 animals tested. In-vitro studies of hot water extract of Laminaria on abnormally growing human cells showed more than 50% apoptosis. Kelp also has antiviral activity against influenza virus due to a very active inhibitor of viral and bacterial neuraminidase.

Kelp seaweed is an herb which is so rich in minerals, vitamins and nutrients that it works extremely well as an all around every day herbal supplement. It’s especially useful as a women’s vitamin, because it’s high in iron, calcium and potassium, all of which tend to be essential for women during menstruation, and while pregnant or nursing.

Kelp Herb has a salty taste, and many people even use it in place of salt. It is also a natural source of iodine and this is where a lot of its wellness, medicinal and healing power comes into play.

Kelp is available in capsule, tablet, and bulk powder forms. Look for name brands like Solaray, Natures Plus, and Natures Life to ensure quality and purity of the product you would like to purchase. Your local or internet health food store will carry quality brands and have options for other vitamins and herbs to boost health.

*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. kelp is not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.