Packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, studies have shown that kelp could help reduce fat absorption and prevent cancer and cardiovascular disease. Let’s look at what kelp is and explore its health benefits in more detail.
What is kelp?
Kept is a kind of large, brown seaweed. It grows in nutrient-rich, shallow seawater and is often seen on beaches around the world.
Eat for health
There are several health benefits of kelp that may make it worth adding to your diet. This sea algae is a natural source of vitamins and minerals and can be eaten cooked, raw, powdered, and in supplements from companies such as https://www.vitortho.co.uk/supplements/.
Kelp absorbs nutrients from its marine environment and is rich in trace elements. It is one of nature’s best food choices when it comes to combating low iodine levels, which can impact thyroid hormone production and lead to thyroid gland enlargement and metabolic disruption. Iodine can also help boost brain function and energy levels.
Disease fighting
Kelp is a major source of antioxidants, which can help fight inflammation and stress. These are known risk factors when it comes to a multitude of chronic diseases.
Kelp is high in flavonoids and carotenoids, which can help combat disease-inducing free radicals along with antioxidant minerals such as zinc and manganese. These help to fight oxidative stress, which could help to protect against cancer and prevent cardiovascular issues. Kelp also contains a compound known as fucoidan, which could help prevent prostate and lung cancer from spreading.
Kelp and weight loss
Kelp is known to be low in both calories and fat and contains alginate, which is a natural fibre. Studies suggest that alginate may help to stop fat absorption in the gut. One piece of research, which was published in the Food Chemistry journal, suggests that this fibre could help to stop the fat-digesting enzyme lipase by as much as 72%. There has also been preliminary research suggesting that kelp could be used in the treatment and prevention of obesity and diabetes.