What’s neither plant nor animal, but still one of the healthiest foods in the world?  Give up?…  It’s kelp — the marine “vegetable” with over 70 essential nutrients plus fiber, protein, and lignans — a phytochemical being studied for it’s anti-cancer properties.

Kelp is seaweed, algae really, that’s found in both salt and fresh water.  It’s rich in all of the vital minerals like magnesium, potassium calcium, and iron found in sea water — and needed by the human body.  Kelp is also nature’s best source of iodine, the essential chemical your thyroid must have for healthy functioning.

One of kelp’s functions in the sea is to act as a purification system. It balances the water’s pH and removes harmful gases and chemicals while releasing valuable nutrients.  Kelp acts in much the same way in the human body.  It helps to purify and alkalize the blood, balance the digestive system, and scavenge for harmful toxins and free radicals.

In herbal medicine, kelp is used as a nutritional supplement for weight loss, lowering high blood pressure, balancing thyroid hormones, and relieving the symptoms of arthritis. While kelp powder and capsules are nutritionally packed and convenient, think about using fresh or dried kelp for a twist on your favorite recipes.  It makes a healthy and delicious addition to soups, salads, stews, and mixed vegetable dishes.

The Japanese are one of the biggest consumers of kelp in the world.  Japanese kelp, known as wakame, has been a dietary staple for generations in dishes like seaweed salad and miso soup.

In the West, wakame is becoming increasingly popular with enthusiasts of raw food and macrobiotic diets.  Newer research shows that it may be beneficial in weight loss, regulating blood glucose, and lowering blood pressure and blood lipids.¹

Always be sure that the kelp you purchase is labeled certified organic.  This will ensure that it was harvested in pristine waters, safe from pollutants and contaminants.

Reference

1. zhion.com/herb/Brown_Seaweed

[Ed. Note: Melanie Segala is the author of numerous articles on the topics of health and alternative medicine.  She is the editor of Disease Prevention and Treatment, 4th edition, the Life Extension Foundation and the Managing Editor of Total Health Breakthroughs.]