Our modern lives have led to nutrient-deficient soil and stressed-out humans. In turn, this leads to nutrient-deficient humans. If you’re feeling tired and run down, maybe you’re missing some crucial vitamins and minerals. Food is one of the best ways to nourish your body. Sea kelp is a nutrient-rich food that you're bound to benefit from adding to your diet.

Benefits of Sea Kelp

Yes, that’s right, kelp is the stuff out of the ocean. Sea kelp is a type of seaweed and is a vegetable that has been added to ocean dwellers' diets for thousands of years. Here are the main benefits of kelp:

Great source of Iodine: Sea kelp is a natural source of iodine, a vital mineral necessary for thyroid health and hormone regulation. Adequate iodine intake supports proper thyroid function, metabolism, and energy production.

High in Minerals: Sea kelp is abundant in various minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron. These minerals are essential for bone health, muscle function, electrolyte balance, and overall wellbeing.

Source of Antioxidants: Sea kelp contains antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, and E, as well as compounds like flavonoids and polyphenols. These antioxidants help combat oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, promoting overall health and longevity.

Common ways to use Kelp

Consumption: Most people simply eat sea kelp. There are powders you can add to smoothies and drinks, or you can make salads, stews, and soups.

Growing and Foraging Information

Sea kelp farming is becoming a trend on the east and west coast. The startup cost is significantly more than a standard farm due to the equipment required to farm sea kelp. Foraging for sea kelp requires the proper locations, identification tools, and knowledge of the area's eco system. You don’t want to take from a habitat that needs the seaweed.

Safety Concerns

Because of the iodine content of kelp, proceed with caution if you have an overactive thyroid or an autoimmune thyroid disorder.

Drug Interaction: Kelp has been known to interfere with blood coagulation, so if you’re on blood thinners you should talk with your medical provider. As always, if you have any health concerns or are taking any medications, talk with your medical care provider before adding any herb or new foods to your diet.

Breastfeeding and Pregnancy: Safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding

Other Concerns: Ocean food can carry high levels of heavy metals, so be sure your kelp is tested.

Select Studies About Kelp

Effects of Daily Kelp (Laminaria japonica) Intake on Body Composition, Serum Lipid Levels, and Thyroid Hormone Levels in Healthy Japanese Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind Study - PMC (nih.gov)

This double study was conducted to see if supplementing powdered kelp would decrease body fat. 50 Japanese subjects were randomly assigned to consume either a kelp pill or a placebo for 8 weeks. Body fat percentage was greatly decreased in the group of men that consumed the kelp pills.