Kelp, or more commonly, seaweed, is found in kelp forests in the ocean where the water is shallow and clear. It is an algae that grows underwater and is famous for its ability to spread. Kelp grows 20 inches a day and can reach 200 feet long. It grows in water that is cooler than 68 degrees F.
Kelp consists of a body or thallus which is a flat or leaf-like structure called the blade. Blades in turn come from stipes, long stem-like structures. The holdfast, a root structure, keeps the kelp fastened to the floor of the ocean. American kelp has gas-filled bladders that form on the blades and float the blades close to the surface of the water.
Kelp is available in a dried, capsule, or powder form. It can be added to drinks or used as flavoring or as a salt substitute. Kelp can be added to soups, stir fries, stews, and cooked with beans or various types of grains.
Over 70 minerals and growth hormones, trace elements, enzymes, vitamins, and proteins are found in kelp, including potassium, iodine, magnesium, calcium, and iron. According to Wikipedia, 100 grams of kelp contains 9.6 grams of Carbohydrates, .6 grams of sugars, 1.3 grams of fiber, .6 grams of fat, 1.7 grams of protein, and from 3% to 45% of the daily requirement of another 13 vitamins and minerals.
Kelp has many health benefits. Here are a few of them. Kelp can boost body immunity and increase energy levels. It has been shown to fight heart disease, cancer and to suppress AIDS. Kelp can help to alleviate the pain of arthritis and has been used to improve liver function.
Kelp is used to help control body weight because of its ability to stimulate metabolism. The iodine in kelp is a great help to those with hypothyroid problems. It also aids in problems with poor digestion, constipation, and bowel gas.
Kelp helps to lower cholesterol levels and to maintain mucous membranes. It kills the herpes virus and is even used to reduce hair loss. Kelp ash can be used in soap and glass production. Alginate, a carbohydrate coming from kelp, is used as a thickener for such things as ice cream, jelly, salad dressing, and toothpaste, and is used as an ingredient in exotic dog food.
Kelp is also used frequently in fertilizer and as such is known as vraic. Some types of kelp are also considered a delicacy in the far east.
You will help keep your body regulated by daily ingesting a small amount of kelp in powder or capsule form. This will provide you with needed vitamins and minerals and may ward off health problems you never knew you would have faced.