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Kelp | | |
Kelp is the most common seaweed in the ocean and is an excellent source of
minerals from the sea. One of its primary mineral constituents, iodine,
is very important for the thyroid gland to function properly, regulating
metabolism and weight. Past cultural studies relating to the result of
diet including kelp have determined a link to a lower breast cancer rate;
less obesity, heart disease, rheumatism, arthritis; lower blood pressure;
less thyroid disease; less constipation and gastro-intestinal ailments and
less infectious disease. Kelp provides nutritional support to the nervous
system and heart in the form of iodine, vitamins, minerals and cell salts.
Iodine in Kelp also helps to maintain a healthy thyroid, thereby
significantly reducing one major possible cause of obesity. In addition,
seaweed increases the body's ability to burn off fat through exercise.
Thus, stamina is boosted, allowing cells to consume energy more
efficiently. Kelp has also been shown to support the lowering of blood
cholesterol levels.
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| Common Name | | | Kelp
| | | Botanical Latin Name / Classification | | | Laminaria digitata
| | | Parts Used | | | Whole plant (sun-dried and cleansed)
| | | Description | | | Kelp is an underwater plant with a majestic form, deep green color and a
high nutritional yield. Commonly referred to as "seaweed" this
botanical beauty is not from the common "seaweed" but rather a
different classification of plant entirely. Kelp grows along the
coastlines and is solely dependant upon receiving its nutrients from the
ocean. It can grow up to two feet in one day!
Care and importance
should be taken when consuming kelp and one should know its origin. Many
of the world's oceans are suffering from pollution, so it is best to use a
Kelp product from clean, pristine and protected ocean. Hawaii, Canada, and
the North West United States are all choice locations for quality Kelp
products.
Kelp is a great source of nutrients and can be added
easily to any diet. Kelp is most often dried and sold whole, granulated or
powdered. It can be sprinkled on foods as a condiment, or whole kelp adds
a nice touch to salads or it can be used as a wrap for a variety of
fillings.
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| | | Traditional Internal Uses | | | Kelp is a concentrated source of minerals, including iodine, potassium,
magnesium, calcium, and iron. Kelp as a source of iodine assists in making
thyroid hormones, which are necessary for maintaining normal metabolism in
all cells of the body.
Sea vegetables, especially kelp, are
nature's richest sources of iodine, which as a component of the thyroid
hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), is essential to human
life. The thyroid gland adds iodine to the amino acid tyrosine to create
these hormones. Without sufficient iodine, your body cannot synthesize
them. Because these thyroid hormones regulate metabolism in every cell of
the body and play a role in virtually all physiological functions, an
iodine deficiency can have a devastating impact on your health and
well-being. A common sign of thyroid deficiency is an enlarged thyroid
gland, commonly called a goiter. Goiters are estimated to affect 200
million people worldwide, and in all but 4% of these cases, the cause is
iodine deficiency.
People who avoid sea vegetables, as well as
dairy, seafood, processed food, and the salt shaker, can become deficient
in iodine. Iodine deficiency can cause low thyroid function, goiter, and
cretinism. Although iodine deficiency is now uncommon in Western
societies, the U.S. population has shown a trend of significantly
decreasing iodine intake.
Kelp heath benefits also include
increasing metabolism and helping balance blood lipid concentrations, both
of which can help overweight people.
Kelp bone loss treatment may
also be helpful in aging individuals. Osteoporosis is caused by bone
deterioration due to lack of minerals, and kelp bone loss treatment can
help replenish these nutrients.
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| | | Traditional Topical Uses | | | Historical topical applications have included its use as a compress or oil
for arthritic joints, as a bath herb for cellulite and weight loss
support, and in lotions for its skin-softening qualities.
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| | | Indications | | | Primary Indications: Thyroid Disorders (Hypothyroidism / Hyperthyroidism), Goiter, Cellular Health, Metabolism, Connective Tissue Disorders
Secondary Indications: Blood Glucose (Sugar) Levels, Weight Control / Obesity, Cardiovascular Disorders, Circulatory System / Circulation, Hypercholesterolemia
Other Indications: Indigestion, Hemorrhoids, Constipation, Ulcers, Hair Health / Growth, Nervous System / Nervous Disorders, Rheumatism, Osteoporosis, Cancer / Cancer Prevention, Immunity / Immune Disorders, Cellulite, Skin Disorders
Other Indications: Flatulence
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| | | Actions | | | Antibacterial, Anticholesterolemic, Antihypothyroid, Antioxidant, Diuretic, Emollient, Endocrine Tonic, Expectorant, Immunoactive / Immunomodulatory / Immunostimulative, Nutritive, Stool Softening
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| | | Constituents / Nutrients | | | Kelp is a nutritional powerhouse. It contains almost every mineral and
trace mineral necessary for human existence. It also contains amino acids
and vitamins.
Some of the key nutritional components include
iodine, calcium, iron, potassium, folate, magnesium, trytophan,
polysaccharides, algin, carrageenan, bormine, mucopolysaccharides,
mannitol, alginic acid, kainic acid, laminine, histamine, zeaxanthin,
protein, and vitamins B1, B2, B12, A, C, E, G (Gamma Linolenic Acid -
GLA), and vitamin K.
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| | | Pharmacological Summary | | | Japanese studies have shown that the high Iodine value in Kelp assists
with healthy thyroid function and these results have been overwhelmingly
supportive in it being an effective treatment for hyperthyroidism.
Preliminary tests are showing that it may be effective in the supplemental
treatment of tumors, however to date these reports have not been
validated. Additional research demonstrating hypotensive and
anti-bacterial properties of kelp suggests health benefits in the areas of
heart disease and general immune system support.
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| | | Scientific Research and Pharmacologicial Actions | | | Breast Cancer
Research suggests that high
consumption of kelp may be responsible for lower breast cancer rates. It
may therefore help prevent breast cancer. Studies using lab animals have
shown an anti-tumour effect.(1,2)
Heart
Health
Kelp consumption can be good for the heart. Kelp has
cardiotonic action as well as a hypotensive property(3,4). Consumption is
also correlated with lower rates of heart disease. Several components of
kelp, including laminine, are responsible for this
effect.
Thyroid Gland Health
Kelp can help
keep the thyroid gland healthy(5).
Immune
System
Studies have shown that kelp contains antibacterial
properties(6). It displays activity against many pathogenic
microorganisms. It is effective against gram-positive and gram-negative
bacteria, including Staph and Strep, brucella, bacillus, Klebsiella,
proteus, E. coli, salmonella, etc. This antibiotic property may be due to
brominated phenolic compounds contained in kelp.
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| | | Research | | | "Combating Hypothyroidism Naturally"
"Lose Weight Naturally"
"Vegans Beware!"
"Hypothyroidism: Symptoms and Successful Treatment"
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| | | Precautions / Contraindications | | | While Kelp may be used liberally, overuse is not recommended because of
the danger of triggering Hyperthyroidism.
Kelp should be avoided by
pregnant women and anyone with thyroid disease.
Kelp has no known
toxicity. Some species are known for arsenic content(7). Although arsenic
is present, it is in a biologically unavailable form.
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| | | Interaction with Medications | | | Methimazole: Taking high doses of kelp could provide to much iodine
and interfere with the actions of
methimazole.
Propylthiouracil: Taking high doses of kelp
could provide to much iodine and interfere with the actions of
propylthiouracil.
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| | | Possible Side Effects | | | There have been several case reports of high intakes of kelp providing too
much iodine and interfering with normal thyroid function. People with
thyroid disease should check with a doctor before taking supplements that
contain kelp.
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| | | Dosage | | | Since the introduction of iodized salt, additional sources of iodine, such
as kelp, are not necessary for most people. However, kelp can be consumed
as a source of other minerals. A report from Great Britain indicated that
the average kelp-based supplement contained 1,000 mcg of iodine (the adult
RDA in the United States is 150 mcg per day). It has been suggested that
intakes above 2,000 mcg per day should be regarded as excessive or
potentially harmful.1
For iodine-deficiency hypothyroidism:
Take 10 grains of powdered kelp (supplying 300 mcg of iodine) daily as
directed by your doctor.
Guidelines for Use:- To
lessen the risk of stomach upset, take spirulina or kelp with
food.
- Iodine concentrations loose potency over time, so it's
important to check the expiration date on any kelp supplement before
buying it. In one study, kelp tablets that had been on a shelf for 18
months were found to have no discernible iodine content.
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| | | References | | | 1. Hirayama, T. Epidemiology of breast cancer with special reference to
the role of diet. Preventive Medicine, 7, 173-195, 1978.
2. Suzuki,
Y., I. Yamamoto & I. Umezawa. Antitumor effect of seaweed: partial
purification and the antitumor effect of polysaccharides from laminaria
angustata kjellman var. longissma miyabe. Chemotherapy (Tokyo), 28(2),
165-170, 1980.
3. Searl, P. B., T. R. Norton & B. K. B. Lum. Study of
a cardiotonic fraction from an extract of the seaweed, undaria
pinnatifida. Proceedings of the Western Pharmacology Society, 24, 63-65,
1981.
4. Takemoto, T., K. Daigo & N. Takagi. Studies on the
hypotensive constituents of marin algae. I. A new basic amino acid
'laminine' and other basic constituents isolated from laminaria angustata.
Yakugaku Zasshi, 84(12), 1176-1179, 1964.
5. Konno-N et al:
Association between dietary Iodine intake and prevalence of subclinical
hypothyroidism in the coastal regions of Japan. J-Clin-Endocrinol-Metab.
1994 Feb; 78(2): 393-7.
6. Mautner, H., G. Gardner & R. Pratt.
Antibiotic activity of seaweed extracts. Journal of the American
Pharmaceutical Association, 42(5), 294-296, 1953.
7. Shimokawa, K., N.
Horibe, M. Teramachi & H. Mori. Arsenic content in edible seaweeds on the
market. Shokuhin Eiseigaku Zasshi, 12(4), 330-332, 1971.
Our
thanks to the following information resources:
Herbal-Supplements-Guide.com, American Botanical Council (Herbalgram.org),
Vitacost.com, Viable-Herbal.com, Botanical.com, and
QuestHealthLibrary.com.
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| | 1 product | | | Kelp (Read all about Kelp.)
Botanical Latin Name: Laminaria digitata
Plant Part: Whole plant (sun-dried and cleansed) | |
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Kelp - Health - Biotin - 300mcg
90 tablets
8.72 US
More Info
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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
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