What is kelp?
Kelp, also called kelp, is a brown seaweed from the Fucaceae family. It grows in the North and Baltic seas, but also in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Kelp can reach up to 1 m in length. It is estimated that the first species of kelp developed over 5 million years ago.
This seaweed has many properties to fight against fatigue, to promote slimming and to calm insect bites. The main stem of kelp, called the thallus, is used for its therapeutic properties. This thallus manages to float thanks to its pods which fill with air. Kelp is usually harvested at the end of June, at low tide.
Kelp is rich in essential nutrients, as well as a important source of iodine and phycocyaninswhich are blue pigments, renowned for their anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
What are the properties of kelp?
- Kelp apart from its nutritional properties has medicinal properties. It is first of all a natural appetite suppressant, thanks to its structure rich in mucilage. It helps to quickly achieve the feeling of satiety, since its volume increases on contact with water. It is therefore a slimming aid algae useful in the context of slimming diets in addition to dietary measures.
- With its mild laxative effects, kelp helps soothe heartburn. In synergy with other plants, kelp also helps fight cellulite (its iodineinvolved in the body’s fat metabolism).
- In addition, kelp has anti-fatigue properties thanks to its high concentration of vitamins: B9 And VS and in minerals: copper, zincselenium, calcium, magnesium, potassiumsodium, sulfur, silicon and iron. It stimulates the immune system and prevents the appearance of certain conditions.
- Kelp was used by the Romans for its anti-inflammatory properties. It helps fight rheumatism and soothe painful joints.
- Good to know : kelp, and seaweed more generally, can cause a laxative effect and soften the stool.
How to consume kelp?
- In herbal medicine, it is mainly the dried thalli that are used for their therapeutic virtues. They are then prepared in the form of powder, decoction and mother tincture.
- In mother tincture and in decoctionkelp is also useful to prevent weight gain and to remineralize the body.
- It is preferable to consume fresh seaweed on an occasional basis for their contribution in nutrients and in trace elementsand avoid food supplements that contain it.
- Dermalkelp helps fight cellulite and rheumatic pain.
Good to know : when looking for fresh kelp, in capsules, tablets or otherwise, make sure it is quality. It is advisable to always choose the one from organic farming, because kelp and algae in general can accumulate heavy metals present in the oceans. This explains the cases of cadmium and arsenic poisoning reported in the scientific literature. By choosing organic seaweed, you ensure that it is beneficial to your health and that it does not contain harmful substances.
What are the contraindications of kelp?
- Kelp is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, but also for young children.
- It should also be avoided by people hypersensitive to iodine or suffering from thyroid problems or angina pectoris. Too much iodine can cause thyroid disorders.
- Kelp sometimes has undesirable effects: insomnia, stress, hypersensitivity. Similarly, you should know that an excess of iodine can cause gastric irritation and significant salivation.
- As algae grow in the seas, they can contain heavy metals like lead, arsenic or mercury.