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Medical review by Sheeva Talebian, M. Reproductive Endocrinologist. Sheeva Talebian, M. Last updated on February 6, In This Article. What is kelp? The benefits of kelp. Here are all the reasons you'll want to add more seaweed to your diet:.
It supports thyroid function. It supports bone health. It aids in weight maintenance. It could enhance longevity. How to eat kelp. Kelp in supplements. Kelp in skin care. A last word on kelp. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications, consult with your doctor before starting a supplement routine.
Here are the 10 best multivitamins for women over Taking certain dietary supplements may be beneficial for lung health.
See which vitamins our registered dietitian recommends as the best for…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. What is kelp? Nutrition Disease prevention Weight loss How to eat How much kelp? Share on Pinterest Share on Pinterest. Nutritional benefits. Disease-fighting abilities. Weight loss claims. How to eat kelp. Too much of the good stuff? Read this next. Medically reviewed by Natalie Olsen, R.
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Note that each number in parentheses [1, 2, 3, etc. Kelp has been an essential component of East Asian diets for centuries. In fact, this diet introduced kelp into different regions across the world. The potential health benefits of kelp are wide-ranging — it can fight iodine deficiency, help with diabetes, and prevent blood clots. Read on to find out more. Kelp, or brown algae , is found on the coasts of Korea and Japan.
Kelp can have many therapeutic and nutritional benefits, as it is a rich source of iodine, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, proteins, and healthy carbohydrates. Kelp may also improve diabetes , reduce blood clots, and even help fight hepatitis C and breast cancer [ 1 ].
Kelp is an excellent source of iodine, potassium , magnesium , iron , and calcium [ 2 ]. Depending on the type of kelp or seaweed , the nutrient profile can vary greatly [ 3 ]. Laminarin is a specific type of kelp in the brown algae family rich in nutrients iodine, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and iron. Its compounds may also block tumor growth and spreading [ 2 ].
Another type of seaweed — Gracilaria changii — is rich in fiber content and essential amino acids the building blocks of proteins [ 4 , 3 ]. Kelp also contains a complex long-chain carbohydrate polysaccharide called fucoidan. Fucoidan is responsible for several potential effects of kelp, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cancer fighting [ 5 , 6 , 7 ].
Kelp is also an excellent source of vanadium, used in clinical studies to lower glucose levels in individuals suffering from diabetes type 1 and 2. Fucoxanthin , a pigment found in brown seaweed, may also boost weight loss [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ]. The high iodine content in kelp supports the production of thyroid hormones T3 and T4.
If iodine deficiency is severe and prolonged, the thyroid gland enlarges and forms a goiter. This can also lead to a lack of thyroid hormones hypothyroidism [ 13 , 2 ]. Kelp has potential cancer-fighting properties. Fucoidan from kelp may kill cancer cells and stop their growth [ 5 ]. Nutrients from seaweed carry potential health benefits. Dietary fiber, peptides, lipids, and minerals protect the heart.
They may help reduce markers of heart disease, protect the cells reducing oxidative stress , reduce inflammation in blood vessels, reduces high blood pressure, and decrease blood clotting [ 14 ]. Sticks made of Laminaria a type of kelp are used to induce birth and perform abortions. Different methods and amounts are used depending on the trimester inserted into the cervix. The sticks cause the release of prostaglandins , which act as hormones that help initiate womb contractions [ 15 , 16 ].
Laminaria sticks can mechanically assist in terminating pregnancy from the first to the late second trimester of pregnancy. In one study longitudinal , late second-trimester abortions were performed using Laminaria cervical preparation.
Only one had serious complications no contractions during delivery and 9 required additional safety measures [ 17 , 15 , 18 ]. However, there are better and safer methods for inducing labor or abortion.
Depending on the circumstances, doctors may [ 19 ]:. It improved thyroid function in a study of 7 patients with severe motor and intellectual disabilities and hypothyroidism due to iodine deficiency.
Patients were given 1 to 2 grams of powdered kelp daily, and this treatment restored thyroid function, increasing the concentration of iodine in the urine [ 20 ]. In another trial on 36 healthy people, kelp increased the levels of the hormone that stimulates the thyroid gland TSH [ 21 ]. Heavy metals: Sea kelp grown in polluted waters may well absorb toxic heavy metals which if ingested can cause major health problems.
The potential for this means it isn't recommended to be taken if pregnant or breastfeeding , or by children or people with health issues, especially liver or kidney problems.
It should be possible however to make sure a particular supplement comes from kelp grown in clean waters. Unpredictability: There are a large number of sea kelp supplements available containing a variety of different types of algae that all come under the name 'kelp', which may affect your body in different ways.
For instance, bladderwrack can cause or worsen acne, and there is a single reported case of it causing kidney failure. Thyroid dysfunction: Due to the high iodine content in kelp, it may disrupt thyroid function. It is essential to take only the RDA of iodine rather than consuming kelp in high amounts. As with any supplements, it's definitely best to consult a doctor before taking any; especially if pregnant, breastfeeding or suffering from any ailments. Kelp supplements come in powered and supplement form, and the powdered form is better absorbed in your body, so she suggests that rather than supplementing with kelp, using kelp powder and sea salt to flavour foods.
Working with a registered nutritionist, such as Hamilton, can also help to identify whether you are iodine deficient, and if so, supplement accordingly.
The recommended daily amount of iodine for men and non-pregnant women is micrograms, and any kelp supplements with more than micrograms should be avoided. Fish, seafood, eggs and dairy products are excellent sources of iodine as well, so if you are vegan, adding kelp to your diet may help keep your iodine at optimal levels.
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