Kelp
Alkali, calcium and iodine were extracted from brown algae as early as the 17th century. Today, the kelp is even available as a dietary supplement in a specially prepared form. Since it has a high content of valuable ingredients such as iodine, it is used as a staple food in Asian countries.
Here’s what you should know about kelp
Kelp or Kombu refers to a brown seaweed of the Laminariales family that only grows in the cooler coastal waters. It occurs worldwide in about 30 varieties. They are most common in the North Pacific.
Kelp forms dense underwater forests that create their own ecosystem. The brown algae can spread up to 80 meters and grow about 30 to 80 cm per day. The slightly transparent seaweed prefers clear, flowing, nutrient-rich waters with a temperature of less than 20 degrees.
Depending on its origin, kelp tastes salty and spicy or mild and can have a soft chewy consistency. The alginates it contains are even used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetics and food industries. There they serve as a thickening agent.
importance to health
The iodine contained in kelp in large quantities supports the thyroid gland , accelerates the sluggish metabolism and is used to produce the vital thyroid hormones. It improves the flow rate of the blood and thus effectively reduces high blood pressure .
Iodine curbs tumor growth and inhibits the formation of cysts in the female body. Thanks to its high fiber content (alginate), kelp is very filling and helps with sluggish digestion and excessive hunger. The many fibers bind excess cholesterol , lead it out of the body and thus have an additional cholesterol-lowering effect.
It also removes dangerous heavy metals, metabolic waste products and drug residues from the body. Kelp also increases the body’s energy production. Since the food has a low glycemic index, it does not cause a sharp increase in blood sugar levels after consumption.
The long-chain sugar xylose contained in the algae has an anti-microbial effect and eliminates bacteria , fungi and viruses . The other sugars, fuctose and galactose, strengthen the brain and nerves . The total of 21 minerals reduce emotional extremes and help curb depression . Since the kelp algae contains 10 times as much calcium as milk , it also strengthens bones and tooth structure . The omega-3 fatty acids normalize the fat metabolism.
Ingredients & nutritional values
100 g of kelp contain algenic acid and its salts, fukoidins, laminarin, xylose and other polysaccharides, mannitol, enzymes, omega-3 fatty acids, chlorophyll derivatives, calcium, iodine, sodium, copper, zinc, sulfur, magnesium, nickel, silver, Manganese, Boron, Barium, Chromium, Lithium, Titanium, Aluminum, Vanadium, Silicon, Strontium, Selenium and Vitamins A, B1, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12, C and E.
intolerances
People with an iodine allergy should under no circumstances consume kelp products. If you have a thyroid disorder, it is best to only take it with the approval of your doctor. Because some kelp supplements contain fructose, lactose, and gluten, people who are allergic to these substances should avoid consuming kelp. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are also best off avoiding the brown algae products.
Shopping and kitchen tips
Kelp is suitable for consumption in both fresh and dried form. The consumer can buy them in Asian grocery stores all year round. There are also kelp dietary supplements in powder, tablet and capsule form. They and the Kelpin concentrate are available in pharmacies, health food stores and specialist shops on the Internet. The concentrate is particularly effective because only the central vein of the algae is processed in its production.
In order to avoid receiving goods contaminated with arsenic, the consumer should only buy kelp algae in organic quality. It is best for vegans to ensure that the tablets and capsules contain no gelatin.
Kelp should be stored in a light-protected, cool and dry place. Then it will keep for several months. Fresh seaweed can be stored in the refrigerator for a maximum of one week. If you want to cook dried kelp, you should rinse it first and let it soak in lukewarm water. Then it is cleaned again, squeezed out and possibly cut up.
Preparation tips
Kelp powder is ideal for seasoning salads, vegetable side dishes, soups and smoothies. If the consumer is uncomfortable with the intense taste of the algae, they can also take it in the form of tablets or capsules with plenty of liquid.
He can eat as much of the fresh kelp as he wants. However, the feeling of satiety usually occurs fairly quickly. Kombu is prepared like vegetables and also tastes good with salads, fish and seafood. If you want to make your own kelp powder, simply crush the dried brown algae in a mortar.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.