Kelp has been historically consumed for its number of health benefits. Kelps
are large seaweeds (algae) belonging to the brown algae (Phaeophyceae) in the
order Laminariales. There are about 30 different genera. Kelp grows in
underwater "forests" (kelp forests) in shallow oceans, and is thought to have
appeared in the Miocene, 23 to 5 million years ago.
The organisms require nutrient-rich water with temperatures between 6 and 14 �C
(43 and 57 �F). They are known for their high growth rate � the genera
Macrocystis and Nereocystis can grow as fast as half a metre a day, ultimately
reaching 30 to 80 metres (100 to 260 ft).
Through the 19th century, the word "kelp" was closely associated with seaweeds
that could be burned to obtain soda ash (primarily sodium carbonate). The
seaweeds used included species from both the orders Laminariales and Fucales.
The word "kelp" was also used directly to refer to these processed ashes.
It's the new superfood that's been steadily gaining popularity, especially with
nutritionists and those in the know. Better known as algae or seaweed, kelp is
now being touted as the latest nutritional powerhouse and is set to take over
from kale as the trendy new ingredient to add to your diet.The vitamin-packed
seaweed is not only a concentrated sourced of calcium and iodine, it has also
been found to have natural antioxidant properties.
Iodine and calcium-rich, kelp also has natural antioxidant properties. Seaweed
contains 46 minerals, 16 amino acids and 11 micronutrients. The natural diuretic
also helps with weight control and cleanses system.
Geeta Sidhu Robb, nutritionist and founder of Nosh Detox has been using kelp for
some time now as it has some superior properties compared to kale. In fact Ms
Sidhu-Robb said that it's kelp's high iodine content which makes it one of the
best foods around. According to Ms Sidhu-Robb, nearly 70% of UK women are said
to be be iodine deficient.
She said: 'Kelp has iodine, because only ocean products contain iodine.
'Iodine nourishes the thyroid gland, the powerhouse of the metabolism. It's the
one thing that most people have out of balance when fatigued. 'Kelp and kale are
different as they do different things,' she continued. 'But it does have iodine
which kale doesn't and magnesium and calcium which kale does. 'So if you take
kelp it does have everything in it.' 'Kelp has been around for a while and is
often take by people 'in the know'. It is certainly getting more popular with
the general public,' head nutritionist at Nutri Centre, Shona Wilkinson said.
'Because kelp grows in a nutrient-rich water, it is packed full of nutrients,'
she continued. The seaweed is a natural source of vitamins and mineral and is
particularly high in calcium.Ms Wilkinson explained: 'It is a natural source of
vitamins A, B1, B2, C, D and E as well as minerals including zinc, iodine,
magnesium, iron, potassium, copper and is especially high in calcium.
'It is also very high in iodine. We need iodine for efficient thyroid and
pituitary function. The thyroid is responsible for regulating metabolism and
body temperature. 'For this reason many people take kelp to help with weight
control. Kelp is also known as a natural diuretic and is thought to be good for
those troubled with water retention.' Natalie Alexander
Bio-Synergy
ambassador said: 'Kelp is known for its detoxifying properties, whilst also
containing a rich source of concentrated minerals and trace elements, which help
with the efficient running of our body.'
And not only is this super plant good for you, it's great for the environment as
well as it has the ability to grow without fresh water or land. And when it does
grow in water, it cleans the water by soaking up excess phosphorus and nitrogen.
Ms Sidhu-Robb explained: 'It's also the fastest growing plant in the world so
much more sustainable. 'It has a complete nutrient profile so it can heal the
world.'
But while it's been hailed as the next big thing, Ms Wilkinson is wary of
describing it as a 'superfood'. She said: 'The term 'superfood' isn't really an
official term so its difficult to say whether it counts as a superfood or not
but it is certainly as good way of getting all your nutrients in one place.
However, Rhiannon Lambert resident nutritionist for Wheyhey feels it can be
termed a superfood.
'Yes, it could be classed as a superfood,' she said. 'Kelp contains a huge array
of vitamins and minerals - 46 minerals, 16 amino acids (protein building blocks)
and 11 micro-nutrients � and there is a lot of research into its numerous health
benefits. 'Many nutritionists prescribe kelp supplements to aid thyroid
function, hydration and weight management due to its high iodine content.
'Kelp is also extremely high in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory
properties which can help fight free radical damage and even cancers. 'There are
in fact now studies looking into ovarian cancer and reduced rates of the cancer
in Japanese women who have high intakes of kelp in their diet,' she continued.
And Lovisa Nilsson nutritionist at health and fitness app, Lifesum agreed. She
said:' Kelp is definitely a superfood as it as been proven to boost immune
system and has natural antibiotic synthesised into it that can help assist the
body in fighting infection.
'The diuretic nature of kelp is good for cleansing the system and shedding
excess water weight. 'Kelp is great for women, as it has higher calcium content
than milk (10 times) and is rich in iron, folic acid and potassium. These
properties are important for woman when replacing lost nutrients during
menstruation and pregnancy.' she continued. And because the seaweed has high
levels of protein, it's also great for vegetarians. So does this mean it's time
to wave goodbye to kale? For those of us who have had enough of the curly
vegetable in all its forms, it's not good news.
'Although it's a great superfood, it probably won't take over from kale purely
because of availability,' Ms Lambert said. 'Kale is everywhere, but kelp has not
made the leap to mainstream superfood yet so isn't as readily available in your
local supermarket. Ms Alexander agreed. She said: 'In my opinion I think kale
and kelp both offer something different - kale is grown in soil, whilst kelp
comes from the ocean.
'They are both rich in phytonutrients which help to keep our body�s healthy and
fight off diseases. 'I think both are nutritional powerhouses; however kelp
offers more benefits when it comes to assisting our thyroid hormone production,
which is responsible for regulating our metabolism,' she said.
Ms Sidhu-Robb recommends using kelp in salads, smoothies, as a flavouring for
fish and also in soups. 'Use it to cook with rice and grains to add taste and
into salads,' she said.
'You can also use it in smoothies as a dried powder or add to fish at the end of
cooking. It can also be used in miso soup.' Ms Lambert said: 'You can of course
take kelp supplements, but you really want to be eating in its raw form to get
the most nutritional benefits.'
Ms Wilkinson said: 'Supplements are the easiest way, but make sure that
you seek the advice of a health professional to recommend which supplement is
right for you and will best complement your diet. If you can get hold of fresh
kelp, it�s great in salads and any kind of oriental dishes.'
Kombu can be used to soften beans during cooking, and to help convert
indigestible sugars and thus reduce flatulence. Because of its high
concentration of iodine, brown kelp (Laminaria) has been used to treat goiter,
an enlargement of the thyroid gland caused by a lack of iodine, since medieval
times.
In 2010, a group of researchers in the University of Newcastle found that a
fibrous material called alginate in sea kelp was better at preventing fat
absorption than most over-the-counter slimming treatments in laboratory trials.
As a food additive, it may be used to reduce fat absorption and thus obesity.
Kelp in its natural form has not yet been proven to have such effects.
Bio-Synergy
ambassador said: 'Kelp is known for its detoxifying properties, whilst also
containing a rich source of concentrated minerals and trace elements, which help
with the efficient running of our body.' 