Dried kelp is a nutrient-rich seaweed commonly consumed as food in many Asian countries. In supplement form, it confers a range of potential health benefits, including improved thyroid function and digestive health, anti-inflammatory effects, and even anti-cancer effects. We’ll discuss the health benefits of dried kelp and recommend one of the best wellness brands on the market.
Dried kelp has a long history in Asian cooking but has recently become a growing food trend in the United States. Dried kelp’s growing popularity is attributed to its robust nutritional profile, sustainability, and environmental benefits. Kelp not only absorbs carbon from the atmosphere but is one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth. Kelp is also high in umami, the lesser-known fifth taste, meaning “pleasant savory taste” in Japanese.
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What is dried kelp, and what can it do for you?
Dried kelp is a nutrient-dense form of brown algae hailed as a superfood. Often referred to as kombu, this specific type of seaweed is an excellent nutritional source of iodine, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin K. Dried kelp is also rich in antioxidants, including carotenoids and flavonoids, which are known for their disease-fighting properties.
Seaweed can contain up to 10 times the amount of nutrients found in soil-grown foods due to growing conditions. For this reason, dried kelp may offer many health benefits. Some reported health benefits include supporting thyroid function, digestive health, and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Anti-inflammatory benefits can play a role in both cancer treatment and prevention. In addition, kelp may play a crucial role in preventing chronic diseases, including diabetes and stroke.
Dried kelp health benefits:
Thyroid
Dried kelp is a rich natural iodine source, essential for proper thyroid function. Since the body cannot produce iodine alone, taking dried kelp can help prevent thyroid conditions such as hypothyroidism. Due to the high levels of nutrients and minerals, it is undoubtedly a healthier option than iodized salt. Dried kelp can also be an excellent way to get dietary iodine on a vegan diet.
Dried kelp health benefits:
Weight loss
Dried kelp may have the potential to be incorporated into a healthy weight management program. Although scientists need more evidence to determine how dried kelp helps control weight, early research has spotlighted two compounds that may play a role in weight management.
First, dried kelp is a good source of the protein fucoxanthin, which has been labeled as a promising medicinal ingredient to help promote fat loss and fight against obesity. Second, dried kelp contains alginates. These natural fibers may block fat absorption in the gut by up to 75%.
Dried kelp health benefits:
Diabetes control
Dried kelp may also have a role in managing and preventing diabetes. In addition to its anti-inflammatory effects, dried kelp contains vanadium. This mineral found in dried kelp may potentially help with blood sugar regulation. These results have been duplicated in animal and human studies, although the exact reason vanadium works remains unknown. In addition to vanadium, the weight management potential from fucoxanthin and alginates could further help with diabetes control.
Dried kelp health benefits:
Digestive health
Digestive health and gut bacteria have recently come into focus for maintaining a healthy immune system. Dried kelp is an essential superfood that has the potential to provide a healthy environment for good gut bacteria to flourish.
First, sulfated polysaccharides found in kelp have been shown to promote the growth of good bacteria. These polysaccharides can also increase short-term fatty acids that protect the stomach lining. Second, dried kelp contains carrageenans, agars, and fucoidans. These compounds are known to act as probiotics, making them helpful in increasing good bacteria in your gut. For these reasons, dried kelp may be beneficial for healthy digestion.
Dried kelp health benefits:
Anti-cancer effects
There is growing evidence that chronic inflammation in the body plays a role in developing cancer and other chronic diseases. In response, many experts advocate for including anti-inflammatory foods as a means of treatment and prevention. Dried kelp is a natural anti-inflammatory that is a rich source of antioxidants.
The antioxidants found in kelp, including carotenoids and flavonoids, can resist free radicals, which are known contributors to the growth of cancer cells. Dried kelp is also an excellent natural source of the polysaccharide fucoidan, which has reported properties for resisting cancer cells. This compound may also help prevent blood clots, possibly protecting your cardiovascular system.
Dried kelp:
Nuzest Good Green Vitality
Although further research on how dried kelp affects the body is needed, there is optimism regarding its possible health benefits. According to some evidence, the amount of dietary kelp necessary to achieve these benefits is too much for dietary intake alone. Additionally, overeating raw kelp may increase levels of heavy metals, such as aluminum, cadmium, arsenic, and lead. Fortunately, Nuzest has created Good Green Vitality, loaded with over 75 healthy ingredients, including dried kelp, to address all aspects of health in a single serving. With this nutrition-packed supplement, you won’t have to worry about overeating raw kelp, thus avoiding dangerous levels of heavy metals.
The synergistic actions of these ingredients can remedy any nutritional deficiencies while helping to support everything from gut health and immunity to healthy aging, energy production, stress, and mental cognition. Good Green Vitality includes 24 vitamins and minerals, 8 billion CFU probiotics, antioxidants, phytonutrients, and proprietary ingredients that make good nutrition easy.
Good Green Vitality is free of all allergens and vegan-friendly. Currently, Nuzest is offering a 30-day supply for $89.00, or just $71.20 on subscription, much less than the cost of purchasing these individual supplements separately.
Dried kelp:
Final thoughts
Dried kelp is a rich source of essential nutrients and minerals. Due to its nutrient density, dried kelp has a wide range of reported health benefits. A staple in Japanese cooking, this superfood can now be conveniently found in supplement form to offer thyroid support while fighting inflammation levels. Best of all, dried kelp is sustainable and eco-friendly. You may want to use caution when ingesting raw kelp due to naturally high levels of heavy metals. For this reason, a supplement containing kelp may be the best way to ensure you reap the many benefits of dried kelp has to offer without adverse effects.
For further information:
John Hopkins Center for a Livable Future: Food Trends for 2022 Focus on Gut Health, Mushrooms, and Kelp
Cleveland Clinic: Heavy Metal Poisoning (Toxicity)
Shape: The Benefits of Kelp Will Convince You to Snack On This Sea Veggie
Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
Regarding Nutritional Supplements Or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.