KELP

So if you have looked at my recipes or watched videos you will see I am a big fan of kelp. I frequently use it in place of, or in conjunction with salt. Why is that you ask? Seaweed has ten times as many minerals as plants grown in soil. Most constipated people often have mineral deficiencies.

Kelp is full of carotenoids and flavonoids which are antioxidants. It contains antioxidant minerals such as manganese and zinc (immune boosting minerals too). It is high in iodine which many people are actually missing in the diet. Diet is the only way to get iodine without supplementation. Iodine deficiency is implicated in polycystic ovarian disease, prostate disorders, autoimmune disorders, hypothyroidism and diabetes. However, if you struggle with hyperthyroidism, it is best avoided. It has moderately high amounts of iron too so it can really help you get more oxygen into your tissues and help eliminate anemia.

Kelp has been shown to slow the spread of colon and breast cancers. It contains a natural fiber called alginate which is believed to help stop the gut from absorbing fat and thereby assist weight loss. Kelp contains vanadium which can help with reducing blood glucose levels and can be important in diabetes management..

Simply adding it to your food can make a big difference to your nutrient profile. So when you’re making that smoothie, soup, stew or salad dressing add a bit of kelp and increase the nutrition profile of what you eat!