Superfoods come in different shapes, sizes and colours. Most of us know the benefits of greens and swear by the daily recommended dose of fruits and vegetables. But what if we said it's time to include sea vegetables into your diet to experience its many health benefits. Welcome to the world of sea kelp. Have you been wondering about this but not sure about it? Well! Read on to know more.
What is Sea Kelp?
Ascophyllum nodosum, also known as sea kelp, is one of the largest kinds species of cold-water seaweed that grows underwater in shallow coastal saltwater beds. Not only are these highly nutrient-rich beds, but some kelp is known to increase over a foot a day, reaching the height of approximately 250 feet. Sea kelp is characterized by its long and tough stalks with broad strips that are brown in colour; that also happens to be the edible part of kelp. These leaf-like fronds come packed with antioxidants, minerals and vitamins, making them worthy of being on your plate!
Here are a few benefits of this superfood.
1. Packed with an amalgam of vitamins and minerals that boosts the immune system and major organs - Seal kelp belongs to the sea algae family and is considered a staple in Asian cuisines. And why not? Sea kelp contains healthy nutrients that come with multiple benefits, including disease prevention in some cases. Did you know that seal kelp is rich in calcium, iron and magnesium? But that's not all! It brings the richness of Vitamin A, B12, and K. Of course, it is widely known that Vitamin K helps with bone metabolism and aids the production of the protein that is crucial for blood clots. While Vitamin A ensures the health of multiple organs. So, this sea vegetable is excellent for the health of your bones, eyes, heart, kidneys and lungs. Seal Kelp is a great immune booster that adds vitality to the entire system.
2.Sea kelp can help with weight loss - Since this belongs to the family of sea algae, it's naturally rich in alginate, also known as fibre. It fills you up faster and makes sure you do not get hungry for a long time. But wait, there's more! According to studies, this natural fibre is a powerful tool against obesity as it does not allow fat absorption into the gut by almost seventy-five percent. No wonder sea kelp is also the new hot product in weight-loss supplementation.
3. Sea Kelp is an excellent tool in your hair care arsenal - Research suggests that sea kelp helps keep your hair in pristine condition. The fact that it is rich in iodine ensures that it helps you with hair woes of thinning, breakage and hair loss. It supports your thyroid glands and hence a great tool to have if you suffer from any of the above.
Conclusion
The sea vegetable is no less than a magic ingredient that can work well in favour of your entire system, including your immunity. But be mindful that too much of a good thing is also not advised. The reason we say this is because sea kelp is rich in iodine. So, if you have an underactive thyroid, iodine allergy or kidney or liver disease, you must see your GP before consuming sea kelp, whether naturally or supplementation. But if you have no medical concerns, we say, get on with it and see the fantastic benefits of this green algae!
Last but not least, whether you choose to include it through fresh source or supplementation, it is essential to get it from a health food store backed by reputation and trust. That's how you will ensure peace of mind and maximum product benefits.
Foods for Life is one of the leading natural food stores in Toronto that offers health foods, vitamins and supplements at discount prices. We've been helping Canadians achieve their health supplement needs for over 40 years in our locally owned store! Send your order for an in-store pick-up today!