Kelp
Fucus Vesiculosis
Kelp is a common name for leafy
algae or seaweed - a nutritious "vegetable of the sea" -
and is harvested off the coasts of many of the oceans of
the world. Kelp carries all the positive qualities of
the sea and the numerous, rich elements that the oceans
produce. Among its many uses for mankind, nutrition is
one of them. It is an important part of the diet in
Japan, Norway and Scotland; and for vegans (vegetarians
who eat no animal products), Kelp supplies Vitamin B-12,
which is normally found only in animal products. The
term Kelp is used to describe a number of brownish-green
species, prepared from several species of
fucus and laminariae,
etc. (including
Macrocystis
pyrifera, Laminaria digitata
and
Ascophyllum nodosum, etc.),
and they may grow from a few feet
to over one hundred feet in length, sometimes growing as
much as two feet in one day. They generally grow in
enormous beds just below the surface of the water and do
not have any roots. Rather, they cling to rocks with
"holdfasts" (grippers), which are hardy enough to
withstand fierce storms. The entire plant is used in
herbal medicine.
The
composition of human plasma, or fluid surrounding cell
membranes, is similar to that of sea water. Relying
solely on land-based food sources may lead to
deficiencies in these micronutrients and electrolytes.
While poor nutrition and diet lacking micronutrients
will adversely affect every function, structure, and
detoxification functions of the human cell. Good
nutrition will enhance the structure and function of all
organs in our bodies. Our brains, muscles, hearts,
arteries, joints, bones, skin, hair, hormones, immune
system, vision, digestion, kidneys, liver will carry out
their jobs much better. Metabolically, our lipids, and
sugars can be optimized, thus providing more overall
energy, minimize weight problems, and improve sleep.
These nutrients improve mental function, and memory.
They reduce depression, harmful effects of stress, and
mood swings.
Kelp
is particularly rich in iodine and was the original
source of iodine, discovered by Courtois in 1812. It
is interesting to note, however, that earlier, in 1750,
an English physician, Dr. Russell, burned dried Kelp and
used it as a treatment for goiter, and in 1862, a Dr.
Dupare employed Kelp as an aid to obesity, two uses that
depended upon Kelp's iodine content. Iodine does not
appear in nature in uncombined form but is distributed
in the form of iodides and iodates, which are found in
sodium and potassium in seawater, some seaweeds and
mineral springs. The iodine in Kelp was extracted by
"kelp burning" and distilling, which remained viable
until the twentieth century when newer, cheaper methods
of extraction were employed
Chemical constituents in Kelp include iodine, bromine,
alginic acid, sodium and potassium salts, magnesium,
calcium, iron, protein, alginates, mannitol, essential
fatty acids, silicon, nitrogen, phosphorus, cellulosics,
selenium, zinc, boron, laminarin, vanadium, molybdenum,
beryllium, B-vitamins and vitamin C. The trace mineral
content of Kelp is among the highest of any single known
source.
Kelp is found in virtually all classes of products such
as confectionary, lozenges, peel-off masks, beauty
products, fibers for surgery, dental impressions,
gelatins, and the creamy texture in products such as ice
creams and puddings.
One of Kelps greatest effects is on the thyroid gland
where it regulates whether the problem is under- active
or overactive thyroid. Because of this balancing effect
on the thyroid gland the body can accelerate the burning
of excess calories thereby becoming a natural diet
aid. Other glands that the thyroid helps to rejuvenate
in the endocrine system are the pineal, pituitary,
hypothalamus and lymph glands.
Kelp supplies hypotensive and serum cholesterol lowering
principles which have a sparing effect on cardiac and
neural tissues saving them from unnecessary stress and
prolonging their effective lifetime, increasing their
efficiency.
Kelp promotes the healthy growth of hair, skin, and
nails. It helps to balance the effects of stress,
guards against sickness, aids digestion and respiration
and generally promotes a healthy functioning balanced
system.
Kelp also contains alginic acid, which absorbs toxins
like heavy metals in the system so that they can be more
easily removed. Kelp also has a protective reaction
against radiation; there is a factor called Sodium
Alginate, which binds with strontium-90 in the
intestines and carries it out of the body.
Helpful in these areas:
Acne (thyroid), adrenal weakness, Adrenal Gland, Anemia,
Arteries (cleans), Arthritis, Birth defects, Bursitis,
Cancer, Colitis, Complexion, Debility, Diabetes,
Digestion, Eczema, Endocrine glands, Energy, Fatigue
(thyroid), Fingernails, Gallbladder, Gas, Glands,
goiter, Hair Loss, Headaches, Heart disease,
Hypothyroidism, Infection, Kidneys, Lead Poisoning, Leg
Cramps, Menopause, Morning Sickness, Nails, Obesity,
Pancreas, Pituitary Gland, Pregnancy, Prostate Gland,
Psoriasis, Radiation Poisoning, Thyroid, Tumors,
Vitality, Water retention.
Sources:
Little Herb Encyclopedia, by Jack Ritchason; N.D., Woodland Publishing Incorporated, 1995
Nutritional Herbology, by Mark Pedersen, Wendell W. Whitman Company, 1998
Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs, Rodale Press, Emmaus, Pennsylvania 1987
The Complete Medicinal Herbal, by Penelope Ody, Published by Dorling Kindersley
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