(NaturalNews) Kelp is a large type of seaweed, and in fact, there are approximately thirty different types of kelp. Kelp has many uses and one of them is as a diet supplement. It is classified as algae and is very rich in nutrients. The health benefits of including kelp as a dietary supplement are well documented. These include the strengthening of the circulatory system, provision of strong bones and teeth, cancer fighting benefits and reducing the risk of strokes and heart disease. The large concentration of iodine found in Kelp helps to stimulate the thyroid gland and control metabolism.
Kelp grows in oceans and so is rich in all the nutrients which the ocean contains, most of which are needed also by the human body in various amounts. These include over 70 minerals, trace elements, enzymes, iodine, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron and 21 amino acids. The complex range of nutrients makes it an essential promoter of glandular health. Kelp is also a natural antibiotic because of its iodine content, which helps the body fight bad bacteria and infections.
One of the main benefits of kelp is its high content of iodine which is a mineral that is essential for the correct functioning of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland regulates metabolism. If there is not enough iodine in the diet, the thyroid is forced to work harder than it should have to, eventually becoming enlarged. This syndrome is called goiter. Kelp is a natural and healthy alternative to salt, as it has a salty taste. It is especially important in terms of women's health as it is rich in iron, potassium and calcium - all useful for women of all ages, during menstruation, pregnancy and for nursing mothers.
Fortunately, kelp is available in many different forms (
http://www.therawfoodworld.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=kelp&x=0&y=0), so you can consume it in any way you prefer. Kelp noodles can be a raw foodist's godsend, as they can be used in the same way you would use spaghetti, but it is totally raw, natural and unprocessed. Kelp flakes are great for adding texture, taste and extra nutrients to any meal. If you don't like the taste of kelp but want its health benefits, you can take it in capsule form. If you do enjoy the taste of kelp, then you can purchase kelp granules, also available mixed with cayenne pepper, to use sprinkled over your food in place of salt. In this way, you get extra taste, while feeding your body with even more nutrients.
References:
http://www.therawfoodworld.com/product_info.php?cPath=100150_100148_10015...)
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=135http://zulfandewantara.com/?p=5About the author
Matt Monarch has been on a 100% Raw Vegan Diet since 1999; he eats only raw vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and seaweeds. He is currently the owner of three different health-promoting websites.
In partnership with Raw Food Pioneer and Nutritionist Dr. Fred Bisci, Matt has co-created
www.TheRawFoodWorld.com, which sells support tools to help people live free of degenerative disease. Matt's other websites are
www.RawSpirit.org and
www.LivingNutritionals.com.
After eight years eating a 100% Raw Food Diet, Matt has written two books on the subject – Raw Spirit, and Raw Success. In recent years he has spent much of his time touring the United States, presenting well over 200 Raw Food Lectures. He is widely sought out as a speaker and gives talks worldwide on how to live a healthier lifestyle.
Matt has appeared as a key speaker at events including The Raw Spirit Festival and many other festivals and expos. He was featured in a Raw Food TV Spot that aired over 15 times on Al Gore's TV Network, Current TV. This TV spot can be viewed at
www.RawSpirit.org. As 6-year owner of The Raw Food World and Living Nutritionals, he is well versed in people's needs and concerns about health.
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