There’s no time like the summer to eat a cool, crunchy, refreshing salad. Salads are a staple for many who are on a journey to eating healthy. Salads are convenient and can be made with just about any healthy food you can imagine!
Well, have you ever thought about mixing in seaweed with your leafy greens? Not only can you eat your salad on the beach, but you can eat the beach on your salad! How and why? You can do this by tossing in kelp. Kelp is a superfood, seaweed that is packed with many nutritional and health benefits. Kelp makes up more than 20 percent of the Japanese diet and here are 9 reasons you’ll want to add it to yours.
Adding kelp to your diet can help you achieve your “Summertime Fine” goals. Kelp has a natural fiber called alginate that studies have shown to suppress the appetite and decrease the absorption of fat in the intestine. A half-cup of dried kelp is only 17 calories!
With Type II diabetes being prevalent in African American communities, keeping your blood sugar in check is extremely important. Vanadium is one of the many powerful minerals found in kelp that has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels. Kelp is also very low in carbohydrates with only 4 grams of carbs for a half cup.
There are several types of anemia, but the most common one is iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency anemia occurs when there is not enough iron in the body due to loss of blood or malabsorption. Due to the menstrual cycle, women are often affected by iron deficiency anemia. Well, kelp has you covered! Kelp is loaded with iron and could prevent you from becoming anemic.
Kelp is an excellent source of several vitamins that our bodies need to function on a daily basis. Kelp is rich in:
While more research is needed, there is a compound found in kelp that has cancer-fighting capabilities. Fucoidan is a fiber found in kelp that may help doctors and scientists create new treatments for cancer. It has shown promise in slowing the spread of colon and breast cancer.
Our bodies do not make iodine, so it is important that we get it through our diets. Without iodine, the thyroid gland can not make the hormones that our bodies need for normal function.
Just one ounce of kelp has all the iodine you need in a day!
If salad is not your thing, that’s ok! The benefits of kelp can be enjoyed in a number of other ways. For a low-carb option, you can try kelp noodles for your next pasta dish.
If you like to eat your meals on the go, try adding powdered kelp to your morning smoothies. For a light kelp taste, add dried kelp flakes onto your favorite dishes like soup or rice.
Inflammation has been found to be a commonality for several diseases. Inflammation can cause free radicals to form in the body, leading to disease. Kelp has a high content of antioxidants that fight against the free radicals that cause diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and degenerative eye diseases.
As mentioned before, just one ounce of kelp contains all of the iodine that you need for the day. A pound of dried kelp can last you 2 weeks or more. Although iodine is a necessity in our diets, you must be careful to not overdo it.
Too much iodine can damage the thyroid gland and lead to symptoms that are seen in hypothyroidism. Iodine is also found in seafood, iodized salt, and dairy products so, be sure to keep track of your intake.
Kelp is a superfood you don’t want to miss out on. Not only does it compliment your favorite summertime salad, but kelp can provide your body with powerful vitamins and nutrients all in one bite! Talk to your doctor or nutritionist about adding kelp to your diet or taking a kelp supplement if you have a condition in which your iodine intake or Vitamin K should be limited.
Dr. Candace McMillon-Dantley is on a mission to inspire and educate women to health! She is the creator of The Doc Knows, a health and wellness site that teaches women small steps to weight loss and better health. When she’s not health writing, she is health motivating and educating through presentations on healthy nutrition, self-care, and conditions of the body. Her experiences as a business owner, chiropractor, wife and mom of two resonate with all women. Connect with Dr. Candace on Instagram @drcandace.
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