Kelp: The Cheapest Superfood.

Introduction: Kelp is recognized as one of the most nutritious foods. It is an alkaline food and very inexpensive. Eating more of it is very beneficial to your health. So, what are the health benefits of kelp?

For Black and Shiny Hair

You might be most familiar with black sesame seeds for making hair black, ginger for promoting hair growth, or walnuts for adding shine to hair. But the most beneficial food for hair is kelp. Nutrition experts believe that regular consumption of kelp not only supplements the body's iodine but also has special effects on the growth, moisturizing, and luster of hair.

Detoxification and Enhanced Metabolism

Any vegetable rich in fiber can promote intestinal excretion and absorb free lipids. Kelp is rich in fiber and alkaline, which adds to its detoxification effect. Moreover, the metabolic rate represents a person's metabolic capacity. When the metabolic rate is low, less heat is supplied to the body, and the excess energy is converted into fat and stored. Eating kelp can boost a person's metabolic rate, enhance metabolic function, and make you feel more energetic and slimmer.

Kelp, Corn, and Pork Rib Soup

Expelling Phlegm and Protecting the Trachea

The kelp people usually eat has the effect of expelling "old phlegm." Kelp is salty, cold in nature, and affects the liver and kidney meridians. Its fiber can clear bacteria, mold, and dust particles attached to the digestive tract, reduce phlegm accumulation, and has the effects of resolving phlegm and softening hard masses, promoting urination, and reducing swelling. When used for the treatment of chronic bronchitis and asthma, it can be made into kelp syrup or cold-dressed kelp. Consistent consumption can eliminate the "old phlegm," thus removing the triggers for the condition, with excellent results.

Supplementing Calcium for Easy Absorption

Kelp is a vegetable with very high nutritional value. Compared to spinach and rapeseed, except for vitamin C, its crude protein, sugar, calcium, and iron contents are several times to tens of times higher. Every 100 grams of kelp contains up to 1177 mg of calcium and 150 mg of iron. Importantly, the human body's absorption rate of calcium from kelp is very high, so eating kelp has important health benefits for children, women, and the elderly.

Beauty and Complexion Improvement

Kelp juice can remove acne marks, brighten the skin, and improve a dull and lifeless complexion. Bathing in a broth made from boiled kelp can moisturize the skin, making it fresh, smooth, fair, and beautiful. Similarly, eating kelp also has beautifying and moisturizing effects. A combination of internal and external use yields even better results.

Eliminating Hyperplasia of Mammary Glands

Modern research has found that kelp can assist in the treatment of hyperplasia of mammary glands. This is because it contains a large amount of iodine, about 300 mg to 700 mg per 100 grams. It can promote the luteinization of ovarian follicles, thereby reducing the level of estrogen in the body, adjusting endocrine disorders, and ultimately eliminating the hidden danger of hyperplasia of mammary glands to achieve the purpose of prevention. Moreover, kelp can soften and resolve hard masses, promote blood circulation, and reduce masses.

Cold-dressed Kelp Shreds

Preventing Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases

Recent domestic research has shown that kelp is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, which can remove cholesterol attached to the blood vessel walls. The dietary fiber alginic acid in kelp can regulate the stomach and promote the excretion of cholesterol. People with high blood lipids can effectively prevent and treat cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases by eating kelp long-term.

Lowering Blood Pressure, Promoting Diuresis, and Reducing Swelling

A layer of white powder resembling frost is often attached to kelp—this is mannitol, a valuable medicinal substance. Modern scientific research has proven that mannitol has the effects of lowering blood pressure, promoting diuresis, and reducing swelling. In addition, kelp contains large amounts of unsaturated fatty acids and dietary fiber, which can remove cholesterol attached to the blood vessel walls, regulate the digestive system, and promote the excretion of cholesterol.

Related: Taboos on Eating Kelp

1. It is not advisable to drink tea or eat sour fruits after eating kelp, as these two types of food can hinder the absorption of iron by the body.

2. Patients with hyperthyroidism should not eat kelp because kelp is rich in iodine, which can aggravate the condition.

3. Pregnant and lactating women should not eat too much kelp. This is because the iodine in kelp can enter the fetus and infant's body through the blood circulation, causing thyroid dysfunction.

Kelp and Egg Roll