Ingredient Spotlight: Kelp

Kelp: What it is, what it does & how it works...

Kelp is a leafy form of brown-algae seaweed that absorbs a vast variety of nutrients and minerals present in the water around it. Kelp is commonly taken in many places, especially in Japan where its health benefits have been treasured for thousands of years. Kelp has gained popularity in recent decades as a supplement, because it is rich in vitamins (A, B1, B2, C, D and E) as well as minerals (zinc, iodine, magnesium, iron, potassium, copper and calcium). In addition to its nutritional value, kelp benefits include supporting healthy skin and glow, helping to maintain normal weight, and supporting cardiovascular and overall health.

The science behind the supplement

Kelp benefits to health are related to the high quantity and high bioavailability of its trace minerals and vitamins. Kelp's association with healthy skin and managing healthy bodyweight is related to kelp's nutrient makeup, including fatty acids, as well as its increased support of pituitary and thyroid function. Kelp is also a natural way to add antioxidants to any diet.

The secret to kelp's success

In addition to providing well known vitamins and minerals, kelp contains ultra-trace minerals, such as germanium, iridium, and rubidium. The presence of these ultra-trace minerals might be the key to some of its health-related benefits. Soil depletion is believed to be removing these important but poorly understood ultra-trace minerals from human and animal diets, and kelp helps to restore these elements to the biological processes that need them.