Nutritional value and therapeutic effects of kelp

Kelp is known as the "longevity vegetable" and also the "iodine champion". It has high nutritional value and is inexpensive. It is a high-quality health food.

Nutritional value of kelp

Kelp is rich in carbohydrates, less in protein and fat. Compared with spinach and rapeseed, kelp contains more vitamin C, crude protein, sugar, calcium, iron, etc. The iodine content in kelp is far beyond the reach of other foods.

The therapeutic effects of kelp

1. Kelp is rich in calcium, which can prevent and treat calcium deficiency in the human body.

2. A layer of white powder (mannitol) like hoarfrost often adheres to kelp, which is a valuable medicinal substance. Modern scientific research shows that mannitol has the effects of lowering blood pressure, diuresis and reducing swelling.

3. Kelp contains a large amount of polyunsaturated fatty acid EPA, which can reduce blood viscosity and reduce vascular hardening. Therefore, eating kelp regularly can prevent cardiovascular diseases.

4. Kelp is rich in iodine, which is the main raw material for synthesizing thyroid hormone in the body, and the luster of hair is formed by the action of thyroid hormone in the body. Iodine can stimulate the pituitary gland, reduce the estrogen level in women, restore the normal function of the ovaries, correct endocrine disorders, and eliminate the hidden dangers of breast hyperplasia.

5. The gelatin contained in kelp can promote the excretion of radioactive substances in the body along with feces, thereby reducing the accumulation of radioactive substances in the human body and reducing the incidence of radiation diseases.

6. "Compendium of Materia Medica" records: "Kelp can cure goiter (i.e. goiter) and other edema diseases, and has the function of resolving phlegm and dispersing nodules." In recent years, scientists have discovered that eating kelp regularly has a certain effect on the prevention and treatment of cancer.

7. Kelp contains 60% fucoidan, which is an excellent dietary fiber. After consumption by diabetic patients, it can delay gastric emptying and the time for food to pass through the small intestine. In this way, even when the secretion of insulin is reduced, the blood sugar level will not rise, thus achieving the purpose of treating diabetes.

8. Obese people can reduce their hunger by eating kelp, and absorb a variety of amino acids and inorganic salts from it, making it an ideal satiety agent.

9. The laminar acid contained in kelp is a special amino acid that has the effect of lowering blood pressure and can prevent hypertension and cerebral hemorrhage.

Dietary taboos of kelp

1. Do not drink tea (tea contains tannic acid) or eat sour fruits (sour fruits contain plant acid) immediately after eating kelp. Because kelp is rich in iron, the above two foods will hinder the absorption of iron in the body.

2. Patients with hyperthyroidism should not eat kelp because the iodine content in kelp is high and will aggravate the condition.

3. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should not eat too much kelp, because the iodine in kelp can enter the fetus and baby through blood circulation and cause thyroid dysfunction.