How much kelp is safe

Will kelp help me lose weight? You may not have even heard of it, but sea kelp is a natural supplement which may help you to lose weight. It also contains iodine which contributes to a healthy metabolism, which in turn may lead to healthy weight loss. What's the difference between kelp and seaweed?

Here is the difference between these two marine plants. Seaweed is a term which can be used to describe many different marine-based species of plants and algae. But sea kelp is more specific. Sea kelp is officially labelled as a brown seaweed, even though it can vary in colour. Does iodine detox the body? Things like pesticides, chlorine, fluoride, bromine and so many more harmful toxins can work their way into our bodies.

The good news is, getting enough iodine can help to remove some of these toxins from the body. Does kelp help thyroid? Kelp, a type of seaweed that is often marketed for thyroid health, is loaded with iodine. Can taking kelp cause thyroid problems? Kelp is a type of seaweed known for its rich iodine content.

In some individuals, the high iodine load can result in thyroid dysfunction. Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism can be either subclinical or overt, transient or sometimes persistent. Posted: Apr. White Plains, New York, April 25, — Kelp supplements are promoted as a natural source of iodine, an important mineral for healthy thyroid function. But are they a good alternative to regular iodine supplements? To find out, ConsumerLab.

ConsumerLab found that half contained approximately twice the amount of iodine listed on their labels, and one of these products was also contaminated with arsenic, a toxic heavy metal. High doses of iodine can cause thyroid dysfunction and have other negative effects. To be safe, the FDA states that a kelp supplement should not provide more than mcg of iodine per daily serving.

In , the group of German doctors who published their study in the "Journal of General Internal Medicine," See Reference 1 described a patient with hyperthyroidism. They found that her enlarged thyroid was due to iodine toxicity contracted from drinking an herbal tea containing kelp.

The tea contained up to 6. After discontinuing the tea consumption and taking anti-thyroid drug therapy, the patient recovered fully. Eaten as a food, kelp contains low enough arsenic levels to be safe for human consumption; but some kelp supplements have potentially toxic concentrations of arsenic. A report in "Environmental Health Perspectives" analyzed nine brands of kelp supplements commonly sold in health food stores.

But back to business: is the hype around sea kelp legitimate - or is it a wellness trend to swerve? These are some of the health benefits and the pitfalls to watch out for when adding more kelp to your diet:.

Nutrients: Sea kelp is a natural source of vitamins A, B1, B2, C, D and E, as well as minerals including zinc, iodine, magnesium, iron, potassium, copper and calcium. In fact it contains the highest natural concentration of calcium of any food — ten times more than milk. Reduces inflammation: "Fucoidan- found in kelp - may help to lower inflammation in the brain and can help those with neurodegeneration, although further research is required to determine its full benefits," says Hamilton.

Skin-care benefits: Due to kelps rich antioxidant content, kelp is now being used in many natural skincare products, notes Hamilton. Weight loss: Iodine is a trace mineral vital for the operation of the thyroid gland which plays an important part in body development and metabolism.

It combines with tyrosine - an amino acid - to create T3 and T4, thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism and other physiological functions throughout the body. As sea kelp is the richest natural source of iodine it can help to regulate metabolism and in turn affect weight loss and gain. Additionally, a University of Newcastle study concluded that alginates - fibres within sea kelp - 'significantly reduce fat digestion' and absorption, much more so than most consumer slimming treatments.

However, the findings are only preliminary. She notes that other studies have shown that due to kelp's rich polyphenol content, it may also help stabilise blood sugar for those with blood sugar regulation issues. There's plenty of anecdotal evidence suggesting taking sea kelp supplements can boost hair growth.