14 Amazing Health Benefits of Sea Kelp

Amazing Health Benefits of Sea Kelp

Have you ever thought of consuming sea kelp for its health benefits? Apparently, there are several health benefits of this seaweed that you can take advantage of.

Here are some of the most popular sea kelp health benefits that I’ve seen online.

1. Contains Several Vitamins And Minerals

It’s said that sea kelp contains several vitamins and minerals. Some of the vitamins that can be found on sea kelp are vitamin A, riboflavin, thiamin, vitamin C, and niacin.

As for the minerals, you’ll find calcium, iodine, iron, salt, phosphorus, manganese, magnesium, copper, zinc, and potassium.

Sea kelp is considered as one of the best sources of iodine. So if you’re iodine deficient, you may want to look into consuming sea kelp.

Sea kelp is a highly alkaline substance that can help restore your body’s optimum pH levels. This means that your body will have a good acid-base balance. This is helpful for most of your bodily processes.

It also contains a good amount of protein because of the 15 various amino acids in it. These can speed up healing of wounds, cellular growth regulation, muscle growth, and organ functioning.

It can be a good addition to your diet if you’re looking to improve muscle development.

2. May Improve Sugar Levels

There was a study conducted in Japanese patients that analyzed the effects of sea kelp on blood sugar.

They were given varying dosages of fucoxanthin which is a compound found in sea kelp. The patients who received fucoxanthin seem to have their blood sugar levels lowered. They were compared to a placebo sample.

3. Boosts Glutathione Levels

In Japan, there are several sea kelp species that they call Kombu. Kombu is a good source of glutamic acid. Glutamic acid is a substance from which glutathione is formed.

And as you may also know, glutathione is your body’s master antioxidant.

Why is it important to improve your glutathione levels?

Glutathione helps your body adapt to stress, heal properly, and even prevent chronic disease. Production of glutathione in your body gradually decreases as you age so it is a good thing to find other sources of glutathione.

4. Could Treat Hepatitis C

Chronic hepatitis is the result of uncontrolled HCV infection or hepatitis C virus. Liver scarring and hepatocellular cancer cell formations are observed if the viral clearance rate of the body is low.

Patients who were treated with fucoidan, which is found in sea kelp were found to have lower HCV RNA levels compared before the treatment. The study was conducted for 12 months.

5. Increases Metabolism

The iodine in sea kelp may improve thyroid function which can improve your metabolism. In a way, this will help you with your weight loss efforts as well as give you more energy for your daily activities.

6. May Help With Weight Loss

There are studies online that sea kelp contains alginate which is a natural fiber. This particular fiber may be able to block the absorption of fat in your gut.

They have anti-obesity properties. Alginates, together with fucoidans inhibit lipid absorption.

Consuming sea kelp may delay hunger and make you feel full. This is because of the fiber content in it. It slows down the process of clearing the content in your stomach, thus delaying the feeling of hunger.

This is something promising for those who are looking to shed some fat pounds but more research needs to be conducted on this.

7. Fights Inflammations

Sea kelp contains fucoidans, which is a unique group of polysaccharides. Fucoidans which are branched together with molecules containing sulfur becomes sulfated fucoidans.

Sulfated fucoidans have been observed to reduce inflammation, fight viruses, and reduce pain.

8. May Help Fight Cancer

It’s been researched that there is a strong correlation between consuming sea kelp and cancer prevention.

There have been studies made showing that sea kelp may help fight cancer. Fucoidan which was mentioned earlier is also a key component that may help stop the growth of tumor cells.

These compounds may be able to fight lung cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, and colon cancer.

A study conducted on mice showed slowed tumor growth when given fucoidan injections.

Korean ginseng is another good source of cancer-fighting properties that you may want to check out. Learn more about Korean ginseng health benefits here.

9. Sea Kelp May Lower Blood Pressure

It’s been studied that sea kelp extracts were able to block an enzyme that may contribute to high blood pressure. This can help regulate blood pressure.

There is also research conducted on rats wherein they were given a single dose and routine use of protein extracts from sea kelp. It was observed that there was a decrease in blood pressure.

Another study has found that the polyphenols in sea kelp may be able to control hypertension. The effect is similar to how ACE inhibitors hypertension medication works.

10. It Can Help Prevent Blood Clotting

Fucoidans in sea kelp help reduce blood clotting according to Thrombosis Research.

These compounds seem to have anti-coagulating properties which can then decrease the risks that are associated with blood clotting.

A drug called heparin is used to prevent deep vein thrombosis. Studies have shown that sea kelp is a good alternative for this drug.

11. Improves Digestion

Not only is sea kelp rich in fiber, but it can also act as a prebiotic. Research showed that it can help the good bacteria flourish which is needed to have good digestive health.

12. Increased Immunity

Sea kelp has disease-fighting abilities. Since it is rich in antioxidants like flavonoids, carotenoids, and alkaloids, consuming it gives your body a better chance of fighting disease-causing free radicals.

The vitamins and minerals present in sea kelp are also factors against oxidative stress and chronic disease.

13. Having A Healthy Heart

Sea kelp has properties that can improve your heart’s health. First, it is well-known that it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Since sea kelp can reduce blood pressure, decrease inflammation, and prevents clotting, it can be said that these effects can help ward off cardiovascular diseases.

14. Prevents Osteoporosis And Improves Bone Density

Another unpopular health benefit of sea kelp is that it can help with your bone health.

Sea kelp extracts aids in suppressing osteoclasts which is the reason for poor bone structure. Researchers have identified specific compounds found in sea kelp that can improve bone strength.

Minerals that are present in sea kelp like boron, copper, zinc, magnesium, and calcium can all promote good bone health.


There are several health benefits you can get from sea kelp. But you still need to do your research and seek guidance from health professionals.

Unlike other superfoods like turmeric and green tea, more studies should still be done when it comes to sea kelp.

If you’re looking to integrate sea kelp in your diet or use sea kelp supplements, you should always ask your doctor or health expert first for their advice.

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