Kelp, also known as brown algae, is an herb that comes from deep under the sea. It is, essentially, seaweed that 
thrives on sunlight and takes in the host of nutrients and minerals present in the water around it. This makes
kelp an interesting and necessary supplement for those seeking to adopt a healthier lifestyle; indeed kelp is
believed to have many benefits and serves a multitude of purposes.

Kelp is the number one herb for supplementing iodine. And being that it is a natural source of iodine it is
considered to be safer and better for the body than chemical synthetics. Superstars like vitamin C, iron and
calcium are always in the news and well-known for their health benefits, while iodine has been essentially
ignored. But we need iodine for efficient thyroid and pituitary function. The thyroid, located in the area of the
throat, is responsible for regulating metabolism and body temperature. We know that a strong metabolism is
important for weight control, and so it is important for those seeking to maintain a healthy weight, or those
hoping to lose a few pounds, to add kelp to the list of things that we know are beneficial to weight management:
drinking lots of water, exercising on most days and incorporating a low-fat, low-calorie diet.

Kelp is more than capable as an adequate daily women’s vitamin because it is packed with other necessary
nutrients such as iron, calcium and potassium. Since these are so necessary, and lost, during monthly cycles,
pregnancy or lactation, women should especially take note of all the things that kelp has to offer. Because it has
a natural antibiotic synthesized into it, kelp assists the body in fighting off infection, so it is especially helpful
during cold and flu season, or for those who are susceptible to sinus congestion due to allergies or who have a
lowered immune system. The magnesium and iron in kelp is beneficial to a healthy bloodstream as it creates a
friendly environment for the growth of red blood cells. This gives us energy and helps to maintain homeostasis.

Many people are avoiding sodium in their diets, and for good reason. Sodium is harmful in a variety of ways as 
it is associated with heart disease and water-weight gain. But when salt first became available for seasoning food 
right at the table, manufacturers added iodine as a health benefit. For years kelp stayed hidden in the closet 
while people got their necessary iodine from table salt. But now that salt is being avoided, iodine is not as readily
available and so kelp is becoming more and more favored as a healthy source of iodine. Vegetarians, and 
especially vegans who are avoiding dairy and animal products should be taking kelp since, healthy as these 
diets are, they are lacking in certain minerals and nutrients necessary for a healthy lifestyle.