Kelp Seaweed Benefits And Side Effects (Body, Skin, Hair)

Kelp is a type of seaweed that happens to be the best source of iodine out there.

It’s been revered through centuries for it’s ability to deal with certain diseases, such as gout.

It’s a superfood for certain and you don’t need much of it at all.

And in this post I aim to lift forward some of the many benefits that kelp can bring to your health (body, skin, hair) as well as some side effects.

(This page contains affiliate links, meaning we may get a small commission if you buy something, at no additional cost to you).

General Kelp Benefits

And to start with:

1. Kelp Is Rich In Vitamins And Minerals

Kelp is rich in iodine, as mentioned, as well as vitamin K, magnesium and folate, all things we generally get too little of in our diet today.

2. Can Aid In Weight Loss

Kelp can be a tool to help with your weight loss, having very low calories and yet a huge iodine boost which can also improve your metabolism.

3. Kelp Can Help Protect Against Or Fight Cancer

Studies show kelp contains natural compounds that can lower cancer risk, and although that can be said about lots of healthy foods, it’s not to be scoffed at.

4. Good For Your Microbiome

Kelp contains prebiotics that feed the healthy bacteria in your gut, making for yet another good reason to eat more of it.

5. Helpful To Your Bones

The vitamin K i kelp, that we’re often deficient in, can contribute to stronger bones among other things.

Here I’d recommend a supplement instead though for a better dosage, see my recommended supplements for more on this.

6. Needed For Thyroid Function

Kelp/iodine is needed in adequate amounts for your thyroid to work at its best, and the minimum amount in your multi and/or table salt won’t always be enough for optimal health.

Again, see link to supplements above.

7. Kelp And Longevity

Kelp has been linked to longevity, and although probably no miracle for this, still another good reason to have some more of it.

8. Sea Kelp And Diabetes

For diabetes type 2, kelp can help lower blood sugar, according to this study.

9. Can Lower Cholesterol

Lower cholesterol is another kelp benefit that’s been studied.

10. Kelp And Muscle Function

Kelp can help muscle function and provide well-needed energy to your muscles, partly because of its high magnesium content.

11. Breast Health

Yep, kelp can help protect from breast cancer.

12. Nervous System Development And Kelp

Sufficient iodine is needed during early brain and nervous system development, both inside and outside the woom.

13. Cognitive Function And Alertness

The iodine in kelp can help with this, while also helping with overall fatigue, brain fog and depression.

14. Improved Cold Tolerance from Kelp

Kelp can improve your cold tolerance.

15. Staving Infections Off

The iodine in kelp is a great anti-microbial, meaning it can be helpful in staving off infections.

Sea Kelp Benefits For Hair

It’s widely the iodine in kelp that seems to be of use for your hair, lessening hair loss through correcting this deficiency as well as providing ample amounts of it to your thyroid.

It’s also said to improve hair growth directly.

Can be helpful both orally and topically on your scalp and hair.

Sea Kelp Skin Benefits

And the same goes for kelp for the skin, where correcting a deficiency and providing adequate oral amounts of kelp iodine can work wonders.

For skin it’s also largely the antioxidants in kelp that help, and its anti inflammatory properties.

Again both orally, or topically right on the skin or in products, as with kelp for hair.

It can also be moisturizing and plumping as well as help with detox, drawing out toxins and reducing dullness.

Can help with eczema and acne and skin prone to flaring up.

And then we have:

Sea Kelp Side Effects

Kelp isn’t the safest among foods or supplements out there, but don’t let that deter you, since that’s only true when you eat too much of it.

You then may get too much iodine, which can be harmful and mess with your thyroid, especially if you’re hypothyroid.

Either way, aside from thyroid issues, kelp side effects include containing too much arsenic, a heavy metal.

Except for these though, kelp is a natural food or supplement, and as long as you stick to below the upper recommended daily dosage, of 1100 micrograms, you should be not just very safe, but a lot healthier, since again most of us do need more iodine.

Best Kelp Supplement

Sold on kelp? Then I suggest you get it as a supplement for your hair, skin and health!

Check out my post on the best kelp supplements here, or again, all the supplements I recommend.

Or get one of these:

Now Kelp Powder

Nature’s Life Icelandic Kelp Tablets

Both of these are great and economical options for you if you’re looking to improve your health with kelp.

And with that:

Conclusion

Kelp comes with loads of benefits and a few side effects as well, and is something I’d argue that almost all of us get too little of today (the iodine content in it, that is).

Eating more of it is hence highly recommended and not at all too unlikely to bring you noticeable results.

Go with one of the above recommended supplements and you won’t be disappointed.

/Emil

How To Optimize Your Health For A Healthier Life & Lifestyle

The Best Healthy Diet: For Healthy Eating – Eat Like This!

Our Modern Processed Diet Still Causes Birth Defects!

What Does Kelp Seaweed Taste Like?