Kelp is a form of seaweed loaded with essential nutrients. A member of the brown algae family, kelp grows in thick, forest-like patches in shallow ocean waters. Because it grows in marine waters, kelp is rich in all the minerals of the sea, as well as fucoidans, starch-like molecules with potent anti-inflammatory properties. Kelp’s rich mix of nutrients offers a variety of health benefits.

Kelp is a rich source of protein, amino acids, enzymes, beta-carotene, chlorophyll and dietary fiber. Although it’s probably best known as a source of iodine, kelp contains a wealth of other minerals, such as calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium. Kelp’s trace minerals include chromium, manganese and zinc, as well as such ultra-trace minerals as germanium, iridium and rubidium. Other nutritionally rich compounds in kelp are three fibrous polysaccharides, which are carbohydrates made up of multiple sugar molecules bonded together. These polysaccharides are alginates, which are binding agents that can help eliminate toxins from the body; starch-like fucoidans, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; and laminarin, a starchy form of carbohydrate with medicinal properties.