In the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, or rather, in their northern waters, a special type of brown algae grows - kelp, the useful properties of which have been known to man for a long time. About thirty species of seaweed are discovered by science and are successfully used in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.
Appearance and composition
Huge thickets of kelp evenly cover the rocky bottom of the ocean. Externally, these are long dark green ribbons (thalli) with a length of 1 to 15 m, the width of which varies from 3 to 30 cm. They taper down and form an algae trunk branching into peculiar roots (rhizoids). They kelp clings tightly to the bottom of the ocean. The life expectancy of algae directly depends on the climatic conditions in which it grows, and averages from 2 to 15 years. Every year, in late autumn, kelp dies, and in the winter begins to grow with renewed vigor.
Laminaria, the beneficial properties of which people successfully use, is appreciated for thallus. In them, by the age of two, a huge amount of valuable substances is formed and accumulates. Mucous, soft, with a wavy edge, they are easy to collect with the help of special poles. This does not harm the population, as kelp breeds with the help of mobile zoospores, which are formed and located directly on the surface of the thallus - in sporangia.
After collecting, the algae is washed and slightly dried, as a result of which a sweetish whitish coating forms on its surface. This begins to secrete alginic acid - the polysaccharide of which kelp consists, its useful properties are not limited to this. In addition to it, algae contains vegetable protein and fiber. The high content of vitamins A, B 6 , B 12 , C, D and PP make it one of the most valuable gifts of the ocean, and its set of elements (magnesium, potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, phosphorus) is a product that everyone needs . Well, of course, we should not forget about iodine, due to which seaweed has gained special popularity, since it is contained in it in an organic state, which means that it is most fully accepted by the human body.
Laminaria: useful properties and contraindications
On all systems of the human body and their functions, kelp has a beneficial effect. With mental and nervous exhaustion, regular use of seaweed is recommended. Thanks to the B vitamins and iodine contained in it, it saturates the human nervous system and normalizes its function. Laminaria, the beneficial properties of which are indispensable for the full functioning of the thyroid gland, is used as a prophylactic of a
base disease.If you include seaweed in your diet, you can not only significantly improve digestion, but also get rid of chronic constipation and colitis. The metabolic process in the body is normalized, which means that it can be considered as an excellent means for losing weight.
The regular use of kelp makes the body resistant to various infections, strengthens the immune system. It is also an excellent
prevention of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
In violation of sexual function, kelp is used as an aphrodisiac. And in cosmetology, this is an excellent tool for strengthening hair and skin care.
However, there are some limitations according to which kelp is used with caution. The properties of algae are useful for the body, but in case of individual intolerance and possible allergic reactions, their use should be abandoned. With increased caution, seaweed must be treated by pregnant women and people suffering from jade or furunculosis.