Kelp powder is a relatively young component, which quickly found its place in the field of healing. Since that time, when scientists proved that the marine flora has a high level of biological activity and carries a concentrated complex of nutrients for our body, brown algae has become increasingly popular. Due to their versatility, they managed to take a strong place in the practical application of people. Our material will consider the healing properties, benefits and harms of seaweed. And also describes the methods of its use in cooking, cosmetology and pharmacology.
General information
Of the many seaweed, kelp was among the few that can be eaten, it is found only in those places where strong currents are observed. In total, about 1000 species of unusual vegetation are known to science. The products that the marine flora gives us were not selected for the human diet by the level of toxicity. In fact, only river algae can cause intoxication. It's all about the special composition of seaweed. It is not only a source of iodine, this substance is contained in it in a unique organic form.
In what form is it better to use the product?
It is better to add brown seaweed in its raw form to the diet. So they will bring much more benefit. In the production of kelp in the form of salads, various preservatives and vinegar deprive it of most of the nutrients. It has been proven that all the beneficial properties and vitamins are preserved in dry raw materials. Some housewives add powder from these algae to food instead of salt.
On sale there are thalli of brown kelp. It is caught from the seas and oceans by means of special devices equipped with hooks, then subjected to ultraviolet radiation. The raw materials are sheltered at night to protect against moisture. In this form, the product is often used in cooking. Under the influence of the sun, only moisture evaporates from it, so dried raw materials still remain useful. In cooking, kelp production sheets are used, seasoned with oil and salt and lightly fried. They can wrap omelettes and other snacks. To make the powder for medicinal purposes yourself, you can also use thalli of algae.
How to grind kelp into powder?
Obviously, dried seaweed is the most useful and affordable - fresh is rarely available, and canned contains flavor enhancers and other harmful ingredients. Although algae products are not in short supply, it is not always possible to buy kelp powder at a pharmacy. Perhaps you just do not have time to go shopping, but you need to prepare a specific prescription for a medicine from a sea plant.
If under such circumstances thalli were at hand, then they can be crushed in a coffee grinder. For the best effect, they should be subjected to such a process twice. The powder is easier to use for the preparation of healing recipes, since it is more convenient to observe its dosage. In this form, algae are also suitable for masks; it will be easier to distribute such a mixture evenly.
The composition of the healing product
Sea kale is a very peculiar product. The composition of kelp is unusually rich. It has micro and macro elements, amino acids. For comparison: phosphorus, magnesium, calcium and iron in it are much more than in ordinary cabbage. The presence of sterols in the product promotes blood thinning and prevents blood clots. It contains many actively biological substances that reduce the formation of cancer cells. High iodine levels have a positive effect on brain function and the thyroid gland. With 100 g of fresh product, approximately 275 mg of this compound can be obtained. The composition also contains: ascorbic acid, vitamins of groups B and D.
The benefits of dry seaweed
Seaweed powder has established itself as an excellent restorative agent. It is advised to use to prevent constipation, since it has a mild laxative effect, improves intestinal motility. Due to the presence of polysaccharides, the pharmaceutical product is able to remove radionuclides and salts of heavy metals from the body. Sea kale has invaluable benefits for people who live in areas with an increased risk of developing endemic diseases, including Russia. From the thyroid gland, kelp powder in such regions is prescribed most often.
Extremely useful seaweed is also for increasing muscle mass. It contains a whole complex of amino acids, therefore it is considered a source of protein. It is recommended for men to use during physical exertion and sports.
Due to the presence of fucoxanthin, brown algae contribute to weight loss. In combination with pomegranate oil, the effect of weight loss is greatly enhanced.
Healing effects
For patients who have no contraindications to taking this drug, doctors recommend using it as an auxiliary component to obtain the following therapeutic effects:
- to improve the functioning of the thyroid gland;
- stimulation of metabolic processes;
- strengthening blood vessels and heart muscle (due to the ability to remove cholesterol and prevent the formation of plaques);
- for the prevention of thrombosis;
- improvement of the digestive tract;
- removal of toxins from the biliary tract;
- strengthening cell structure;
- to relieve puffiness;
- prevention of atherosclerosis.
There are many ways to use kelp powder. It is used in cooking, pharmacology, traditional medicine, cosmetology.
Cooking Application
Not everyone likes seaweed to taste, some do not tolerate its smell. In such cases, if you need to enrich the body with iodine, kelp powder comes to the rescue. This product has not too pronounced aroma, and dishes in combination with it become more interesting and take on piquancy. You can add crushed seaweed when baking bread. As a seasoning, the powder is combined with first courses, cold appetizers, salads. It is included in various weight loss programs. The daily rate of the organic product should not exceed a quarter of a tablespoon.
For prophylaxis
Laminaria powder for oral administration for the purpose of prevention is prescribed in the amount of one teaspoon per week. If you live in an area where there is a chance of an endemic goiter, this does not exempt you from monitoring the amount of iodine in the body. Not in all situations, doctors recommend taking this supplement, or it may not be enough for your body. In the latter case, treatment is usually prescribed, where the proportions of the powder will be completely different.
Disease treatment
In the pharmacy network, you can find products in the form of tablets, granules, pressed thalli, powder. Based on a product of natural origin, dietary supplements are being developed for the prevention of cancer, obesity, and hormonal imbalance. One of these drugs is Kalp Norwich. It is made in the form of capsules, each unit contains 610 mg of crushed brown algae powder. They are recommended to be taken 3 times a day. The therapeutic course can range from 1 to 2 months.
Instructions for the use of kelp powder are sometimes adjusted by the attending doctor, taking into account the presence of iodine in the body. To identify this indicator, a biochemical blood test is performed. With excessive doses, the doctor may prescribe taking the medicine three times a day for 1 tsp. Typically, such portions are recommended for anemia, stomach and intestinal ailments. In this case, the intake of powder is allowed for a period of not more than two weeks.
Alternative Medicine
In order to strengthen the immune system for colds with the use of a healing powder inhalations are done. To prepare the solution you need: ½ tbsp. l the medicinal product should be placed in a container and filled with hot boiled water in an amount of 200 g. After that, fill the inhaler with a solution, having previously filtered it. During the procedure, do not use too hot liquid. The inhalation time should be at least 5 minutes.
Dry seaweed compresses
It is very good to use algal applications for diseases of the spine, joints, osteochondrosis, gout, polyarthritis. Compresses well help with any disturbances in metabolic processes, as well as with the deposition of salts in the body. You need to combine three tablespoons of the healing powder with a glass of honey and add 280 g of ordinary coarse salt. Mix all components and leave for 7 days so that the mixture is infused and slightly swollen.
Immediately before the procedure, the therapeutic mass must be thoroughly mixed. Next, you need to apply a generous layer of the mixture on a piece of gauze, attach to the problem place and fix it with a band-aid or wrap it with a cloth. Treatment procedures should be carried out within 10 days.
Harm and contraindications
Excess biologically active substances may not be beneficial for the body. Therefore, drugs developed on the basis of algae, or sea cabbage in its pure form should be used with caution. There are a number of diseases in which a product rich in iodine is contraindicated. These include:
- nephritis;
- furunculosis;
- acute diseases of the stomach and intestines;
- hemorrhagic diathesis;
- thyroid disease, accompanied by an increased amount of hormones;
- hypersensitivity to the product.
Special care should be taken when taking medicinal powder for pregnant women. A food product may be consumed only with the permission of a doctor. It is forbidden to give it also to children under three years of age. Knowing the medicinal properties, benefits and harms of seaweed, its use must be approached correctly. You should not be too fond of the product, even if you do not have pronounced contraindications.
Can face masks be used?
It is immediately worth noting that face masks from kelp will bring a positive result only with a balanced approach. Before applying it, it is necessary to do testing for an allergic skin reaction. If you have such manifestations as rosacea or purulent acne, then the mask should be discarded. You can not use it during pregnancy and lactation. Since such masks generously saturate the epidermis with iodine, after the procedure, in no case should the skin be exposed to ultraviolet light. Before going out for a while, you need to use sunscreens. Otherwise, you can increase skin pigmentation or burns. Up to 25 years, a mask is not recommended.
Mask with tightening effect
For masks, you can use the pharmaceutical product in its pure form or prepare various mixtures with the addition of other components. In our case, it will be egg yolk and olive oil. Need to pour 4 tsp. dried kelp 3 tsp water and leave for 30-60 minutes to swell. When the gruel is ready, enrich it with egg yolk and add 1 tsp. olive oil. The mixture is applied to the face, neck and décolleté area; it cannot be applied under the eyes. Next, you need to take an upright position for 20 minutes, then rinse the healing mass with cool water. It is recommended to do masks every three days for two weeks. Then gradually reduce their conduct to 1 time in 7 days, the full course should be 1 month.
When buying a manufacturing product, you need to pay attention to the country of origin. Due to pollution of ocean waters, seaweed can become a source of mercury and arsenic. Safe countries include: Iceland, Canada, the United States, and Hawaiian Islands.