Kelp powder is a relatively young component that quickly found its place in the field of he alth improvement. From the time when scientists proved that the marine flora has a high level of biological activity and carries a concentrated complex of useful substances for our body, brown algae have become increasingly popular. In view of their versatility, they managed to take a firm place in the practical application of people. In our material, the medicinal properties, benefits and harms of sea kale will be considered. It also describes how to use it in cooking, cosmetology and pharmacology.
General information
Of the numerous seaweeds, kelp is one of the few that can be eaten, it is found only in those places where there are strong currents. All known to scienceabout 1000 species of unusual vegetation. The products that the marine flora gives us were not selected for the human diet at all 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 just a source of iodine, it contains this substance in a unique organic form.
What is the best way to use the product?
It is better to add raw brown algae to the diet. So they will be much more useful. In the production of kelp in the form of salads, various preservatives and vinegar deprive it of most of its nutrients. It has been proven that all useful properties and vitamins are preserved in dry raw materials. Some housewives add powder from these algae to food instead of s alt.
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 light. Raw materials are covered at night to protect from moisture. In this form, the product is often used in cooking. Under the influence of the sun, only moisture escapes from it, so dried raw materials still remain useful. In cooking, production sheets of kelp are used, seasoned with oil and s alt and lightly fried. They can wrap omelets and other snacks. You can also use seaweed thalli to make your own medicinal powder.
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 in a pharmacy. Maybe you just don't have time to go shopping, but need to prepare a specific sea plant medicine recipe.
If, under such circumstances, thalli were at hand, then they can be ground in a coffee grinder. For the best effect, they should be subjected to this process twice. The powder is easier to use for the preparation of healing recipes, since it is more convenient to follow its dosage. In this form, algae is also suitable for masks, it will be easier to distribute such a mixture evenly.
Composition of the healing product
Seaweed is a very peculiar product. The composition of kelp is unusually rich. It contains micro and macro elements, amino acids. For comparison: there is much more phosphorus, magnesium, calcium and iron in it than in ordinary white cabbage. The presence of sterols contained in the product promotes blood thinning and prevents thrombosis. It contains many active biological substances that reduce the formation of cancer cells. The high content of iodine has a positive effect on brain function and the thyroid gland. Approximately 275 mg of this compound can be obtained from 100 g of fresh product. The composition also contains: ascorbicacid, vitamins B and D.
Benefits of dried algae
Seaweed powder has proven to be an excellent general tonic. It is advised to use it for the prevention of constipation, since it has a moderate laxative effect, improves intestinal motility. Due to the presence of polysaccharides, the pharmaceutical product is able to remove radionuclides and s alts 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 is most often prescribed in such regions.
Extremely useful seaweed is 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 activity and sports.
Due to the presence of fucoxanthin, brown algae promote weight loss. When combined with pomegranate oil, the weight loss effect 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 thyroid function;
- stimulation of metabolic processes;
- strengthening blood vessels and heart muscle (due to the ability to remove cholesterol and prevent the formationplaques);
- for the prevention of thrombosis;
- improve the functioning of the digestive tract;
- eliminate toxins from the biliary tract;
- strengthening cell structure;
- to relieve puffiness;
- atherosclerosis prevention.
There are many ways to use kelp powder. It is used in cooking, pharmacology, traditional medicine, cosmetology.
Use in cooking
Not everyone likes the taste of seaweed, some can not stand its smell. In such cases, if you need to enrich the body with iodine, kelp powder comes to the rescue. This product does not have a very pronounced aroma, and dishes in combination with it become more interesting and acquire 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 norm of an organic product should not exceed a quarter of a tablespoon.
For prevention
Kelp in 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 possibility of endemic goiter, this does not exempt you from monitoring for the presence of iodine in the body. Not in all situations, doctors recommend using this supplement, or this dose may not be enough for your body. In the latter case, treatment is usually prescribed, where the proportions of the powder will already be completelyothers.
Treatment of diseases
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 imbalances. One of these drugs is Culp Norwidgen. It is produced in the form of capsules, each unit contains 610 mg of crushed kelp powder. They are recommended to be taken 3 times a day. The therapeutic course can vary from 1 to 2 months.
Instructions for using kelp powder are sometimes adjusted by the attending physician, taking into account the presence of iodine in the body. To identify this indicator, conduct a study of a biochemical blood test. With overestimated doses, the doctor may prescribe the medication three times a day for 1 tsp. Typically, such portions are recommended for anemia, ailments of the stomach and intestines. In this case, taking the powder is allowed for a period not exceeding two weeks.
Application in alternative medicine
To strengthen the immune system in case of colds, inhalations are made using a healing powder. To prepare the solution you need: ½ tbsp. l. place the therapeutic agent in a container and pour hot boiled water in the amount of 200 g. Then fill the inhaler with the solution, after filtering it. During the procedure, do not use too hot liquid. The inhalation time should be at least 5 minutes.
Compresses using dryseaweed
It is very good to use seaweed applications for diseases of the spine, joints, osteochondrosis, gout, polyarthritis. Compresses help well with any disturbances in metabolic processes, as well as with the deposition of s alts in the body. You need to combine three tablespoons of healing powder with a glass of honey and add 280 g of ordinary coarse s alt. Mix all the ingredients and leave for 7 days so that the mixture brews and swells a little.
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 area and fix with a plaster or wrap with a cloth. Treatment procedures must be carried out within 10 days.
Harm and contraindications
Excess of biologically active substances cannot be useful for the body. Therefore, preparations 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:
- jade;
- furunculosis;
- acute diseases of the stomach and intestines;
- hemorrhagic diathesis;
- thyroid disease, accompanied by an increased amount of hormones;
- hypersensitivity to the product.
Pregnant women should be especially careful when taking medicinal powder. The food product can only be consumed with the permission of a doctor. It is also forbidden to give itchildren under three years of age. Knowing about the medicinal properties, benefits and harms of sea kale, its use must be approached competently. You should not be overly fond of the product, even if you do not have expressed contraindications.
Can face masks be used?
It should be noted right away that kelp face masks will bring a positive result only with a balanced approach. Before applying it, it is necessary to do a test for an allergic skin reaction. If you have symptoms such as rosacea or purulent acne, then the mask should be discarded. It cannot be used 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 radiation. Before going outside, you need to use sunscreen for a while. Otherwise, you can increase skin pigmentation or get burned. Masks are not recommended for under 25s.
Mask with lifting effect
For masks, you can use a 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. It is necessary 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, it should not be applied under the eyes. Next, you need to take a vertical position for 20 minutes, then wash off the healing masscool water. It is recommended to make masks every three days for two weeks. Then gradually reduce their holding to 1 time in 7 days, the full course should be 1 month.
When buying a manufactured 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, United States, Hawaiian Islands.
