Kelp powder

I came across kelp powder last year in the co-op store in my favourite little town in the Kootneys. We do eat kelp in noodle & dried/flake forms but I had never considered it in a powdered form outside of a capsule. As always I was curious to try it. Knowing the health benefits of eating kelp this looked like another great way to incorporate it into many more dishes. After researching on more ways to use the powder option it has become a staple in my house. 

I use it mostly in shakes & oil dressings.

My biggest reason for using kelp powder is to be able to multiply on my daily detox. I believe we should be eating detoxifying foods everyday not just on a once or twice a year program, not to say don't do a couple of big cleanses just keep on top of it. Call it maintenance :). Toxins build up from every angle of our day. For instance I think of breathing in car fumes when I'm riding my bike, cleaning chemicals in a public washroom, inhaling second hand smoke while sitting in a public park. Just simple things we don't always think of or just take for granted. Plus the taste for me is quite pleasant. I've listed more information & great ideas on how to use kelp powder below. Credits on where to find this information is listed accordingly.

Organic kelp powder is a leading source of iodine, a trace mineral that is essential for healthy thyroid function. Ground from dried Atlantic kelp, this nutrient-dense powder is also rich in marine minerals like potassium, magnesium, calcium, and iron. Enjoy the protective health benefits of kelp powder by adding it to your favorite everyday foods.

Taste and Uses

The salty taste of kelp can be described as umami, which means a “pleasant savory taste” in Japanese. It is best to use 1 teaspoon per day mixed with any food or recipe. Kelp powder can add a powerful nutrient boost to smoothies, and it also goes well mixed in salad dressings or sprinkled on top of vegetables. Add the powder in soups, stews, or savory side dishes. Mix it with other seasonings and incorporate it with your favorite recipes.

Health Benefits of Kelp Powder

1) Excellent Source of Iodine: Organic kelp powder is packed with iodine, a trace element most commonly found in plants and animals that live in the sea. Iodine is essential for the production of thyroid hormones, which help the body use energy efficiently and are also necessary for brain development. Eating foods rich in iodine can promote metabolism and support cognitive function. An iodine deficiency can result in fatigue, cold extremities, weight gain, and in severe cases, brain damage or goiter.

2) Natural Detox: Kelp powder helps to eliminate toxins from the body. Kelp contains fibrous compounds like algin which absorb toxins and heavy metals in the digestive tract so that they can be safely removed from your system. This prevents the re-absorption of toxins back into the bloodstream.

3) More Mighty Minerals: Apart from being an iodine powerhouse, organic kelp powder is also a rich source of calcium, magnesium, iron, and potassium. Calcium and magnesium work together to build and support healthy bones. Iron helps deliver oxygen-rich blood cells throughout the body, and potassium regulates blood sugar and blood pressure levels.

**( above courtesy of nuts.com ) 

Raw) Kelp (L. digitata) Granules & Powder

A Nutrition-packed Drink: Mix 1-2 tsp. into water, stir and drink as soon as possible (it will form a gel in less than a minute). Chase with juice. Or try mixing directly into juice.

Drink variations: Mix with any dehydrated green, purple, red or orange drink mix. (An example is barley grass drink, which is especially alkalinizing).

Smoothies: Blend 1-2 tsp. of powdered Kelp into any smoothie.

Kelp & EFA’s: Mix 1-2 tsp. Kelp with water and ground flax seeds, ground chia seeds (sold under various names, including "anutra" or "mila"), ground hemp seeds or hemp protein powder. For a broad spectrum of nutrition, include all ingredients in one glass.

Salad dressings: Add to any oil-and-vinegar (or oil-and-lemon juice) based dressing, homemade or premade. It will somewhat emulsify the dressing and make it a bit green. Suggested ¼ tsp. per serving.

Make your own dressing suggestion:
One serving:
¼ tsp. kelp powder
1 tbsp. rice vinegar
2 tbsp. toasted sesame oil
½ tsp. Herb & Duxelles Powder*
Optional: 
½ tsp. Frontier brand chopped dried mushrooms

(non-Raw) Kelp Granules & Powder

Add to beans and other legumes: start with ½ tsp. of Kelp granules or powder per cup of uncooked beans. Add more if you like the flavor. This will turn the broth green and a bit gel-like. For canned beans, add ¼ tsp. when heating. 

Kelp and Grains: Add ¼ to ½ tsp. per uncooked cup of any grain. Reduce or eliminate salt. Or sprinkle on already-cooked grain.

Kelp Condiment: Grind with toasted sesame seeds to make a condiment.

Kelp Popcorn: Sprinkle Kelp or Dulse granules or powder on popcorn, with other seasonings. 

**( above courtesy of sea veg.com )

As you can see, there are many easy & creative ways to use this supplement. Always check with your health care professional before taking any supplements. Just because it's natural doesn't mean it's safe for everyone. Enjoy! May you be Nutritionally Well