As you probably know, I am all about becoming a Golden Goddess through food and
mindfulness. I am always searching for different ways to achieve this status in a
sustainable way – without using toxic beauty products and eating organic foods
whenever possible…

Now there is a revolutionary new model for harvesting food: underwater 3D farms
that harvest kelp! Kelp has been eaten (and used medicinally) for hundreds of years.
It can also be found in small amounts in food we eat regularly (or hopefully avoid
because of high sugar content), such as ice ream, salad dressings, and chocolate
milk. It is used as a thickening agent in these foods, and referred to as “agar” or
“agar-agar.”

Before you stop reading because you think seaweed is slimy and smells bad…
An increasing number of fisherman and foodists are starting to look at seaweed very
differently. It is a promising source of food, provides jobs, and also cleans our ocean
waters. These new “weeds” are not just Golden Goddess material, they can also help
with the growing population – and offer a solution to the limited space we have to
expand agriculture on land.

What exactly is kelp?

Kelp is one of several varieties of seaweed growing in coastal regions around the
world. It can be black, green, red, or brown and vary in size. It grows similar to
weeds on land – but unlike the weeds that can be harmful to gardens and flower
beds, kelp plays a vital role in marine life.

What are the health benefits of kelp?

Many people in the health industry refer to kelp as a superfood because of its wide
variety of nutrients – which means it rocks Golden Goddess status as well! It is
shown to be effective in weight loss, support thyroid health, improve the digestive
system, and can reduce the risk of many forms of cancer. It is an excellent source of
magnesium, potassium, calcium, boron, soluble fiber, and iron, as well as vitamins A,
B12, C, and E.

The Power of Kelp

1. Richest source in iodine – Iodine is a vital nutrient that supports the thyroid,
promotes healthy growth in the development of babies and children, and
maintains a healthy brain. A single tablespoon of kelp provides 500% of the
DRI (Dietary Reference Intake) of iodine.

I caution anyone who suffers from hypothyroidism, Grave’s disease, or any
thyroid cancers to consult their health practitioner before eating kelp.

2. Aids in weight loss – Not only is kelp rich in nutrients, it also has specific fat
fighting properties. A protein found in most varieties, known as fucoxanthin,
can reduce fat tissue significantly. It also contains alginates, a vital factor in
helping the body get rid of fat via your poop – rather than absorbing it in
large amounts. Because iodine is involved in the operation of the thyroid
gland, kelp can also play an important role in metabolism.

3. A natural anti-inflammatory – As I have written before, I am all about anti-
inflammatory foods that will promote Golden Goddess status! Inflammation
is the root of most diseases, so if we can continuously feed our bodies
nutrient rich foods that support gut health, we are one step closer to
reducing inflammation.
Kelp serves as an antioxidant, which will reduce the overall inflammation in
your body. If you took my 8-day GUTLOVE program, you learned how to
determine if you suffer from hidden inflammation. Learn more about the
signs and symptoms of hidden inflammation here [GUTLOVE PROGRAM].
Fucoidan, which is also found in kelp, provides anti-inflammatory properties
and can help improve cholesterol levels.

Here are some Golden Goddess recipes I recommend… But the possibilities are
endless! Kelp can be added to soups, stews, salads, and sushi.

                 1. Beef and Black Bean Stir Fry with Kelp Noodles adapted from Donna Hay (here)

2. Sesame Kelp Noodles adapted from Elana’s Pantry (here)

3. Endurance Crackers adapted from Oh She Glows (here)

 

4. Summery Kelp Noodles With Matcha and Cashew Cream (here)

Just because it’s “seaweed,” that doesn’t mean it can’t be delicious, healthy, and full
of nutrients to help you look and feel your best. The health benefits are just part of
the picture too – with so many issues arising from the space we use for agriculture,
the constantly growing population, and the damage humans are doing to ocean life…
Kelp is a piece of the solution!

To learn more abut the possibilities, watch this piece on seaweed farming from 60
Minutes (here).

I am curious on your thoughts about kelp… Do you like it? How do you incorporate it
into your daily meals? Let’s chat, and bring out the Golden Goddess in each of us!

Sending love and light,

Melissa