Kelp is a type of seaweed that has been harvested for centuries due to its useful and abundant qualities. With kelp’s ability to thrive in almost any ocean environment, it can be found in abundance along coastlines around the world. It grows quickly, providing an excellent source of food for humans as well as other aquatic creatures. Aside from its nutritional benefits, however, there are many more uses for kelp that make it invaluable to our society.
One way we use kelp is through agriculture and horticulture—kelp extractions provide essential nutrients like nitrogen and potassium which help improve soil fertility in agricultural production systems such as hydroponics or aquaponics. Kelp also plays a key role when used alongside pesticides; using the extract themselves or combining them with another ingredient can reduce nutrient losses while inhibiting pest population growth without having adverse effects on desired plants or animals living nearby. In addition to this, containing some types of active compounds found only within certain species makes kelp particularly effective against fungal diseases commonly affecting various crop yields year-round worldwide.
Kelp can also be used to improve the health of both humans and animals. It is packed with vitamins, minerals, essential omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants which provide multiple health benefits including healthy skin and hair growth as well as improved digestion. With its high levels of iodine it helps regulate hormone production in the thyroid gland while providing anti-inflammatory properties that are thought to play a role in reducing arthritis symptoms or relieving other inflammatory conditions such as asthma or psoriasis. These same compounds have even been studied for their potential anticancer actions when consumed regularly by humans or, more recently, fed directly to livestock on farms.
Finally, kelp’s ability to absorb CO2 makes it an invaluable tool for combating climate change since this process results in neutralizing carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere; converting environmental pollutants into harmless organic material via photosynthesis before they enter Earth’s waterways preventing dangerous algal blooms from occurring due to excess nutrients caused by human activity. Therefore, helping restore delicate ecosystems back towards their natural balance.
An overlooked opportunity for kelp farms to double as pollution cleanup sites. https://www.anthropocenemagazine.org/2023/02/an-overlooked-opportunity-for-kelp-farms-to-double-as-pollution-cleanup-sites/
Anti-cancer effects of blue-green alga Spirulina platensis, a natural source of bilirubin-like tetrapyrrolic compounds. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24552870/
Brown Seaweed Fucoidan in Cancer: Implications in Metastasis and Drug Resistance. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32354032/
How Kelp Naturally Combats Global Climate Change. https://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2019/how-kelp-naturally-combats-global-climate-change/
'Run The Oil Industry In Reverse': Fighting Climate Change By Farming Kelp. https://www.npr.org/2021/03/01/970670565/run-the-oil-industry-in-reverse-fighting-climate-change-by-farming-kelp
All the Benefits and Side Effects of Sea Kelp. https://www.livestrong.com/article/354597-the-health-benefits-side-effects-of-kelp/
Health Benefits Of Seaweed. https://www.forbes.com/health/body/health-benefits-of-seaweed/
“Beyond kelp”: USDA, Springtide Seaweed partner to tackle cultivation challenges and boost growth. https://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Article/2023/02/07/Beyond-kelp-USDA-Springtide-Seaweed-tackle-cultivation-boost-growth
Recommended Reading
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Sustainable Seafood Recipe : Kelp Salad
Kelp Salad
from Elaine of China Sichuan Food on Yummly
https://www.yummly.com/recipe/Kelp-Salad-2589867#directions
Kelp Noodle Salad and Peanut Dressing
from the Simple Veganista
"This healthy Kelp Noodle Salad features a simple mix of carb free kelp noodles, shredded carrots, green onions and delicious creamy peanut dressing for a quick and easy lunch or dinner!"
https://simple-veganista.com/kelp-noodle-salad-peanut-dressing/
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