The benefits of seaweed just keep piling in…have you tried it yet? If you missed the background, kelp would be my #1 pick to get you moving and feeling better in no time. You can look back to past posts for more information on kelp and other healthy seaweeds, but today we’re going to look at some new research on a certain fiber in kelp that helps significantly with weight loss – something many of you have asked for advice with.

According to Sherry Baker, Health Sciences Editor at Natural News, recent studies at Newcastle University in the United Kingdom have identified a specific fiber in kelp that helps the body to absorb less fat…by up to 75%. After testing more than 60 fibers in the laboratory, the research team discovered that alginate (that specific fiber in kelp) actually helps prevent fat uptake and storage in the body vastly more effectively than harmful, over-the-counter, anti-obesity treatments. I hope you heard that clearly – it’s natural, healthy and far more effective than conventional treatments!

People everywhere are desperately turning to the next solution for fat loss – and growing frustrated because the product either doesn’t work, or it works with side effects WORSE than the extra weight itself. Here’s my advice: go natural. Many times the reason for issues with weight control isn’t the actual main food itself; it’s just the additives, preservatives and other miscellaneous chemicals that wreak havoc on your body.

Go from the packaged turkey or chicken with 10-15 ingredients on the label to fresh, organic poultry (with just one ingredient, by the way!). Instead of snacking on a trail mix with 37 ingredients – almost none of which are why you bought it in the first place – buy the fresh, organic nuts, seeds and fruits yourself. Many times it’s these simple changes that will allow you to not only have more health and energy, but also get rid of the blockages to fully being able to control your weight. Your hormones will thank you!

On an ending note, Dr. Brownlee (head of the research time) and his colleagues are now excited to get this research out there and applied in the real world. They see many possibilities in adding this natural fiber into the foods people are already eating on a regular basis. The benefits are two-fold: one, there’s a greater chance of lowering and/or avoiding obesity, and two, consumers get all the benefits of a diet higher in fiber. We know that a diet high in fiber not only helps with blood sugar control, but can aid in weight loss and control, lower LDL cholestrol levels, and even slash the risk of colon cancer. How’s that for a natural fiber found in seaweed?

So where to go from here? Continue making simple, easy switches and pay attention to the ingredient labels on the foods you buy each week. Go simple and go natural, and be easy on yourself. And, if you’re feeling adventurous, add in some seaweed to a smoothie or your favorite dish this week!

Unleash Your Vitality,

– John Brackett

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Let’s face it: I’m sure you’ve heard people talk about the wonders of seaweed before. Whether it’s in the spa and therapeutic arena or just in your local health food store, seaweeds have been creating a buzz in the natural and alternative health realms for quite some time. Why all the buzz? What are people talking about here?

The most critical point you can pick up about seaweed is that it’s wild. It’s a group of completely natural plants that thrives in the oceanic environment – which, by the way, means that these plants are grown with ALL minerals in the “soil”. Besides some of the more common minerals we get here, we’re getting all of the trace minerals that are depleted in today’s modern agriculture. Think 30 minerals is healthy? Try getting all 92.

While this gives you some insight into why the plants may be so therapeutic in spa treatments and alternative therapies, what we’re going to focus on here and now is eating seaweed. Now, I know what you’re probably thinking: “I don’t know if I really want to eat seaweed…” but the truth is, you don’t have to turn this into a meal at all…or even a chore. Two easy ways to get this powerful group of foods into your diet regularly are by sprinkling a powdered/flake form (think salt container and low-sodium salt alternative) over your salads and other meals, or by adding a bit to a healthy smoothie (so you don’t even notice the taste, but reap all of the health benefits).

Before we get too far into the how, I’d like to really get back into why again. We know that “sea veggies” are highly-mineralized, but let’s consider just how potent and concentrated they are as well. You can get some of the highest-quality nutrition out there just from a teaspoon full of the flaked form – easy! This is because dried seaweed is so much more compact than the original wet seaweed. This gives you an awesome advantage – not to mention a better texture than the original slimy leaves!

Another reason to consider taking a closer look at seaweed is their alkalinity. Seaweeds are generally extremely alkaline, which can help balance out the acidic imbalance of most common diets today. This allows your blood to move more smoothly and can dramatically enhance the amount of energy you have available to yourself in your daily life. Having a strong acid-alkaline balance (closer to 7.0) means more energy for you, but also vastly improved health. Improved health means a better body, mind and lifestyle – and, more often than not, longevity…being able to stick around and see the wonders of life for a few more years than you would’ve had you not taken care of yourself.

I’ll add in one more bit, too: the glyconutrient profile of seaweed is astounding. While commonly termed glyconutrients, these long-chain sugars are also referred to as polysaccharides – you may know them by any one of these descriptions. What’s important is that these long-chain sugars give us steady, long-term energy to run off, as well as boost our immunity and restore elasticity to our joints and tissues. By cycling in various common types of seaweeds (such as kelp, nori, dulse and sea lettuce), we’re able to get all 8 essential glyconutrients into our diet – and thrive as a result.

I’d like to thank you for sticking with me through one of the tougher topics for people to wrap their heads around; seaweed can be one of those “mental blocks” for some people, and they simply won’t allow in important information that could change their lives for the better. I personally enjoy small amounts of kelp, dulse, laver and sea lettuce on a regular basis and it couldn’t be any simpler! Take advantage of the mineralization, alkalinity and glyconutrient profiles of these wild, vital plants and let me know how it goes!

Unleash Your Vitality,

John Brackett

P.S. If you’re one of the people wondering where they can find this stuff, it’s commonly right around the corner at your local health food store! If you’d rather not have to take the trip or can’t find one nearby, you can pick it up online for cheap anytime over at Sunfood.com.

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