Iodine is an essential mineral needed for the healthy function of the thyroid gland that produces hormones that regulate metabolism, which affects growth, development, and many other bodily functions
The essential role of iodine in human health
Iodine deficiency can lead to a condition known as hypothyroidism, which can cause fatigue, weight gain, and other symptoms. It can also lead to Goitre, an enlargement of the thyroid gland. Vital for brain development and function, iodine is especially important for infants and young children, as well as pregnant and lactating women.
Read more about why iodine is so vital in our blog, ‘Iodine. One of the biggest deficiencies in our modern diet.’
The table below clearly demonstrates the huge difference in concentration of iodine found in kelp (seaweed).
Where can you source iodine?
As we can see from the table above, foods that contain iodine include seafood, dairy products, and eggs. It is also added to salt in many countries to help prevent deficiency.
While present in certain foodstuffs, the concentration of iodine in seaweed/kelp far outweighs that of iodised salt. In addition,the misconception of salt intake being unhealthy has led to many switching to sea salt or not adding salt to their meals at all.
What parts of kelp are harvested?
Much of the rich goodness in bull kelp is in the stem, which is the part Grassland Nutrition uses. This is validated by the expert bull kelp farmer in Tasmania that we source our kelp from to produce iodine rich products that promote health, strength and increased immunity.
Air-dried kelp can be difficult for the human body to absorb. That’s why at Grassland Nutrition we carefully freeze-dry our kelp for maximum absorption.
Here you can see the flexible stem that extends to between 10-20 metres, gradually expanding outwards and upwards to the sea’s surface with a buoyant mass of fronds and narrow blades that form a golden-brown canopy on the sea’s surface.
Is kelp safe to consume?
Also a great source of vitamins, and minerals kelp and is safe to eat as long as it is harvested from clean, unpolluted waters.
Kelp sourced from this magnificent spot on the Tasmanian coast has been tested and is free from both inorganic arsenic and radiation, not much kelp around the world can claim that.
ABC Back Roads Marrawah Special feature
Aussie chef, farmer and TV presenter Paul West and his crew recently produced and aired a feature piece on Marrawah, Peerapper country in an episode of the popular ABC ‘Back Roads’ now in its third series.
Paul and co captured the rugged, unspoil delights of Marrawah, situated on the coast of Tasmania where the air is the purest. In this unforgiving, raw yet stunning landscape Stafford and his son, and his father before him, have been dedicated to harvesting the kelp that naturally washes up on the foreshore. This ABC feature beautifully encapsulates the raw, rugged landscape and the fascinating and inspiringly creative inhabitants that live and flourish in this unspoilt yet isolated part of the world. Log into ABC iView and watch the 30-minute episode
Across the last 4 years, Grassland Nutrition has worked with Stafford and his family sourcing Bull Kelp for our most significant products.
Whole food Bull Kelp freeze-dried crunch washed up from the Great Southern Ocean goes way beyond iodised salt and has a great moreish taste and crunch that can be added to savoury or sweet dishes.
A powerful 2-in-1 energy formula with grass-fed and grass-finished beef Liver and Kelp has been produced into capsules and available in powder form. Rich in B12 and iodine for stamina and vitality, it assists with energy production, improves metabolism, thyroid regulation, and supports both weight loss and B12 levels.
Look for pure Bull Kelp products produced from the stem and this one simple mistake can be remedied. Welcome health and vitality!
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