Eating kelp can help you lose weight. Alginic acid inhibits fat absorption.

As the weather gets colder, the body's basal metabolic rate slows down and the appetite becomes more and more vigorous, which is a big worry for those who want to lose weight. However, a British study found that the alginate contained in kelp has the effect of inhibiting fat absorption. Nutritionists also believe that kelp is rich in water-soluble fiber and can increase satiety. If you want to improve your weight loss results, you might as well add some kelp to your diet menu!

British research has found that alginate in kelp has the effect of inhibiting fat absorption.

British study: Alginate can inhibit fat absorption

The magazine Food Chemistry once published a study that pointed out that research by Newcastle University in the UK found that alginate in kelp can inhibit the action of pancreatic lipase, preventing food fats from being broken down by the stomach and intestines, thereby inhibiting the body's absorption of fat.

Studies have found that if the alginate content is increased four times by refining and extraction, the body's absorption rate of fat can be reduced by 75%. Even a small amount mixed into bread can reduce fat absorption by one-third. If kelp is included as part of a normal diet, it may help fight obesity and aid in weight loss.

Nutritionist Wang Zinan said that the ingredient "alginic acid" in the above study was extracted from kelp, with high concentration and dosage. However, if it was converted into kelp food in a normal diet, it might take half a truckload of it to achieve the experimental effect. The amount is too much for ordinary people to consume.

Kelp is rich in water-soluble fiber, which can increase the feeling of fullness and is suitable for obese people and diabetic patients who are afraid of going hungry. (Photo/Database)

Nutritionist: Kelp is high in fiber, increases satiety and helps lose weight

In fact, for those who want to lose weight, the most helpful component of kelp in controlling weight is its rich water-soluble fiber. After being eaten, it will swell after entering the intestines, increasing the sense of fullness, reducing the desire for snacks, and reducing the total calorie intake, and body fat and weight will naturally decrease as well. Clinically, it is often recommended that obese people or diabetic patients consume kelp in moderation to increase satiety and relieve hunger, and avoid overeating due to starvation.

However, nutritionist Wang Zinan also reminded that weight loss cannot be achieved by eating only a single food. A healthy diet should follow the three principles of "less starch, more protein, and high fiber". The high fiber can be obtained from a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, which not only helps intestinal health, but also lowers cholesterol and reduces the chance of obesity.

If you want to eat kelp to lose weight, you should replace it with your daily vegetable intake. Although kelp is rich in fiber and high in iodine, the daily intake of kelp products should be limited to one bowl. Nutritionists recommend that you eat half a bowl of kelp, sea dragon or kelp sprouts at lunch or dinner, and the other half a bowl of vegetables. Each bowl is calculated based on the full tip.

Be careful when eating kelp! Cardiovascular disease avoids high sodium diet

It should be noted that kelp has a high sodium content. Patients with hypertension, cardiovascular disease or kidney disease should reduce the amount they consume. They should wash and blanch kelp before cooking to reduce the salt content, and use less high-salt seasonings or sauces when cooking to avoid sodium intake.