1. Introduction to kelp Extract
Kelp extract is obtained from Laminaria japonica, a large brown algae. Kelp grows in low-temperature seawater environments and is generally attached to rocks on the seabed. Kelp extract contains a variety of ingredients. The most important of these are polysaccharides, such as alginate. Alginate is a linear polymer composed of mannuronic acid and guluronic acid. This polysaccharide has strong water absorption and gelling properties. In addition, kelp extract also contains mannitol, which is a sugar alcohol with a sweet taste and has many applications in medicine and food. Kelp is also rich in iodine, which is a good source of iodine for the human body. It also contains minerals such as calcium, iron, and magnesium, as well as vitamins (such as vitamin B group, etc.) and a variety of amino acids.
2. Efficacy of kelp Extract
Regulate thyroid function
The iodine in kelp extract is the key raw material for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones are involved in many physiological processes such as human metabolism, growth and development. When the human body is iodine-deficient, the thyroid gland will compensatory enlargement, causing goiter. The intake of appropriate amount of kelp extract can supplement iodine and maintain the normal synthesis of thyroid hormone, thereby preventing and improving thyroid diseases such as goiter. For example, in some iodine-deficient areas, eating foods containing kelp extract can effectively reduce the incidence of goiter.
Effect on Lowering Blood Lipids
The polysaccharide components in kelp extract can bind to cholesterol and prevent the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine. In addition, it can promote the excretion of cholesterol, thereby reducing the cholesterol level in the blood. At the same time, kelp extract may also have a certain regulatory effect on triglycerides, which helps to improve dyslipidemia and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis. In animal experiments, after feeding kelp extract to hyperlipidemia model animals, the cholesterol and triglyceride levels in their blood decreased significantly.
Antioxidant Effect
Kelp extract powder is rich in antioxidant ingredients, such as some ingredients in alginate, vitamins C and E, etc. These ingredients can remove free radicals in the body, which will attack the lipids, proteins and DNA of cells, causing cell damage and aging. The antioxidant substances in kelp extract can neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. For example, in in vitro experiments, kelp extract has a significant scavenging ability against hydroxyl free radicals and superoxide anion free radicals, and can protect cells from oxidative damage.
Improve Intestinal Function
Polysaccharides such as alginate in kelp extract can absorb water in the intestines and swell to form a gel-like substance, thereby increasing the volume of feces, promoting intestinal peristalsis, and preventing and relieving constipation. In addition, it may also help balance the intestinal flora, provide a suitable environment for the growth of beneficial bacteria, inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, and improve the intestinal microecological environment.
3. Application of Kelp Extract
Medical Field
In terms of drug preparation, sea kelp extract can be used to make drugs for treating thyroid diseases, such as iodine supplements. Its polysaccharide components can also be used to make auxiliary anti-tumor drugs, or as excipients for drugs, such as alginate can be used as a sustained-release agent for drugs, using its gelling properties to control the release rate of drugs. In addition, kelp extract can also be used to make drugs to improve intestinal function and treat intestinal diseases such as constipation.
Food Industry
Kelp extract is a good food additive. Alginate can be used as a thickener, stabilizer and gelling agent in food processing, such as in ice cream, jelly and other products, so that the product has a better taste and texture. Mannitol can be added as a sweetener to sugar-free foods to meet the sweetness needs of special groups such as diabetics. At the same time, foods containing kelp extract can also be used as iodine supplement foods to prevent iodine deficiency diseases, such as adding kelp extract to iodized salt.
Cosmetic Field
The application of kelp extract in cosmetics is mainly based on its antioxidant and moisturizing effects. It can be added to skin care products such as creams, lotions and masks to protect the skin from free radical damage and delay skin aging. At the same time, its polysaccharide ingredients can absorb and retain skin moisture, making the skin more hydrated and improving dry skin conditions.
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