Popular in East Asian cuisine, Kombu is a type of seaweed that comes from the Laminariaceae family. Most of the kombu harvested is from the species Saccharina japonica (Laminaria japonica) and is extensively cultivated on ropes in the seas of Korea and Japan, with most found in Hokkaido.
Asians have been consuming this healthy edible seaweed for centuries due to its numerous nutritional benefits like iodine, fibre and antioxidants. Kombu can be added to soups, stews, salads and other dishes. It is often used as a flavour enhancer for Japanese soup stock called dashi because of its rich umami taste.
However, due to its beneficial properties, we’ve also found it helpful to take these in the form of food-based health supplements by creating our own Nature’s Glory Kombu balls. Nature’s Glory Kombu Balls are mixed with Japanese plum concentrate and honey and can be taken daily.
Benefits of Kombu
Besides being used as a common flavour base for soup stock, kombu contains several other benefits and is widely consumed and known for being a healthy ingredient. Here are some of its benefits:
Antioxidants: Kombu contains high levels of fucoxanthin, a type of marine carotenoid commonly found in brown seaweeds. Fucoxanthin is known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help with the management of multiple sclerosis, obesity and other chronic diseases.
Fucoidan: Kombu contains a type of long-chain carbohydrate or polysaccharide known as fucoidan. Fucoidan possesses a host of beneficial properties, such as antioxidant, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties.
Iodine: Kombu is one of the richest sources of plant-based iodine, which plays a critical role in hormone production and for your thyroid. Iodine is an important part of brain development and for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Fibre: Fibre is good for adding bulk for your stool, improving your bowel movement and reducing constipation. Kombu has high amounts of dietary fibre and can help with weight and blood sugar management. Kombu also contains amino acids to help break down heavy starches and digestive enzymes to further improve digestion.
Iron: Kombu is a natural source of iron, which helps in the production of red blood cells. This is especially beneficial for people who are anaemic, women who menstruate, are pregnant or breast-feeding, vegetarians, and anyone who has gone through major surgery or has ulcerative colitis.
Vitamins: Kombu is also full of vitamins C, A, E, K, B-vitamins and minerals like potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, and copper.
Nature’s Glory Kombu Balls
Nature’s Glory Kombu balls health supplements are mixed with Japanese plum concentrate and are good for hormones, metabolism, cholesterol, blood pressure, and intestinal issues. It resists harmful absorption of strontium and cadmium; promotes healthy skin and hair, prevents artery hardening, ulcers, constipation, and senility.
- Food-based supplement traditionally made from deep-sea kelp and plum concentrate
- Naturally high in trace minerals for bone health and hormone balance
- Supports healthy menopause and breast health
- Natural iodine levels support healthy thyroid function
- Contains fucoidan which supports the healthy immune system
- Kombu is especially good for prevention of cosmic radiation, and for its anti-tumour properties.
Now that you can see just how beneficial Kombu seaweed is, what better way to obtain its health effects than to add it to your lifestyle with daily supplementation? Our Kombu balls are made from natural food-based sources with no artificial fillers or binders and can be swallowed, sucked or chewed. Take daily for better digestion, hormone function and immunity.
Find out more about Nature’s Glory Kombu Balls here.