What Eats Kelp?

Whether they know it or not, people, especially beach-goers, are quite familiar with both the properties of kelp. Kelp grows underneath the ocean in large clumps known as kelp forests, and is most recognizable as a type of seaweed. The kelp forests are anchored to the ocean floor; however, the leaf-like structures on the kelp often float to the top of the water.

People may become entangled in kelp when they are trying to swim, or simply not like the sight of this seaweed or algae. What they do not realize then is that kelp is an essential component of the food chain, not only for other sea creatures but for themselves as well.

Sea Creatures

A large number of sea creatures eat kelp including snails, sea hares, norris snails, and abalone. The aptly named kelp crab does not only thrive off of eating kelp, but also lives on the kelp. Sea urchins of the red, white, and purple varieties enjoy a meal of kelp as well.

Some larger creatures eat kelp, such as the fish species halfmoon and the opaleye. Fish that live in fish farms, hatcheries, and aquariums are fed kelp on a regular basis. Polar bears and green sea turtles enjoy eating kelp as well.

Land Creatures

Certain types of livestock such as cattle, chickens, and sheep eat kelp.

Many humans would be surprised to know that they eat kelp. Kelp is not always ingested by humans in its pure form. Certain compounds, of which algin is one of the most popular, are taken out of the kelp and used to make certain food products. Algin is particularly useful because it helps different ingredients to stick together.

Salad dressing, apple pie, chocolate milk, ice cream, and jelly all have kelp byproducts in them. When kelp is eaten in its pure form, it is often served as part of a Japanese dish, such as when it is wrapped around sushi. Kelp can also be used in any sort of meal as a vegetable, snack, garnish or flavoring.

Why Eat Kelp

Despite what people may think of kelp's appearance, kelp is actually quite healthy. In fact, kelp is not only known as seaweed or algae, but also as a sea vegetable. It contains a number of vital minerals for the body including iodine, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and iron. Iodine helps to create thyroid hormones; therefore, kelp helps to create a healthy metabolism in the body.

Kelp regulates the pituitary glands as well, and it stimulates other glands in the body. Therefore, it is a major controlling agent of the body's functions. Kelp helps to protect against infections, benefits the pancreas and prostate, aids the digestive system, and helps to prevent the growth of tumors.

Therefore, while kelp helps to stimulate and maintain the food chain in the oceans, it is also a vital source for the health of humans.