Kelp contains the complete spectrum of minerals needed by man,
as they are contained in the ocean itself. Aside from the fact
that sea water as such is a veritable treasure trove of
minerals, land minerals are constantly washing into the sea,
enriching it still further (Ibid.). Even more important than the
minerals needed in relatively large amounts, such as calcium,
iron, phosphorus, potassium, and so forth, are the trace
minerals--iodine, copper, manganese, boron, zinc, etc. These
minerals appear in minute quantities in food. Our bodies need
only microscopically small amounts of them. Yet if that tiny
amount is not there, we can die from the lack. One of the most
important trace elements in Kelp is iodine. This mineral is
essential for the proper functioning of the thyroid which
manufactures the hormone thyroxin. If an adequate amount of
iodine is not provided in the diet, the thyroid gland is forced
to work overtime and becomes enlarged in an effort to make up
for the deficiency. This enlargement is known