Kelp is a large seaweed, also called, laminaria japonica,or kombu in Japanese. It is a very important ingredient in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean cuisines. It is not only used as a vegetable to flavour broths, stews and snack, but also its high concentration of iodine and can treat goiter. Research has indicated that sea kelp is better to reduce fat absorption than most over-the-counter slimming treatments.  Always seek advice from your doctor!