Does kelp fit into a low-carb diet?

Question
Hello.  I am considering a low carb diet as I am attempting to lose about 35lbs to achieve normal body weight for my height (I am 5'3" & 79.5kg). I want to make a total change in the way I eat and want to include green smoothies as part of my daily diet.  Is a low carb diet the way to go when needing to lose the amount of weight I want to lose?  Most smoothie recipes contain Kale, which is high in Vit A, if I have 2 cups of kale daily, can I build up toxicity?  And finally, do I need to take supplements with this diet?  I thank you very much in advance for your time.

Answer
Dear Irma,


There is no single low carb diet and whether or not kelp will be OK depends on your particular diet rules. If your diet is supposed to result in ketogenesis, any food you eat should be considered in context with every other food in this particular meal. Kelp is an anti-ketogenic (or pro-insulin) food due to low content of protein and fat comparing with carbohydrates (see the chart at: http://atkinszone-recipes.blogspot.com/2011/07/nutrients-in-kelp.html). Its Fat Burning Index is 0.22 and to be ketogenic, this index of a food or meal should be over at least 1.5 (http://bantadiet.com/banta/)

Suggested reading:

The Anti-insulin to Pro-insulin Nutrient Ratio in Foods
http://atkinszone-home.blogspot.com/2011/02/anti-insulin-to-pro-insulin-nutrient...


Pleae don't hesitate asking any further questions.

Tanya Zilberter

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