Sea kelp, which is also referred to as bladder wrack and kelp, is a brown seaweed that grows along the ocean shores and can be eaten cooked or raw. Kelp is nutritionally dense and has a variety of health-promoting properties. However, adverse reactions have been reported from the consumption of kelp, and you should talk to your health-care practitioner before attempting to self-medicate with it. Kelp powder offers a convenient way to ensure a regular source of iodine, the trace element needed for healthy thyroid function. For those individuals wishing to avoid the salty, mouth-puckering taste of kelp, ingesting the encapsulated powder will prevent a taste bud revolt. A host of health benefits are offered by kelp, and it is used to treat a number of nutrition-related health issues. Kelp is rich in around 70 essential minerals, including iodine, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron and vitamin B-9. These minerals help greatly in building cell membranes, helping digestion and improving brain function. Alternative medicine practitioners recommend kelp to help "cleanse the blood" and increase energy, according to "Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database." Kelp also has been used to help treat obesity, arthritis, rheumatism, arteriosclerosis, digestive disorders, heartburn, constipation, Bronchitis, emphysema, urinary and genital disorders and anxiety. People also consume sea kelp to enhance disease resistance and help prevent herpes and other viral infections. However, these uses are based on anecdotal reports and not solid scientific evidence. Some sea kelp is contaminated with toxic heavy metals. Heavy-metal poisoning has been reported from the ingestion of contaminated sea kelp. Iodine has also been associated with an exacerbation of acne, and kelp may cause or worsen acne in acne-prone individuals. In addition, sea kelp may impair fertility. Do not take it if you are trying to conceive. Allergic reactions and increased bleeding after surgery have been reported from consuming sea kelp, according to "Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database." WARNING It has a strong taste so careful with it as Kelp flavor is overpowering in larger doses. I use the Kelp to get the minerals, iodine, and trace minerals that are lacking in the western diet. I got this to use in smoothies, but find the taste overwhelming, not to mention the smell. In order to "sneak it in" you have to use a very tiny amount, 1/8 tsp. Otherwise it ruins the flavor for me. Bottom Line: Seems very fresh, the mylar packaging should ensure freshness. The price can't be beat. Kelp flavor is overpowering must use small amount will last a long time