When reports of hypothyroidism cases surfaced as a result of certain cultures regularly consuming seaweed, some researchers believed the high iodine content in those marine plants to be the reason. However, it was most likely the bromine content, or a high bromine iodine ratio in the plants compared to those of other regions, or that these same people possibly also consumed higher amounts of goitrogenic vegetables such as lima beans, cassava, cabbage, sweet potatoes, rutabaga, which can result in depressed iodine thyroid functions. On average, most varieties of kelp tend to increase thyroid functions... Full Text