Kelp/Kombu added to the bottom of a pot of rice, vegetables, beans or potatoes to help them keep from sticking;

added to a pot, kombu helps them cook faster and renders them more digestible due to the high mineral content/nutrients.

Enhance the flavour of many dishes/food. Ability to absorb and neutralise harmful substances in food, water  and body.

Now we known that these old people had it right; There is no family of foods more protective against radiation and environmental pollutants than sea vegetables .