Our Winter Vegetable Soup calls for kombu. Kombu is a sea vegetable (kelp) which contains high amounts of chlorophyllins and lignans (also found in flaxseed). Both of these compounds may help protect against cardiovascular disease, cancer, anemia, diabetes and mineral deficiencies. Kombu’s host of good minerals and “umami” flavor make it an excellent addition to homemade broths. Try adding a strip of kombu in broths or when simmering dried beans; kombu can help reduce the gas from the beans, aiding digestion.