Seaweed: A 'Tonic' For The Heart
Seaweed can contribute to good heart health
February has been declared National Heart Month, to raise awareness about heart diseases. At Mara, we know that seaweed is a great dietary choice to promote a healthier heart. Our Mara Mascot, "SeaEO" Fiona's dog Hoolie, is a prime example. She loves eating seaweed and has a supremely healthy heart!
Each day, your heart beats about 100,000 times. It pumps about 23,000 litres of blood around your body. This blood delivers oxygen and nutrients to all parts of your body, and carries away unwanted carbon dioxide and waste products.
A rich source of minerals
According to author and health expert, Valerie Gennari Cooksley, Kombu or kelp is a “tonic” for the heart. It gives overall protection from heart disease, helping you live longer, and supplies the blood, nervous system and heart with vital vitamins, minerals and cell salts.
Kombu contains an ideal ratio of potassium to sodium, which is critical for controlling hypertension and explains why seaweed is an ideal salt alternative. Kelp can also lower cholesterol by suppressing bile acid absorption, reducing inflammation and therefore increasing heart efficiency.
Using seaweed to reduce heart disease
Meanwhile, the alginates in seaweed help to reduce the amount of fat the body digests too. This can reduce the likelihood of obesity; one of the UK’s major contributors to heart disease.
Another major factor leading to heart attacks is stress, which is why we think an enriching seaweed cuppa is a good place to start. Be kind to your heart: pour yourself a cup, put your feet up and let seaweed do work its magic.
Further information
Valerie Gennari Cooksley, "Seaweed: Nature’s Secret to Balancing your Metabolism, Fighting Disease and Revitalising Body & Soul," 2007.
In aid of National Heart Month, the British Heart Foundation’s "Wear it. Beat it" day on February 6th asks the nation to show their support by wearing red and hosting an event to fund life-saving research. For more information on how you can get involved, visit www.wearitbeatit.bhf.org.uk.