How Sea moss Can Help Lower Your Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Levels?

 

Sea moss, also known as Irish moss, is a type of red seaweed that grows along the rocky shores of the Atlantic and Caribbean. Rich in vitamins and minerals, this gooey substance has been in use for centuries in traditional medicine for its health-boosting properties. 

But does all this hype live up to reality? Let's take a deep dive and look at the evidence behind the benefits of using sea moss for blood pressure and cholesterol. Today at Myla’s Moss, we'll explore everything you need to know about this oceanic superfood and how it may assist in keeping your heart healthy and decreasing your likelihood of falling ill.

What is High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, aka hypertension, is a prevalent condition in which the blood flow against the arteries' walls is consistently too high. This can put a strain on the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of serious health issues such as heart problems, stroke, and kidney disease. 

Blood pressure is measured in two numbers: 

• Systolic pressure, which refers to the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats. 

• Diastolic pressure, which refers to the pressure in arteries when the heart rests between beats.

Is Sea Moss Good for High Blood Pressure?

Sea moss is an excellent remedy for high blood pressure due to its abundant potassium chloride content. This mineral helps regulate blood pressure levels by reducing the negative effects of sodium on the body. [1]

In addition to potassium chloride, sea moss also contains magnesium and calcium, which can also help manage blood pressure levels in your body. 

While more research is needed to understand the impacts of sea moss on blood pressure completely, many people have reported positive results after incorporating it into their daily routines. 

Have a look at this research summary that further solidifies the benefits of sea moss for blood pressure.

• The study was labelled "The hypotensive effect of an ethanolic extract from the red seaweed Gracilaria birdiae in rats." [2]
• In this study, researchers investigated the effects of an ethanolic extract from the red seaweed Gracilaria birdiae on blood pressure in rats with hypertension. 

• The results showed that the extract had a hypotensive effect, suggesting that seaweed extracts like sea moss could be potential natural remedies for hypertension.

Does Sea Moss Lower Blood Pressure?

Sea moss has proven to be a natural remedy forhigh blood pressure, but does it also work for low blood pressure? The short answer is yes, it may! [3]

The reason for this is that sea moss is rich in potassium, a mineral that has been linked to lower blood pressure levels. 

Additionally, sea moss contains bioactive compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to improve blood flow and reduce the strain on the cardiovascular system. 

 

How Much Sea Moss Should You Take For Blood Pressure?

Knowing the recommended dosage is important if you're considering sea moss for blood pressure. The amount of sea moss you should take can vary depending on the form you're using, whether fresh or dried, and the concentration of nutrients it contains. 

The recommended amount of sea moss to take for blood pressure varies depending on the form it is consumed in. 

• If you are using powdered sea moss, a general rule of thumb is to take 1-2 teaspoons per day. 

• If you are using dried sea moss, you can soak it overnight and then blend it into a gel, which can be added to smoothies or other drinks. 

The amount of gel to take per day varies, but many people start with 1-2 tablespoons and adjust as needed. And as always, consulting a healthcare provider prior to commencing any new supplement regimen still remains important!

Is Sea Moss a Blood Thinner?

Sea moss has been traditionally used for various health benefits as mentioned above, and one of the common beliefs is that it can help thin the blood. 

While there are some informal accounts to back up the claim, there needs to be more scientific research to confirm it. 

However, some of the compounds found in sea moss, such as carrageenan, have been studied for their anticoagulant properties, which means they can prevent the formation of blood clots.

This does not necessarily mean that sea moss can thin the blood in the same way as prescription blood thinners. So, proper consultation with a healthcare professional is always recommended.

 

Does Sea Moss Interact With Medications?

Although it's mostly safe to consume sea moss in moderate dosage, it can still interact with blood pressure meds, and it's important to talk to your doctor before taking this superfood. 

So, it is always better to err on the side of caution and seek advice from your physician before incorporating any new dietary supplement into your daily regimen, especially if you're on any potent meds.

 

Lowering Cholesterol and Avoiding Illness With Sea Moss

In addition to managing high blood pressure, sea moss has also been found to have a positive impact on cholesterol levels. This additional benefit allows our superfood to prevent illnesses such as heart disease and stroke. 

According to a research article in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, the high fibre content in sea moss helps to bind with cholesterol in the gut, preventing it from being absorbed into the bloodstream. This means that less cholesterol is circulating in the body, which can lower the risk of developing cholesterol-related illnesses. [4]

Additionally, sea moss is also rich in antioxidants, which shield the body from damage caused by free radicals. This can help to prevent the development of various illnesses, including cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and arthritis. 

So, incorporating sea moss into your diet can not only help lower cholesterol levels but also provide other health benefits as well.

 

Sea Moss Reduces Bad Cholesterol In Your Body

Sea moss has also been discovered to be helpful in lowering the LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in the body, a major risk factor for heart diseases. Let's have a look at the nutritional breakup of this slimy delicacy that help it achieve these benefits.

• Fibre

Sea moss is chock-full of fibre, which can help sweep bad cholesterol out of your body and keep your arteries clear.

• Omega-3s

These fatty acids are well-known for their heart-healthy benefits, and sea moss is a great plant-based source of them. [5]

• Carrageenan

This compound in sea moss has been shown to have cholesterol-lowering properties.

• Antioxidants

These substances help reduce inflammation in the body, which is linked to higher cholesterol levels.

• Potassium

This mineral helps to balance out the effects of sodium, reducing the risk of high blood pressure and protecting the arteries. This, in turn, can aid in reducing the levels of bad cholesterol in the body.

These compounds work together to block the absorption of cholesterol in the gut and promote its elimination from the body.

In addition to reducing LDL cholesterol, sea moss has also been found to increase levels of HDL or "good" cholesterol. This is also possible because of the high omega-3 fatty acids, which help improve the function of the liver and promote the production of HDL cholesterol.

 

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, sea moss is more than just a trendy superfood. It is an incredible collection of nutrients that can help you live your healthiest life. From reducing bad cholesterol to regulating blood pressure, sea moss has a lot to offer. 

And let us not forget; it's also an antioxidant powerhouse that can protect you from free radicals, aka the bad guys of the health world. So, whether you're sprinkling it on your salad or sipping it in your smoothie, remember to thank the sea for this oceanic gem. 

And if you have yet to witness those sea moss benefits, what are you waiting for? Take the first step towards a healthier body and order some sea moss for yourself and your loved ones from Myla's Moss, and let this seaweed work its magic on you!

FAQ's

Does sea moss help with cholesterol?

Yes, sea moss can help with cholesterol levels. Sea moss contains compounds such as fibre and potassium that have been shown to reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, also known as "bad" cholesterol. These compounds work by binding to cholesterol in the digestive system and preventing it from being absorbed into the bloodstream.

Can you take sea moss with blood pressure medicine?

Yes, sea moss can be taken with blood pressure medicine. However, it is extremely important to consult with your doctor before doing so.

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[1] Pujiastuti, D. Y., Ghoyatul Amin, M. N., Alamsjah, M. A., & Hsu, J. L. (2019). Marine organisms as potential sources of bioactive peptides that inhibit the activity of angiotensin I-converting enzyme: a review. Molecules, 24(14), 2541.

[2] Bouameur, S., Menad, A., Hamadou, T., Jørgensen, B., & Ameddah, S. (2022). Gelidium spinosum red algae ameliorates oxidative/nitrosative stress and inflammation in DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in mice. Egyptian Journal of Chemistry, 65(3), 341-352.

[3] Peñalver, R., Lorenzo, J. M., Ros, G., Amarowicz, R., Pateiro, M., & Nieto, G. (2020). Seaweeds as a functional ingredient for a healthy diet. Marine Drugs, 18(6), 301.

[4] Ejima, R., Akiyama, M., Sato, H., Tomioka, S., Yakabe, K., Kimizuka, T., ... & Kim, Y. G. (2021). Seaweed dietary fiber sodium alginate suppresses the migration of colonic inflammatory monocytes and diet-induced metabolic syndrome via the gut microbiota. Nutrients, 13(8), 2812.

[5] Żebrowska, A., Hall, B., Stolecka-Warzecha, A., Stanula, A., & Sadowska-Krępa, E. (2021). The effect of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on serum adipocytokines, lipid profile and biochemical markers of inflammation in recreational runners. Nutrients, 13(2), 456.

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