Seaweed: A 'Tonic' For The Heart
February is entitled National Heart Month, to raise awareness about heart diseases (* see below for more information). At Mara we know that seaweed is a great food to bring into your diet to promote a healthier heart. Hoolie the dog, aka Mara mascot, is a prime example. She loves eating seaweed and has a supremely healthy heart!
Since stress is a major factor leading to heart attacks we think a healthful seaweed cuppa is a good place to start being kind to your heart- Put your feet up and let the seaweed do the work!
Kombu (kelp) according to author and health expert, Valerie Gennari Cooksley , is a “tonic” for the heart, which gives overall protection from heart disease, helping you live longer. It supplies the blood, nervous system and heart with vital minerals, vitamins and cell salts - an ideal ratio of potassium to sodium which is critical for controlling hypertension. Kelp can lower cholesterol by suppressing bile acid absorption reducing inflammation therefore increasing heart efficiency.
Alginates help reduce the amount of fat the body digests thus leading to less obesity, one of the UK’s major contributors to heart disease.
Source: 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 the 6th of February asks the nation to show their support by wearing red and hosting an event to fund the British Heart Foundation’s life-saving research. For more information on how you can get involved visit www.wearitbeatit.bhf.org.uk
