February is National Heart Month! One of the easiest ways to think about your own heart health is through your good diet, you've probably heard that before right? According to the National Heart Association, a healthy lifestyle - a balance of good food, exercise and having a social life - are the keys to a healthy heart. It is important to have a varied diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables and (lucky for you) of course includes the sea vegetable - seaweed!
Here are 3 ways seaweed can be part of a healthy & strong heart.
#1 Seaweed is a source of Iodine
Iodine is a mineral that helps the body produce thyroid hormones, regulate metabolism and other important bodily functions such as brain, heart, kidney, liver and muscle function. Iodine deficiency can lead to insufficient production of thyroid hormones in the long run, which in a domino effect affects the rest of the body such as the heart, kidneys, liver & muscles. Sources of iodine are often from animal sources therefore vegans may be at risk for iodine deficiency. As you might guess, it's a pretty vital substance to get in - which is why seaweed is a super good source of it - for everyone! However, we do raise a warning flag for breastfeeding mothers who shouldn't get too much of the good stuff. Read more on the Food Standards Agency website. Moderation is best as usual...
#2 Seaweed contains antioxidants
We need oxygen to breathe - pretty basic information there, we can handle it. But when oxygen is converted, so-called free radicals are formed and they are very reactive. Wait a minute here... huh? To sum up, free radicals are simply not good for you! They are, however, hard to avoid. When we have too high levels of free radicals, so-called oxidative stress occurs and damages cells and tissues. They can occur naturally in the body from stress and hard physical work or from external factors such as air pollution and cigarette smoke. In turn, they can lead to diabetes and cardiovascular disease...
This may feel pretty depressing, I agree, BUT I'll be able to turn this around. The good news is that you can protect yourself from free radicals with antioxidants. The shocking news is also that seaweed is packed with vitamins like A, B, C & E. Send over a load of seaweed, bam!
#3 Seaweed is naturally nutritious
Seaweed has a blissful mix of essential nutrients and various health-promoting compounds such as dietary fibre, lipids, minerals and peptides that can prevent cardiovascular disease. While it's super easy to eat supplements to get extra vitamins and minerals into your diet, we believe the best way to get the nutrition is through whole foods without the frills. For those who want to start introducing naturally nutrient-dense foods into your diet, make it easy by starting to use seaweed in your everyday meals. Whether you want to enjoy it for breakfast on the crisp roll, in your smoothie for lunch or in a hearty casserole for dinner, seaweed is just the little friend you can hold in your hand to give your meals a nutritional boost.
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