Category: Biosea Health

Biosea Health seaweed is full of vitamins, minerals and pre-biotics. Demonstrated blood pressure reduction, anti-inflammatory compounds and providing better gut microbiome.

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Biosea Health Health Benefits

How to understand blood pressure readings

Understand blood pressure readings
Check your blood pressure readings regularly at the pharmacy or at home

Understanding blood pressure readings?

Blood pressure readings are a direct measure of the pressure applied on the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood around the body. Because there are two phases of the heart pumping, there are two measures of blood pressure. When high, it is called hypertension.

What are the long term effects of Hypertension?

Exercise helps maintain blood pressure readings at the right level.

Blood vital sign does not remain constant at all times but varies and adjusts to the bodies needs depending on various factors such as the position of the body, physical activity, breathing, and emotional state. If you do exercise, then the pressure will increase to push more blood around the body. Exercising is usually recommended for improvements in health, and that exercise can raise your resting heart rate by 50 to 70% above the resting heart rate. Just the thought of going to a doctor can increase your heart rate, and doctors describe the elevated blood vital sign level that results simply from being in their office as “White Coat Syndrome.” However, if your hypertension stays persistently high for a long time, it can damage your heart and your blood vessels, leading to severe health problems. It puts extra demand on the heart and blood vessels, thus weakening the heart muscles and increasing the risk of heart disease. When your vital signs remain consistently high for extended periods, it is referred to as hypertension. Hypertension usually does not have any visibly apparent signs or symptoms; therefore, the only way to know if you have hypertension is by having it measured either at home or by your medical practitioner. Uncontrolled high blood levels can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

How is blood pressure measured?

Blood level pressure can be measured at home with a blood pressure machine, or by your pharmacist or a medical practitioner. The units of measure (millimeters of mercury or mm Hg) are based on the first pressure measurement instruments that used mercury. It is the standard still used in medicine today. Hypertension levels are assessed using two measurements. The first number, which is the higher one, is called systolic blood pressure and measures the pressure in the blood vessels when the heartbeats. The second number, which is the lower number, is called the diastolic blood pressure and measures the pressure in the blood vessels when the heart relaxes between beats.

blood pressure level infographic


What do the measurements mean?

Normal blood pressure

Although measurements vary from person to person, optimal blood vital sign pressure is in the normal range if the top reading (systolic pressure) is below 120 AND your bottom reading (diastolic pressure) is below 80.  i.e., 120 over 80. The typical difference is about 40. 

Elevated blood pressure

You have Elevated blood pressure if your top reading is between 120 and 129, AND your bottom reading is below 80.

Hypertension stage 1

You have Hypertension Stage 1 if your top reading is between 130 and 139 OR your bottom reading is between 80 and 89.

Hypertension stage 2

You have Hypertension Stage 2 if your top reading is 140 or higher OR your bottom reading is 90 or higher.

Hypertensive crisis

You are in the Danger zone and should seek immediate medical help if your top reading is above 180 AND/OR your bottom reading is above 120.

Foods high in potassium help keep blood pressure readings in the right range

How can you manage hypertension naturally?

A person with high vital sign level pressure is wise to make some changes to their lifestyle to help bring the readings down. Some of these changes include eating foods rich in potassium, reducing the amount of salt intake, weight loss, together with regular exercise and reduced alcohol intake. Since having potassium in the diet reduces the effect of sodium, taking foods rich in potassium helps people with hypertension manage this condition. 

Does consuming seaweed help?

Dieticians consider that seaweed could potentially replace salt as it naturally has a salty taste. The addition of seaweed in your diet will have a net effect of increasing potassium in your body and reducing the demand for sodium intake as the seaweed replaces the salt. Seaweed also has many nutrients, such as vitamins C, which decreases vital sign pressure. In Japan, several undertaken studies have associated seaweed consumption with protection against heart disease. Seaweed might possess beneficial health effects on the blood pressure of the blood among children according to a study in healthy pre-school Japanese children. Adding seaweed to your diet may help reduce hypertension by reducing blood cholesterol levels because excess cholesterol in your blood can form a clot that can cause a stroke or heart attack.

When it comes to understanding your blood pressure results, and what to do about them, always speak to your medical practitioner. Biosea Health grows pure, organic, Pacific Sea Moss©. Our seaweed is harvested in the pristine waters of the Pacific Ocean. Seaweed intake may lower blood pressure according to several scientific studies and also has for consumers of Pacific Sea Moss. Seaweed is part of a healthy diet, and when combined with regular exercise, heart health likely improves.

As with any dietary supplement, you should consult a healthcare professional if you have any questions about adding seaweed to your diet. We make no medical claims. But we all understand seaweed is healthy. What you may not know is that peer-reviewed scientific papers have shown in countless studies on humans, animals, and in test tubes that seaweed is healthy. BioSea Health provides seaweed as a simple way to consume food. Simply good healthy food.

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Arthritis Reviews

Natural Arthritis Relief with Seaweed

Natural arthritis relief

Natural Arthritis Relief with Seaweed

Seaweed and its anti-oxidant compounds reduce inflammatory pro-inflammatory cytokines (signal carrying proteins), part of the cause of arthritis and seaweed reduces this inflammation. Research is focused on the mechanism and the compounds associated with startling results and also clinical trial on the improved health outcomes observed in animal trials and limited human trials.

What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis is characterized by swelling and tenderness of a joint or joints in the body and is often accompanied by pain and stiffness of the affected areas [1]. The most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis, in which the collagen cushioning joints breaks down, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), where the immune system attacks the joints and the joint lining. Other forms of arthritis can result from disease and infections, as well as the presence of uric acid crystals [1] [5].

Over time, arthritis continues to progress and symptoms can worsen. The resulting stress on joints can lead to a loss of range of motion and interference in the ability to complete everyday tasks. In severe cases even standing or sitting become difficult [1].

Treatment for arthritis varies, but centers around managing symptoms with the goal of decreasing inflammation and providing pain relief [1] [2]. Research into natural remedies for arthritis has led scientists to investigate the lifestyle habits of Eastern cultures, where the prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis is significantly lower [3].

Natural Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Properties

One characteristic that fascinates science is the Eastern diet, which is very different from that of the West. As more is discovered about the world’s oceans, the correlation between dietary seaweed and improved health has led to research into its potential benefits for those with arthritis.[3].

Red, brown and green seaweeds contain a variety of nutrients, minerals, and other compounds [3]. Some of these compounds have been shown to possess properties that may treat the symptoms, and perhaps the causes of arthritis [5]. In laboratory studies, polysaccharide alginate, naturally found in some types of seaweed, has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-immunogenic properties [4].

Arthritis inflammation is attributed to pro-inflammatory cytokines [5] (signal carrying proteins [8]). Testing demonstrated that the production of free radicals can accelerate inflammation associated with arthritis. Seaweed and seaweed derivatives may reduce the pain of arthritis by treating the source of the inflammation, free radicals [5]. Furthermore, research into seaweed may prove to be a link in the development of natural-based analgesic medication [9]

Anti-Oxidants to Break Down Free Radicals

Antioxidants are substances that protect living cells from the effects of free radicals. Whether found in the outside environment or within the body, free radicals are believed to contribute to cancer, heart disease, and other health issues, including arthritis [2].  Foods containing antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, and carotenoids, are found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains [2]. Science is now exploring seaweed as an alternative source of antioxidants with the added benefits of anti-inflammatory and cancer fighting properties [7].

Research suggests that a high concentration of free radicals in the body could be responsible for the inflammation brought about by rheumatoid arthritis. The same study proposes that the worsening of RA over time may also be due to an increase in free radicals within joint tissue [5].

During another study, the antioxidant properties of seaweed scavenged free radicals in vitro (from laboratory cultures). The results of further testing concluded that sulfated alginates protected against free radicals and inflammation [4].

Seaweed for Humanity

There is still a great deal of research yet to be conducted regarding the possible health benefits of seaweed. However, current paths of study have the scientific community excited about the possibilities of finding more effective treatments for arthritis [4] [6] as well as other diseases and disorders.

Seaweed supplements offer a readily accessible and convenient way to include seaweed in a healthy diet. Biosea Health promises to deliver the all-natural health benefits fresh from the ocean to your doorstep in less than 2 weeks.

As with any dietary supplement, you should consult a healthcare professional if you have any questions about adding seaweed to your diet. We make no medical claims.  But we all understand seaweed is healthy. What you may not know is that peer reviewed scientific papers have shown in countless studies on humans, animals and in test tubes that seaweed is healthy. Biosea Health provides seaweed as a simple way to consume food.  Simply good healthy food.

References:

[1]  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350772

[2]  https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2017/bm/c7bm00341b?fbclid=IwAR05E7cw40wsKoRs3MNaqXL9zJz6BHvz9BUuncKooz6n6CS5D_1uBt4Xizs#!divAbstract

[3]  https://jpacr.ub.ac.id/index.php/jpacr/article/view/147/pdf

[4]  https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2017/bm/c7bm00341b?fbclid=IwAR05E7cw40wsKoRs3MNaqXL9zJz6BHvz9BUuncKooz6n6CS5D_1uBt4Xizs#!divAbstract

[5]  https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1567576911001664

[6]  https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1734114012707661

[7]  https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-nutritional-science/article/reduction-of-hba1c-levels-by-fucoxanthinenriched-akamoku-oil-possibly-involves-the-thrifty-allele-of-uncoupling-protein-1-ucp1-a-randomised-controlled-trial-in-normalweight-and-obese-japanese-adults/2896275442FF7EEC0FBC61F8033AC280

[8]  https://www.dictionary.com/browse/cytokine

[9]  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4352535/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYRl8Qy7f-k

Categories
Biosea Health Health Benefits Heart Health

Improve Heart Health with Seaweed

Improve heart health with seaweed Pacific Sea Moss

Improve Heart Health with Seaweed

You can improve heart health with a diet of seaweed because it reduces blood pressure – an essential part of heart health. It improves gut microbiome, is full of essential nutrients, amino acids, lipids, and over 1,000 biologically active compounds. Research globally is chasing some of the compounds.  The compounds have anti-microbial, fungicidal, anti-cancer, weight loss, arthritis, Alzheimer’s, and memory function properties. There are some novel compounds in the research phase. Whole seaweed may be as effective as the compounds, but food cannot make health claims.

According to the World Health Organization, more than 1.13 billion people suffer from high blood pressure (hypertension), with only 20% of them having the condition under control. Globally, high blood pressure is estimated to result in the death of about 7.5 million. Hypertension forces the cardiovascular system to work harder, creating pressure within the heart and arteries that can reach dangerous levels. Hypertension is considered to be the most common chronic disease and a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.

Blood Pressure – The Silent Killer

One of the main challenges relating to high blood pressure is that an affected person may not know that you have hypertension. About a third of people affected by high blood pressure do not know it. The surest way to see if you have high blood pressure is through regular checkups by a medical professional because the symptoms of high blood pressure can be easily ignored. It is commonly referred to as “the silent killer,” and some common symptoms include dizziness, headaches, nose bleeds, vision changes, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting, depending on the severity of the condition. If left uncontrolled, hypertension can lead to strokes, seizures, heart attacks, irregular heart rhythm, kidney damage, and blocked arteries, all of which can result in death.

Seaweed Reduces Blood Pressure

improve heart healthSeaweed has become a popular diet due to the association of its intake to longer life expectancy and lower incidence of cardiovascular diseases to improve heart health. In eastern Asia, increased consumption of seaweed has been linked to the reduced rates of high blood pressure. In a study among Japanese preschool children, seaweed has been suggested to have beneficial effects on blood pressure. Seaweed contains several essential minerals, including potassium, copper, calcium, zinc, magnesium, and sodium. These minerals, as part of a healthy diet, can help to lower the risk of both high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Other anti-hypertensive compounds found in seaweed include peptides and fucoxanthin, which have promising anti-hypertensive properties and act by counteracting the main mechanisms of high blood pressure. The ingestion of seaweed has been shown to improve the physical structure of the heart in rats.

Improve Heart Health With Potassium

Seaweed has high levels of potassium. Potassium especially has been recommended as an essential element in helping to improve heart health. A diet that includes increased intake of potassium may help in the prevention and control of hypertension and a decrease in deaths associated with cardiovascular diseases. Consumption of potassium has also been found to help in reducing high blood pressure in adults, which in turn reduces the risk of coronary heart diseases. Potassium helps the heart by relieving tension on the walls of the blood vessels, and this helps to lower blood pressure and reduces the risk of a stroke. A diet with sufficient potassium also helps to remove sodium from the body. There are many ways to ingest the necessary amounts of potassium; however, 18g of dried seaweed contains approximately the same amount of potassium as 700 g of spinach. The World Health Organization guidelines recommend a daily intake (RDI) of potassium of at least 3,510 mg of potassium per day, and this is sufficiently provided by the regular addition of seaweed to your diet.

References

[1] How too little potassium may contribute to cardiovascular disease 2017 National Institure of Health (Link)

[2] Increasing potassium intake to reduce blood pressure and risk of cardiovascular diseases in adults WHO (Link)

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Biosea Health Health Benefits Weight loss

Seaweed Linked to Weight Loss?

Seaweed linked to weight loss Pacific Sea Moss

Seaweed can reduce appetite, and appetite is key in weight loss.

How is Seaweed Linked to Weight Loss?

Weight loss, whether calculated via numbers on a scale or the measurement of one’s waist, is a continual battle. Maintaining a certain weight requires balancing caloric intake (energy consumed) with the amount of energy expended [6]. Losing weight results from using more energy than is taken in and, depending on various factors, this can seem nearly impossible to manage.

Seaweed linked to weight loss

Food is a necessity that sometimes comes in the form of less than optimal choices – or just plain tantalizing ones. It is inconvenient in the extreme to compute the caloric intake of each bite taken every day of the week. Even if that task is accomplished, there is energy output to measure and manage. Exercise assists in burning calories when one can find the time. But the belief that exercise reduces weight is wrong. Most who exercise reward themselves, just a little, and find they do get fitter, but do not lose weight. The only way is to drop the fork!

Change what you eat. When you change WHAT you eat, you change HOW MUCH you eat.

Enter an alternative method to aid in weight loss and weight management. Seaweed!

SEAWEED CAN DECREASE HUNGER

Dietary changes to decrease the intake of calories most definitely results in weight loss, but it also comes at a cost, namely hunger [9]. More often than not, a low-calorie diet introduces foods that are less filling, at least initially. Hunger signals from the stomach counter the cerebral knowledge that the appropriate meal was consumed and no more is forthcoming. [4]

Thankfully, Biosea Health has provided a way to silence the rumbles without consuming extra calories because seaweed is linked to weight loss.

Seaweed is a source of calorie-free, soluble fiber that attracts water and swells in the stomach creating a sense of fullness. Soluble fiber added to a healthy diet helps lower LDL cholesterol (the bad kind) [2] [4]. Furthermore, research has shown that fucoxanthin, a carotenoid, can be linked to weight loss in animals, among other health benefits [7] [11].

HEALTH INTO OLDER AGE IS WANTED BY ALL

seaweed link to weight loss as well as exercise, diet and lifestyle

HEALTH INTO OLDER AGE IS WANTED BY ALL

seaweed linked to weight loss Eat healthy

INCREASE FIBER AND DECREASE CARBOHYDRATES

Carbohydrates or saccharides can range from simple (table sugar, honey, and high-fructose corn syrup) to complex (whole bread, pasta, potatoes, and fiber). In any weight loss or livestyle change a simple strategy is to reduce consumption of simple carbs and maintain complex carbs.  While carbs are a basic source of energy for the body [3], calories gained from carbohydrate-rich foods can quickly add up [6].

Research shows that adding fiber to a regulated diet decreases energy intake and increases weight loss among obese individuals. One summary of published reviews showed that an additional 14g of fiber per day could lead to a 10% decrease in food consumption [5]. But be careful to avoid excessive intake because too much of anything has side effects.

INCREASE NUTRITIONAL INTAKE

High-protein, high-fat, and/or low carb weight loss methods are continuing to gain in popularity. Results show that many individuals lose weight when adhering to such lifestyle changes [6]. Unfortunately, these diets can mean leaving out certain whole grains, fruits and vegetables, essential sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber [1] [4].

Adding seaweed to a diet that is limited or lacking in traditional sources of fiber may act as bulk to help stave off hunger without adding carbohydrates [4]. Fiber also serves to ensure a healthy digestive system [10].

DRIED SEAWEED

Thanks to Biosea Health, this oceanic “vegetable” is available as convenient capsule. Harvested fresh from the waters of the Mindanao region of the Southern Philippine islands, our Pacific Sea Moss© is minced, dried, packaged, and shipped to you in less than two weeks [1].

The amount of seaweed is about 5 grams dry.  This amount of seaweed is equivalent to about 1 serve of vegetables.  With only 5 calories, but with 30% of the RDI of potassium, fiber, the seaweed is a great way to have complement a complete diet.

Healthy adults can generally ingest seaweed safely as part of a regular, balanced diet. Of course, it is advisable to speak to a healthcare professional before taking supplements if there are any concerns.[11].

References

[1] https://bioseahealth.com/

[2] https://www.berkeleywellness.com/healthy-eating/food/article/6-things-know-about-seaweed

[3] https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/qa/what-are-carbohydrates-carbs

[4] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0899900704003041

[5] https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/article-abstract/59/5/129/1875096

[6] https://nutritionj.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1475-2891-10-40

[7] https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/9/11/1261/htm

[8] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213453015000439

[9] https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article-abstract/32/8/1703/4692345

[10] https://www.pacificharvest.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Sea-Vegetables-for-Health.pdf

[11] https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/9/11/1261/htm

Categories
Biosea Health Cancer Health Benefits

Potential cancer fighting properties in seaweed

Seaweed Cancer Fighting Properties in Pacific Sea Moss

Potential cancer fighting properties in seaweed

Seaweed has been known for millennia to have anti-cancer properties. The Egyptians used seaweed to treat breast cancer as early as 2640 BC, while both Traditional Chinese Medicine and Japanese Folk medicine use seaweed to treat tumors.   Modern science is now recognizing how important seaweed can be for cancer prevention, with studies showing that a diet rich in seaweed can dramatically reduce blood markers linked to breast cancer.

The growth of abnormal cells characterizes cancer, and there are more than 100 cancerous diseases with an enormous health burden worldwide. Carotenoids are a class of biological pigment which are known to have beneficial effects for cancer prevention. Carotenoids, including fucoxanthin, are in many seaweed species and considered by researchers to have incredible potential cancer-fighting properties with promising applications in other areas of human health. Fucoxanthin is one of the most readily available carotenoids that is the subject of research. It is known to stop the growth cycle of cancer cells leading to programmed cell death dramatically slowing cancer growth. Currently, most of the research studies on the anti-cancer effects of  Fucoxanthin are focused on animal subjects. Scientists are excited by the prospect of developing cancer-fighting medications from seaweeds for humans.

Fresh seaweedMuch of this work is with brown seaweeds that have high levels of fucoxanthin. There is accumulating evidence that shows fucoxanthin may have reduction anti-cancer effects on several cancer cells such as lung, breast, colon, prostate, and bladder cancer.

Fucoxanthin has significantly inhibited the growth of prostate cancer by destroying prostate cancer cells. Fucoxanthin has also been identified to substantially reduce the growth of urinary bladder cancer cells by acting as a cancer-inhibiting agent. In a study on mice with skin tumors, the mice were fed fucoxanthin, which led to the suppression of skin tumors resulting in a reduced number of tumors. Studies on human lung cancer cells treated with fucoxanthin also showed a decrease in the number of human lung cancer cells.

The effect of fucoxanthin does not stop at cancer cell reduction. There have been many reports indicating fucoxanthin has a protective effect against the dangerous side effects of drugs. Because fucoxanthin is a natural compound, it is effective without being toxic to the body. It reduces cancer cells plus decreases side effects of conventional cancer treatments leading to improved quality of life cancer patients.

It is not just brown seaweed with anti-cancer activity. Other seaweeds also have anti-cancer activity, but the mode of action is less well understood.

Cancer Research on Pacific Seamoss

One particular seaweed, Pacific Sea Moss©, a red seaweed, containing fucoxanthin in smaller amounts, has been researched on its anti-carcinogenic effects. In Asian cultures such as Korea, Japan, and parts of China, the red seaweed found in Pacific Sea Moss© has long been part of the diets where its consumption is associated with reduced prevalence of breast cancer. Seaweed is also used to treat tumors in traditional Chinese medicine.

Scientists have undertaken several tests on rats induced with a human breast tumor. Once the rats started eating the red seaweed found in Pacific Sea Moss© (Euchemia denticularum “spinosum”), the breast tumors began to decrease in size and number. The mechanism is complicated, but it seems that the seaweed changes the gut microbiome, which reduces the levels of estrogen, which decreases cancer prevalence. The results highlight the importance of marine dietary fiber as a food supplement.

Tests undertaken on human colon cancer cells have showcased the anti-carcinogenic effects of Euchemia spinosum, whereby the human colon cells have died after being administered with the red seaweed found in Pacific Sea Moss©.

Verifiable evidence shows that adding seaweed in our diet may increase the capacity of our bodies to fight against different forms of cancer such as liver, bladder, breast, colon, and prostate cancer. Therefore, these results suggest that the intake of Pacific Sea Moss© has the potential of reducing the risk of several types of cancer.

We make no medical claims.  But we all understand seaweed is healthy. Biosea Health provides seaweed in an easy to consume way with Pacific Sea Moss©  Simply good healthy food.

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Arthritis Biosea Health Health Benefits

Seaweed reduces Arthritis

seaweed reduces arthritis Pacific Seamoss

SEAWEED REDUCES ARTHRITIS EVIDENCE

The evidence that seaweed reduces arthritis has been demonstrated by a reduction in degeneration of cartilage through potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflamatory and anti-immunogenic actions. Arthritis is one of the most common causes of pain and disability in our aging population and current treatments only address the symptoms of joint disease.  While there are over 100 different types of arthritis, the underlying causes for arthritis are oxidative stress and inflammation in cartilage and in the surrounding tissue. Rheumatoid and osteo arthritis may be caused by different reasons.

Some promising work by  Kerschenmeyer and team in 2017 published promising “in vitro” work with the carrageenan in our Pacific Sea Moss©. While the paper is technical the information is really encouraging. What they said was

“Here we show that the natural polysaccharide alginate and particularly its sulfated derivatives have potent anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-immunogenic properties in vitro. We found that these polymers exert a free radical scavenging activity in a sulfation-dependent manner. In particular, the sulfation degree of substitution of alginate directly correlated with its ability to scavenge superoxide radicals and to chelate metal ions.”

What Conclusions About Seaweed Reduces Arthritis did the Authors Conclude

The data from that paper shows chemical assays performed with alginate (●), and sulfated alginates with DS 0.1 (•), 0.21 (x), 0.48 (■), 0.74 (✮) and 0.98 (▲). Each figure is a different assay. Figure A) Superoxide radical scavenging assay. B) Hydroxyl radical scavenging assay. C) Metal chelating assay. D) Reducing power assay. Dotted line indicates absorbance of the negative control. Results were obtained from three replicates and are shown as mean +/- SD.

There will have to be more in vitro or field trials but the evidence in the lab follows what many have been saying that seaweed reduces arthritis.

REFERENCES

[1] Treating arthritis with algae. A new weapon in the fight against arthritis? Science Direct

[2] Anne Kerschenmeyer, Øystein Arlov, Vera Malheiro, Matthias Steinwachs, Markus Rottmar, Katharina Maniura-Weber, Gemma Palazzoloae and Marcy Zenobi-Wong 2017 Anti-oxidant and immune-modulatory properties of sulfated alginate derivatives on human chondrocytes and macrophages. Biomater. Sci., 2017,5, 1756-1765  DOI:10.1039/C7BM00341B

Categories
Biosea Health Cancer Health Benefits

Breast Cancer Rates 1/10 of UK. Why?

Breast Cancer Rates are 1/10 in Japan than UK with seaweed

Breast Cancer Rates in UK are Higher

Breast cancer rates in UK are 10 times those of Japan. USA has 4 times rate of mortality than Japan. Why? Diets, and eating seaweed is just one of differences implicated. This  wide difference has intrigued researchers and other studies have followed from this remarkable difference.

The rates of Japanese versus UK, France and Spain are even more pronounced.

Another interesting comparison is the rates of breast cancer in Japan versus the rates of breast cancer in the USA over 25 years.

This graph from Kotanda and Hori in 2016 assessed breast cancer incidence rates between Japanese in Japan and those in the USA.  The full details of how they made are in the reference below. They used aged-standardized incidence rates (called ASR) and the data is from 1959 to 2007.  Conclusions were.

  •  The ASRs of the three prefectures in Japan have been increasing.
  • The ASRs in the USA also showed increasing trends
  • ASR for Japanese are lower than Americans throughout the 50 years
  • The Japanese are slowly catching up on the Americans

The figure below shows more data.

The question is why? What is different about the society that causes this markedly different cancer rates.

Breast Cancer Markers Halved with Seaweed

Professor Jane Teas was looking for this as early as 1981 but went on with a clinical trial of 16 women post breast cancer detection and treatment in 2013. Her conclusions from that paper is that one marker of breast cancer is particular chemical in the blood called uPAR (Urinary human urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor).

“One serum protein (m/z 8,928) reversibly increased with seaweed and may be the immunostimulatory complement activation C3a des-arginine. uPAR is higher among postmenopausal women generally, and for BC patients, it is associated with unfavorable BC prognosis. By lowering uPAR, dietary seaweed may help explain lower BC incidence and mortality among postmenopausal women in Japan”.

Plain English: Seaweed halved a marker of breast cancer in less than 4 weeks. That marker can be identified in blood tests and the uPAR is called creatinine.

Here is the image from the publication.  For more information head to the references by Jane Teas 2013. We now know seaweed is good for you.

References

  • Kota Katanoda, Megumi Hori 2016. Incidence rate for breast cancer in Japanese in Japan and in the United States from the Cancer Incidence in Five Continents. Japanese Journal of Clinical Oncology, Volume 46, Issue 9, September 2016, Page 883, https://doi.org/10.1093/jjco/hyw119 and Oxford University Press
  • Saika, K., & Sobue, T. (2009, January). Epidemiology of breast cancer in Japan and the US. Japan Medical Association Journal.
  • Teas J. The consumption of seaweed as a protective factor in the etiology of breast cancer. 1981 Medical Hypotheses DOI 10.1016/0306-9877(81)90004-9
  • Teas, Jane; Vena, Sylvia; Lindsie, D; Irhimeh, Mohammad 2013 The consumption of seaweed as a protective factor in the etiology of breast cancer: proof of principle DOI: 10.1007/s10811-012-9931-0
Categories
Biosea Health Health Benefits Seaweed for Humanity

Health Benefits of Seaweed. 8 things you should know.

8 health benefits of seaweed eating Pacific Seamoss

Health Benefits of Seaweed

Seaweed, or “sea vegetables”, are a type of sea algae that can be found growing along shorelines around the world. Generally, seaweed can be classified by color – red, green and brown. Biosea Health grows and harvests Pacific Sea Moss© or Kappaphycus alvarezii in pristine Pacific waters off the SouthEast Coast of the Philippines. Enjoy the health benefits of seaweed.

Heath benefits of seaweed

People are familiar with the dried, processed varieties commonly used in the making of salads, soups and sushi. However, they may not know this aquatic plant has a number of edible species, each with their own nutritional and health benefits.  

Eastern cultures have acknowledged seaweed as a sustainable and nutrient rich food source for thousands of years. Backed by modern science, there is a growing movement to include seaweed in the Western diet in order to take advantage of the many health benefits.  

1. Potential Cancer-Fighting Properties

Seaweed is a natural source of fucoxanthin. A carotenoid, a class of biological pigment that includes beta-carotene. Fucoxanthin is being actively researched for its many health properties. Brown seaweeds have more than red seaweeds but all contain some.

health benefits of seaweed - helping with cancer

Perhaps the most exciting discovery about this compound is its anti-cancerous properties. Cancer is characterized by the growth of abnormal cells and there are more than 100 cancerous diseases. Fucoxanthin can disrupt the development of cancerous cells helping to slow the advance of the disease. 

Many of the studies on fucoxanthin’s effects on cancer, focus on animal subjects. Scientists are excited by the prospect of developing cancer fighting medications from seaweeds for humans. 

2. Improved Heart Health and Blood Pressure Maintenance

According to the World Health Organization more than 1.13 billion people suffer from high blood pressure (hypertension) and less than 1 in 5 have the condition under control. Hypertension forces the cardiovascular system to work harder, creating pressure within the heart and arteries that can reach dangerous levels.

Symptoms of high blood pressure can be easily ignored unless diagnosed by a medical professional. Known as “the silent killer”, it can cause dizziness, headaches, nose bleeds, vision changes, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting depending on the severity of the condition. Left uncontrolled, hypertension can lead to strokes, seizures, heart attacks, irregular heart rhythm, kidney damage, and blocked arteries, all of which can result in death.

3. Full of Essential Minerals

measuring blood pressure with old woman

Seaweed contains a number of essential minerals including potassium, copper, calcium, zinc, magnesium, and sodium. These minerals, as part of a healthy diet help to lower the risk of both high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. The ingestion of seaweed has been shown to improve the physical structure of the heart in rats.

Potassium especially has been recommended as an important element in helping to improve cardiovascular health. There are many ways to ingest the necessary amounts of potassium, however, 18 g of dried seaweed contains approximately the same amount of potassium as 700 g of spinach. More detail is provided in our Trace Elements in Seaweed analysis for Pacific Seamoss

4. Full of Vitamins

The actual level of vitamins has been poorly studied but check out our vitamin Seaweed is Full of Vitaminsanalysis to see that depending on how the seaweed is harvested, and species may be 30% of your daily requirements of Vitamin B’s or Vitamin D’s

5. Improves Liver Function and Structure

Primarily the liver filters blood coming from the digestive tract, metabolizes drugs and detoxifies chemicals. This important organ also produces proteins that aid in blood clotting.

Seaweed Health Benefits

Compromised liver function can result in a buildup of blood impurities. Chemicals, minerals, proteins, and nutrients that would normally be distributed through the body or filtered out as waste, instead of failing to reach their proper destinations. Sadly, many liver disorders and diseases do not present with outward symptoms until they have progressed further. 

The fiber and nutrients contained in seaweed appear to help purify the digestive tract and improve cardiovascular health, which benefits the liver. Fucoxanthin has also been shown to improve the structure of the liver, as well as the heart.

6. A Natural Way to Promote Thyroid Health

Seaweed contains a rich source of iodine which is necessary for thyroid health. The thyroid produces hormones which help to regulate many of the body’s metabolic functions, such as brain development, temperature, heart rate, cholesterol, menstrual cycles, and breathing.

Seasoned seaweed salad and fresh herbs. Top view. Table setting

A common source of iodine in the Western diet is iodized table salt. For those watching their sodium intake, even small amounts of added salt can be detrimental. Instead, the ingestion of seaweed can provide most, if not all, of the recommended daily intake. However, too much seaweed can lead to an over-saturation of iodine, so moderation is encouraged.

7. Supports Digestive Health and Regularity

In 2008 the recommended daily intake of fiber was 25g for females and 38g for males. As little as 8g of seaweed a day could provide 12.5% of this need. Increased fiber helps the body to flush out toxins and waste, including excess fats. 

Prebiotics are food for the microflora inside the human digestive tract. These foods are often high in fiber, making seaweed an optimal source. Probiotics are foods that contain live microorganisms that maintain or improve microflora. Though research is still exploring the benefits of prebiotics, healthy adults can safely add this natural digestive aid to their diet.

Depending on amount consumed, seaweed is very high in soluble and insoluble fibre. Details are on the label

8. Assists in Controlling Hunger Which Can Aid in Weight Loss

Obesity is a major health concern around the world, especially in industrialized nations. Maintaining a balanced BMI amongst all of life’s other responsibilities can be a challenge for even the most dedicated. 

weight loss

Besides being beneficial to your digestive tract, fiber is a great way to stave off hunger. Fiber lacks calories while also filling the stomach and providing nutrients. Seaweed, already a low-calorie food, is also high in soluble fiber (36.4%) and other nutrients. In addition, the fucoxanthin in seaweed has been shown to aid in weight loss in rats who had been fed a high-calorie diet compared.

Additional Health Benefits of Seaweed

These additional health benefits have been shown in both animal and human studies.

9. Aids in Controlling Blood Sugar and may reduce risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Seaweed’s high fiber composition, nutritional content, and prebiotic properties may promote digestive, liver, thyroid and cardiovascular health. Working in concert, these systems can foster healthy insulin production and blood sugar levels. Enjoy the health benefits of seaweed.

Lifestyle factors, such as diet, exercise and genetic predisposition, can affect any of these systems singularly or collectively. Drug reactions, injury, and physical changes to the body such as pregnancy or cancer can also affect how the body processes glucose and produces insulin.

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the cells become resistant to insulin and the pancreas is unable to overcome this resistance. Insulin then needs to be introduced into the body to balance glucose levels in the blood. Lifestyle and diet changes can assist the body in stabilizing glucose to insulin levels.

Research has shown that the fucoxanthin lowered the blood glucose, plasma insulin, and water intake in diabetic mice. One human-trial study reported a decrease in body weight that may have been related to the presence of fucoxanthin. The potential benefits for diabetics is high and could prove to help those not affected by the disease to lessen their susceptibility.

10 Boosts the Immune System and Anti-Aging

The not so humble “sea vegetables” is a nutrient-dense part of the average diet in Japan, Korea and China – nations which have been the focus of many recent health studies. It has long been noted by science and the healthcare community that these cultures have extended longevity and overall health when compared to the West.

biosea health one bottle

Seaweed is full of antioxidants which may protect cells from internal and external free radicals. The cancer fighting properties of fucoxanthin may also assist the body in fighting signs of aging created by irregular cell development. These products may have also, anti-inflammatory properties. Skin care products and healthcare techniques which use seaweeds can be found throughout Asia and are steadily making their way around the world.

11. Improves brain function

Check out our post on how seaweed is being studied for improved brain function and reduction in dementia.

12. Reduces Hangovers

There is good evidence seaweed assists in reducing hangovers

We make no medical claims.  But we all understand seaweed is healthy.  What you may not know is that peer reviewed scientific papers have shown in countless studies on humans, animals and in test tubes that seaweed is healthy. Biosea Health provides seaweed as a simple way to consume food.  Simply good healthy food.

References

For more reading, check out these links.