Is Sea Moss Good For High Blood Pressure?

Sea Moss has been studied for its potential to regulate blood pressure. It is increasingly becoming an effective natural remedy for those with high blood pressure. Many reviews indicate that Sea Moss is a superfood offering numerous benefits for overall health, particularly cardiovascular health. So, is Sea Moss good for high blood pressure? And how can you use Sea Moss to achieve the best results?

How Does Blood Pressure Work?

Blood pressure is the force that blood exerts on the walls of arteries when the heart pumps blood out (systolic blood pressure) and when the heart rests (diastolic blood pressure) [1]. Normal blood pressure levels are essential for maintaining cardiovascular health and effective blood circulation.

It depends on the volume of blood the heart pumps, the resistance of the blood vessels, and the elasticity of the arteries. Blood pressure is regulated through the nervous system, hormones, and kidneys to maintain stable blood pressure and meet the body's needs.

What Is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure (also known as hypertension) is a condition where the pressure of blood against the walls of the arteries remains consistently higher than normal. Blood pressure is measured using two readings:

• Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP): The pressure of blood in the arteries when the heart beats and pumps blood out.
• Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP): The pressure of blood in the arteries when the heart rests between beats.

According to medical standards, high blood pressure is defined as:

• Systolic Blood Pressure ≥ 140 mm Hg
• Diastolic Blood Pressure ≥ 90 mm Hg

Hypertension can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and other health issues.

What Is Irish Sea Moss?

Chondrus crispus, commonly known as Irish moss, contains a high calcium content, surpassing that of milk. This red seaweed is also rich in minerals and protein, making it very beneficial for health [2]. Irish moss is widely harvested for food and for producing the gelling agent carrageenan.

Sea moss offers numerous health benefits. It is often used as a thickening agent in products like ice cream but is also available in raw form and in various supplements such as capsules, powders, gels, and gummies [3]. Some benefits of Sea Moss include:

• Supports Cardiovascular Health: It may help reduce bad cholesterol and blood pressure, lowering the risk of heart disease.
• Weight Loss: Helps control satiety due to its high fiber content.
• Iodine Source: Supports thyroid health.
• Digestive Health: Helps balance beneficial gut bacteria.
• Immune Boost: Rich in iron and antioxidants, it supports the immune system.
• Muscle Building & Recovery: It contains taurine, an amino acid that aids in muscle recovery, and about 6 grams of protein per 100 grams.

Is Sea Moss Good For High Blood Pressure?

Sea Moss is beneficial for regulating blood pressure. It has the ability to reduce cholesterol buildup in the arterial walls and help balance blood pressure. The nutritional components in Sea Moss support improved blood circulation and overall cardiovascular health [4].

This makes it a potential choice for individuals with high blood pressure issues, but it's advisable to consult a doctor before use to ensure it is suitable for your specific health condition.

A study in Japan found that eating seaweed could help children have a healthy heart. Girls who ate more seaweed generally had lower blood pressure, meaning their hearts did not have to work too hard. For boys, eating seaweed helped reduce a different type of blood pressure, allowing the heart to function more steadily [5]. This result indicates that seaweed contains many heart-healthy compounds, helping to keep blood vessels flexible and efficient.

How Does Sea Moss Affect Blood Pressure?

Cholesterol Balance

Seaweed, including sea moss, has a higher fiber content than many other vegetables, which helps improve blood sugar management, reduce bad cholesterol, and lower the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease [3].

Furthermore, sea moss may reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, helping to lower the risk of heart disease and maintain stable blood pressure.

A study has shown [6]:

• Reduces Bad Cholesterol: Sea moss can help lower levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides in the blood.
• Increases Good Cholesterol: Although not specified, reducing LDL and triglycerides may improve levels of good cholesterol (HDL).

Thanks to these positive effects, sea moss may aid in maintaining normal cholesterol levels and contribute to stabilizing blood pressure.

Blood Sugar Control

Magnesium, an essential cation in cells, plays a crucial role in glucose metabolism and insulin function. Cellular magnesium deficiency can decrease insulin sensitivity and affect glucose processing, contributing to insulin resistance, particularly in people with type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure [7].

Sea Moss, containing magnesium, zinc, and natural compounds such as fucoxanthin and alginate, may help improve insulin sensitivity and manage blood sugar levels.

Additionally, Sea Moss does not contain sugar, making it a safe addition to the diet for individuals with diabetes.

Weight Management

Sea Moss is high in fiber, which is a crucial factor in managing weight.

Consuming fiber-rich foods helps people feel full longer. This means reduced appetite and less tendency to overeat. Fiber slows down digestion and absorption, keeping you feeling full and limiting additional food intake.

Therefore, incorporating Sea Moss into your diet can help support weight management and more effectively aid in weight loss.

How Much Sea Moss Should You Take For Blood Pressure?

The recommended dosage of Sea Moss for blood pressure is not widely established, and specific standards are lacking.

However, research suggests that you should not exceed 1-2 tablespoons of sea moss per day, which is equivalent to 4-8 grams [8]. This amount is recommended to achieve optimal effects without causing side effects.

Using Sea Moss in moderation ensures safety while allowing you to benefit from its nutritional components, such as improving digestive health, supporting the immune system, and providing essential vitamins and minerals for the body.

Additionally, current Sea Moss products come with dosage instructions provided by the manufacturer. Follow these guidelines to avoid any unwanted side effects or adverse effects on your body.

Can You Take Sea Moss With Blood Pressure Medications?

Sea Moss contains many active compounds that might interact with components in blood pressure medications. This interaction could affect the medication's efficacy, either reducing or excessively enhancing its effects, leading to unwanted side effects.

Therefore, you should not use Sea Moss with blood pressure medication without consulting your doctor. Discuss with your physician before incorporating Sea Moss into your diet.

Conclusion

Sea Moss is a nutrient-rich natural food that can support blood pressure regulation and offer cardiovascular health benefits. However, consult with a doctor or specialist before using Sea Moss, especially if you are undergoing treatment with medication.