A Desirable Place to Live

The sensations of the seashore consist of a white sandy blanket at your feet, the warm sun kissing your skin, the sound of waves crashing down onto the wet sandy floor, the song of seagulls as background noise, and the smell of salt in the air. The ocean is a place where many people find peace and comfort; however, few people get to live near the ocean due to the high cost of properties, high taxes, lack of jobs in the area, and matters of convenience. Being by the ocean has many health benefits, and fortunately, people do not need to live by the ocean to reap its health benefits.

Additives

The ocean is literally full of life that is healthy for human life. When people think of the concept of eating the ocean, seafood is most likely the first thought to come to their minds. While seafood is the most obvious and common way to eat the ocean, many healthy food additives are now being derived from the other natural, non-fish elements of the ocean. Seaweed is the most common source of additives derived from the ocean.

The Most Common Additive Derived from Seaweed

Carrageenan can be found in many foods on the grocery stores shelves all across the country; therefore, you do not need to live near the ocean to reap its health benefits. It functions as a thickening agent, binding agent, texture enhancer, and taste enhancer. Its health benefits consist of improved digestive health, providing antioxidants, lowering cholesterol, and even combatting the cold and flu. Many food additives that make foods taste unrealistically delicious are unhealthy; this additive can function as a healthier alternative to unnatural food additives.

Alginic Acids

Alginic acids (also known as alginates) form as a jelly-like substance in the seaweed when the plant is exposed to the minerals in the water. They are used to make additives that are similar to salt. Alginic acids create a salt-like substance when they are combined with other elements (e.g. sodium, potassium, and calcium). Traditional table salt is made from sodium and chlorine (NaCl), which increases the risk of hypertension and several other health issues. Alginic acid combinations are a healthier alternative to traditional table salt.

Agar

Agar (also known as China grass) is commonly used in Indian foods and desserts (e.g. ice cream and cakes). It is also used in makeup, toothpaste, and glues. Agar functions as a thickening agent, texture enhancer, moisture additive, taste enhancer, and emulsifier; therefore, it can serve as a substitute for many baking ingredients (e.g. flour, eggs, etc.).

How the Ocean Improves Health

Not only is the food and other aspects of the ocean healthy, living by the ocean leads to many other health benefits. However, you can implement these principles in your life no matter where you live.

Promotes Physical Activity

Getting exercise is usually a drag when someone is not by the ocean. When people are by the ocean, they have the stunning view of the vast blue ocean, sunset, and white sand, which motivates them to get outside and exercise significantly more. Often, shores have boardwalks for people to walk by the ocean without getting sandy.

Better Immune System

Spending time in salt water boosts people’s immunity by increasing circulation and initiating appropriate exposure to bacteria. Magnesium is often omnipresent in salt water, which helps people sleep better by calming their muscles. When people get more sleep, their body can fight infections and heal wounds faster.

Lower Blood Pressure

The environment of the shore is relaxing and distant from the stressors of the rest of civilization. Stress is the primary risk factor of high blood pressure. When people live or spend significant time by the ocean, they tend to have lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of heart attack because they experience less stress.

Increase in Vitamin D

The primary reason people live or spend time by the ocean is the beach and spending time outdoors. When people spend a significant amount of at the beach and/or outdoors, they are constantly being exposed to the sun. While sun exposure has its health risks, a major benefit to sun exposure is Vitamin D, which improves bone health. Soaking up sun is also easier when living by the shore because the sun reflects off of the water and sand.