When swashbuckling pirates and dashing adventurers set sail to find the elixir of life, none of them knew that they’d be better off jumping deck, but recently a group of South Korean fisherman have found a species of seaweed that has a dramatic effect of high blood pressure.

We’ve known for a long time that seaweed is one of the healthiest foods you can eat, but it seems we are learning more and more every day. Dr Lee, the scientist who is pioneering the research, claims the ‘seanol’ – the chemical found in the new species of seaweed – works ‘at a cellular level’ to ‘slow down the main causes of aging and disease.’ This is a monumental claim, as this is the first example of a plant that can actively reduce blood pressure. It is now down to Dr Lee and his team to isolate the protein that gives the seaweed this quality so we may better understand it.

Although initial signs look promising, the scientific community at large is yet to fully comment, but rest assured they will be watching this space with excitement and a sense of opportunity. High blood pressure is a problem that is only getting bigger, especially in the U.S.A and the rest of the developed world.