What is sea moss?
Sea moss, a species of red algae with the scientific name Chondrus crispus, is a plant-based superfood that is also known as red seaweed, intertidal seaweed or Irish moss. It grows year round in tidepools and inlets along the Atlantic coast and comes in a variety of colors (such as red, brown, purple, green, yellow and black, although the most popular color is red).
Why is sea moss beneficial?
The spiny leaves of the sea moss contain carrageenan, which is a gelatinous carbohydrate used as a thickening agent in soups and stews. Algal polysaccharide is extracted from the carrageenan which has medicinal and health-related properties.
How can you incorporate sea moss into your diet?
You can add sea moss to smoothies or other beverages in its gelled form (it does not have much of a flavor). Since it thickens, you can use it to make sauces, soups or
baked goods. Otherwise it can be eaten raw, dried, or taken as a supplement in either powder or pill form. It can also be found in skin care products.
What does sea moss contain?
Sea moss contains 92 of the 102 minerals that comprise the body, including calcium, iron, zinc, copper, sodium, iodine, boron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus,
potassium, selenium, and sulfur. It is rich in proteins, peptides, polyunsaturated omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, amino acids, fiber and lipids. It also contains many essential vitamins, such as Vitamins A, C, D, E, K and the B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, B6, B12 and folate).
Why is this important?
Research also indicates that sea moss contains compounds with antiviral, anticancer, and anticoagulant properties. It can benefit metabolic syndrome and related conditions such as high blood pressure and cancer. Sea moss has potential for being used in anti-neurodegenerative drugs, as an extract made from it was shown to protect against Parkinson’s disease markers. 1
What are all the benefits of sea moss?
- Supports immune system and fights infection
- Antioxidant, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory
- Enhances thyroid health
- Increases satiety (acts as a soluble fiber)
- Acts as natural decongestant
- Improves overall mood
- Boosts gut health
- Improves sexual performance and libido levels
- Supports fertility
- Eases joint and muscle pain
- Supports anemia treatment
- Increases weight loss
- Improves metabolism
- Supports hair, skin and nails
- Soothes skin issues
- Promotes overall health and wellbeing
- Improves blood circulation
- Supports a healthy heart
- Promotes good digestion, works as a prebiotic
- Used as post workout recovery tonic, supporting muscle and energy recovery
- Promotes mental and emotional health
- Helps control appetite
- Controls blood sugar
- Prevents high cholesterol
- Can inhibit tumors
Try incorporating sea moss in your diet to reap all of its great benefits!
References:
2) Chondrus crispus – A Present and Historical Model Organism for Red Seaweeds – ScienceDirect
3) Sea Moss: Benefits, Nutrition, and Preparation (healthline.com)
4) What are the benefits of sea moss? (medicalnewstoday.com)
