Sea Moss and What it’s All About
Sea moss, also known as Irish sea moss or red seaweed, is a marine vegetable similar to seaweed and sea algae. It contains minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants and may have health benefits.
Sea moss is a spiny sea vegetable primarily harvested for health supplements and as a thickening ingredient in commercial foods.
If you’ve heard about sea moss supplements, you may wonder how you could use them and whether there are other ways to consume sea moss.
Sea Moss has been in use since 400 B.C. Containing 92 of the 102 vitamins and minerals that the body needs daily; Sea Moss is becoming known as a Super Food.
Sea moss nutrients
Red seaweeds, like sea moss, contain various vitamins and minerals. They’re naturally low in calories, fat, and sugar and contain a small amount of plant protein.
A 4-tablespoon (20-gram) serving of raw Irish sea moss provides the following:
Calories: 10
Protein: 0.5 grams
Total fat: 0 grams
Total carbs: 3 grams
Fiber: 0.5 grams
Total sugar: 0 grams
Calcium: 1% of the Daily Value (DV)
Iron: 10% of the DV
Magnesium: 7% of the DV
Phosphorus: 2% of the DV
Zinc: 4% of the DV
Copper: 3% of the DV
Like other sea vegetables, sea moss is also a naturally good source of iodine, a micronutrient necessary for thyroid health.
Additionally, red seaweeds like sea moss are full of antioxidants, which are compounds that help protect your cells from disease-causing oxidative damage.
Containing 92 of the 102 vitamins and minerals that our bodies need daily, Sea Moss is high in immune-boosting nutrients such as Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Iron and Zinc. It also supports the immune system by improving our gut microbiome with its prebiotic effects and may help you fight off cold and flu symptoms. Great for respiratory health, Sea Moss is a potent source of potassium chloride which is known to dissolve mucus, soothe inflammation of mucus membranes and reduce congestion. It is rich in anti-viral properties that help in treating viral infections and promote respiratory health. Sea Moss provides a significant increase in energy and aids weight loss supplement by boosting metabolism and suppressing appetite.
As one of nature's most powerful plants , other benefits of Sea Moss are endless but include:
Benefits include:
*Boosting immunity, Sea Moss is high in immune-boosting nutrients such as Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Iron and Zinc and may help fight off cold and flu symptoms, preventing cellular damage and destruction and riding the body of infections.
*Promotes Heart Health being high in fiber which can lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
*Great for respiratory health, Sea Moss is known to dissolve mucus, soothe inflammation of mucus membranes and reduce congestion. It is rich in anti-viral properties that help in treating viral infections and promote respiratory health.
*Supports Weight Loss, Sea Moss provides a significant increase in energy and aids weight loss by boosting metabolism and suppressing appetite.
*Naturally detoxifies, slows aging and has anti-tumor properties.
*Strengthens hair, nails and skin internally and externally being rich in antioxidants. Helps treat skin conditions like acne and psoriasis.
*Promotes Regular Thyroid Function which helps balance hormones.
*Promoting Digestive Health by fostering beneficial bacteria, soothing the membranes of the digestive tract. It also supports the immune system by improving gut microbiome with its prebiotic effects. The gelatin like content helps to ease gastritis, dyspepsia, nausea, heartburn and indigestion.
*Promoting Healthy Sexual Function by increasing libido. Its generous amount of zinc, vitamin E and foliate that are vital for reproductive function and health.
What are the potential benefits of sea moss?
Many people use sea moss for its purported health benefits. But, it’s important to note that many of the benefits of sea moss specifically are anecdotal and lack solid scientific evidence.
There are more studies on the health benefits of seaweed and algae than on sea moss itself. Still, some of these benefits may also apply to sea moss because they grow in similar environments.
However, scientists need to conduct more research on sea moss to investigate its particular effects.
Some of the main potential benefits of using sea moss may include:
May support thyroid health: Seaweeds are rich in iodine, a micronutrient necessary for healthy thyroid function.
May support immunity: One study in salmon found that supplemental seaweed improved immune modulation and response. Scientists need to do more research to see whether it also supports immunity in humans.
May improve gut health: Seaweeds are a good source of live probiotic bacteria and fiber, which both support a healthy gut microbiome.
May help support weight loss: Seaweeds and microalgae contain dietary fiber that can help you feel full and prevent overeating. Some research suggests a compound in seaweed called fucoxanthin may have anti-obesity effects.
May promote heart health: Some studies have found that components in seaweed help reduce cholesterol and blood pressure, which may help reduce the risk of heart disease.
May improve blood sugar management: One study in mice found that the compound fucoxanthin in seaweed reduced high blood sugar.
Anecdotal benefits for fertility: There’s no scientific evidence that sea moss promotes fertility. However, some people use it as a traditional fertility treatment. Scientists need to investigate this further.
While the potential health benefits of sea moss are promising, it’s important to note that most of the research is based on seaweed or components found in marine plants, not sea moss specifically. The studies were also conducted in test tubes or animals, not in humans.
Therefore, scientists need to do much more human research on the health effects of sea moss.
