What is sea moss?
Sea moss, scientifically known as Chondrus crispus, is a type of red algae commonly referred to as red seaweed, intertidal seaweed, or Irish moss. It is a superfood of plant origin that can be found year-round in tidepools and inlets along the Atlantic coast. Sea moss comes in various colors, including red, brown, purple, green, yellow, and black, with red being the most popular color.
Why is sea moss beneficial?
The spiny sea moss leaves contain carrageenan, a gelatinous carbohydrate used as a thickening agent in soups and stews. Algal polysaccharide, which has medicinal and health-related properties, is extracted from carrageenan.
How can you incorporate sea moss into your diet?
Sea moss is a versatile ingredient that can be added to smoothies or other beverages in its gelled form. It doesn’t have much flavor, but it thickens when added to liquids, making it a great addition to sauces, soups, and baked goods. You can also eat it raw or dried or take it as a supplement in either powder or pill form. Additionally, sea moss can be found in some skincare products.
What does sea moss contain?
Sea moss is a nutrient-rich seaweed containing 92 of the 102 minerals our body needs to function correctly. These minerals include calcium, iron, zinc, copper, sodium, iodine, boron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, and sulfur. In addition to minerals, sea moss is an excellent source of other essential nutrients such as proteins, peptides, polyunsaturated omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, amino acids, fiber, and lipids. Moreover, it is packed with essential vitamins like Vitamins A, C, D, E, and K and the B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, B6, B12, and folate).
Why is this important?
Research has shown that sea moss contains compounds that possess antiviral, anticancer, and anticoagulant properties. It can benefit people with metabolic syndrome and related conditions such as high blood pressure and cancer. Sea moss can potentially be used in developing anti-neurodegenerative drugs, as an extract from it was shown to protect against markers of Parkinson’s disease.
What are all the benefits of sea moss?
- Supports the immune system and fights infection
- Antioxidant, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory
- Enhances thyroid health
- Increases satiety (acts as a soluble fiber)
- Acts as a 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 into your diet to reap its great benefits.