In this blog post, we delve deep into the incredible benefits and versatility of sea moss. From its rich nutritional profile to its various applications in culinary delights and skincare routines, this guide aims to educate and inspire readers to embrace this oceanic wonder.
Understanding Sea Moss
Sea moss, also known as Irish moss or Chondrus crispus, boasts a rich history steeped in cultural and medicinal significance. Found along the Atlantic coasts of Europe and North America, this red algae has been utilized for centuries. Its nutritional profile is impressive, offering a wealth of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Traditionally used in Irish and Caribbean cuisines, sea moss finds its place as a versatile ingredient, lending its gel-like properties to thicken soups, enhance desserts, and fortify beverages. Beyond its culinary uses, the contemporary spotlight on sea moss is fueled by claims of potential health benefits, from digestive support to immune system boosting properties, marking it as a notable natural resource worth exploring.
Health Benefit
Sea moss is a vegan, gluten-free source of many nutrients, including Vitamin B2, calcium, magnesium, and zinc.
Sea moss is commonly harvested to extract carrageenan, a jelly-like substance often used by the food industry as a thickener. You’ll find it in ice cream, nondairy milk, cottage cheese, jelly, and even toothpaste, shoe polish, and infant formula. Carrageenan is also used to cure leather.
Sea moss is tufted and has thin fanlike fronds. It comes in many colors, from greenish-yellow to dark purple, and is alleged to have many health benefits. The algae can be made into a drink by boiling and adding milk and honey. In some countries, it’s considered to be an aphrodisiac for men.
The truth is that while people have eaten this algae for years, scientists are only now beginning to research its medical benefits. Here’s what we know so far.
May prevent Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson’s disease is the second most common degenerative disease in older adults. It causes tremors, stiffness, and slowness of movement, and there is no cure. But early research shows that sea moss may be able to slow the worsening of the disease.
In a study done with worms, extract from sea moss was shown to reduce stiffness and slowness of movement. This could mean promising things for people with Parkinson’s. But more research is needed to see if sea moss has the same effect on humans that it has on worms.
May improve the immune system
Early studies suggest that sea moss can boost the immune system and may even protect the body from contracting salmonella.
One study showed that sea moss can stop the growth of S. enteritidis, the bacteria that causes salmonella in humans.
May support thyroid health
Sea moss is full of iodine, so it should help people with hypothyroidism, a condition where your body doesn’t make enough thyroid hormones, which regulate your body’s metabolism. Metabolism is how the food you take into your body is transformed into energy and also regulates processes like your heart rate and your breathing. But talk to your doctor before deciding to use sea moss to manage your hypothyroidism, especially if you’re already taking medication for it.
Sea Moss Nutrition
One of the reasons sea moss has been touted as a superfood recently is that it’s a vegan, gluten-free source of many nutrients. Some of the nutrients in sea moss are:
- Vitamin B2
- Calcium
- Iodine
- Potassium
- Sodium
- Magnesium
- Zinc
It’s heart-healthy
Seaweed is a bit of a superfood. It has a higher fiber content than most vegetables — which is a good thing, as fiber has all kinds of positive effects on the body. It can improve blood sugar control, help lower your cholesterol and reduce your risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.
“Studies show that sea moss may help lower bad cholesterol, which is one of the factors for heart disease,” Czerwony says. It has also been shown to help lower blood pressure, another key factor in heart health.
It may promote weight loss
Remember how much fiber seaweed has? High-fiber foods are filling foods, which means they may keep you from overeating. “Fiber keeps us fuller longer, which may help with weight control,” Czerwony says.
It’s a good source of iodine
Iodine is one of the keys to a healthy thyroid, but because your body doesn’t make iodine on its own, you can only get it through diet. (Most people, however, get enough iodine from dairy products, seafood and iodized salt.)
It supports gut health
Your digestive system is full of bacteria, some good and some bad. And because gut health is associated with overall health, balancing out those bacteria is an important element of your wellness. Algae, including sea moss, is a good source of fiber and live bacteria. “It can help replenish the good bacteria in our gut,” Czerwony says.
It may boost your immunity
One study showed Atlantic salmon that ate sea moss to have a more efficient immune response than salmon that didn’t. Of course, fish and people have very different bodies, and no similar studies have yet proven the same effect on humans.
Still, a healthy gut is associated with a healthy immune system. And sea moss is also high in iron and antioxidants, which both contribute to immune health.
It can build muscle and aid in workout recovery
Sea moss is rich in an amino acid called taurine, which helps with muscle-building. “When we exercise, we get little micro-tears in our muscles,” Czerwony explains, “but amino acids can help with that recovery.”
Nutritionally, sea moss is low in calories and sugar, and contains a small amount of protein. Like other seaweeds, it’s low in fat, but a good amount of that is polyunsaturated fat, which is a nutritious type of healthy fat that may help reduce cholesterol levels.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture lists the following nutritional information for a small serving of 2 tablespoons (10 grams) of sea moss:
| Calories | 5 |
| Protein | 0.2 grams |
| Total fat | 0.02 grams |
| Dietary fiber | 0.13 grams |
| Carbohydrate | 1.2 grams |
| Sugars | 0.06 grams |
| Calcium | 7.2 milligrams |
| Iron | 0.89 milligrams |
| Magnesium | 14.4 milligrams |
| Phosphorus | 15.7 milligrams |
| Potassium | 6.3 milligrams |
| Sodium | 6.7 milligrams |
| Zinc | 0.195 milligrams |
| Copper | 0.015 milligrams |
The iron and magnesium content in sea moss are what really stand out to Reisdorf. “Just one ounce (28.3 grams) of sea moss contains 14% of the daily value of iron, an essential mineral required for healthy red blood cells,” she notes. “One ounce of sea moss provides 10% of the daily value for magnesium,” a mineral involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, she adds.
A small 2018 observational study looked at the effects of sea moss supplementation in 80 patients with musculoskeletal diseases and joint related symptoms. Subjects were divided into two groups treated with different sea moss supplements.
Some of the study participants from both groups reported beneficial effects such as more strength and energy and less exhaustion and pain after supplement treatment. Researchers concluded that this may be due to the high protein content in sea moss. Notably, subjects given the sea moss supplement with greater protein content had higher muscle energy recovery
Additional Health Benefits of Sea Moss
There are other potential health benefits of sea moss. However, as these benefits have only been observed in animal and in vitro studies, further clinical trials on humans are needed.
- Neuroprotective activity observed in worms given sea moss extract[3].
- Compounds from red seaweeds (including sea moss) show anti-cancer activity in mice[4].
- Enhanced immune response observed in worms given sea moss extract[5].
- Anti-inflammatory effects observed in cells treated with red seaweed extracts (including sea moss)[6].
Incorporating Sea Moss
Tips and recipes for incorporating sea moss into daily routines, including smoothies, Gels and ice cream
- Smoothies
Smoothies are probably the easiest way to intake sea moss. Just blend the gel indirectly, dropping in about 1-2 tablespoons for best results. You can mix it with any mix of fruits and vegetables you like, as sea moss is naturally flavorless and will pair well with anything. Use sea moss to make a Lean Green or Almond Smoothie, or go wild with Raspberry Sea Moss Smoothie. - Gel Deserts
With its gel-like consistency, sea moss makes an ideal thickener. You can use it in puddings, gelatin desserts, jam, and more. Anything in need of a little bounce can be enhanced with sea moss. - Sea moss gel
Sea moss gel is a natural, nutrient-rich product derived from sea moss. Some people mix it with water to make a puree that they take by the spoonful or add to a smoothie. The gel has a texture similar to aloe vera, and it tastes like clams or oysters. Like all seaweeds, sea moss is high in minerals such as iodine, potassium, calcium, as well as vitamins and protein. - Ice Cream
Indulge your sweet tooth with some dairy-free natural sweetened ice cream made with sea moss! All you need are frozen chopped bananas, sea moss gel, and any plant-based milk. Blend it all together, and you’ll get a vegan concoction that tastes and feels just like regular ice cream. Customize your frozen treat with strawberries, cocoa powder, or any flavor you prefer. - Plain Or Chocolate Milk
Vegans and vegetarians will love the tasty plant-based milk you can make with sea moss. Simply blend together your nuts of choice like raw brazil nuts, cashews, or walnuts with filtered water to make a nut milk, and add sea moss gel into the blender to make it even richer. You can also mix in cocoa powder to turn your plain milk chocolate. Or, you can also go the traditional route, and make a Jamaican Irish Moss Drink. Also known as a love potion, this recipe uses non-dairy milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla to make a delicious hot drink. - Face Mask
Treat yourself to a luxurious facial treatment by making a sea moss face mask at home. Sea moss promotes collagen production, boosting skin elasticity and hydration. You can reap the benefits by eating it, but you can also skip right to direct application on the skin. To make a sea moss face mask, mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric with 2 tablespoons of sea moss, then lather it onto your face. It’s that simple! Plus, turmeric gives you anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory action, keeping your skin from breaking out.
Sustainability & Sourcing
Shedding light on sustainable harvesting practices and the importance of responsible sourcing in preserving marine ecosystems.
Conclusion:
Encouraging readers to embrace the potential of sea moss as a natural, holistic addition to their wellness routines.
