Well, sea moss (also known as Irish moss) is a type of seaweed that grows year-round in tidepools and inlets. It’s a species of red algae which grows along the rocky parts of the Atlantic coast and is often harvested to extract carrageenan, a jelly-like substance used in the food industry as a thickener. You can find this in ice cream, non-dairy milk, cottage cheese, and even toothpaste. Appearance-wise, sea moss is tufted and comes in many colours, from greenish yellow to dark purple.
The Health Benefits of Sea Moss
Ever heard of sea moss? It’s a type of seaweed that’s thought to be really, really good for you. And in recent years, it’s taken the health world by storm because of its wide range of benefits such as its nutritional profile and immunity-boosting powers. And if you want to know more about the health benefits of sea moss (and how to incorporate it into your daily routine), all you’ll have to do is read on. Easy.
So what exactly is sea moss?
The top health benefits of sea moss
Full of nutrients: Sea moss is jam-packed full of nutrients, providing up to 92 of the 102 essential nutrients that the body needs. It’s really high in iodine, potassium, magnesium and iron, making it an excellent source of nutrition in general.
Packed with iodine: It’s a natural source of iodine, a mineral that the body needs to produce thyroid hormones, containing 47 milligrams of iodine per gram. In turn, this makes sea moss a great option for those who suffer from hyperthyroidism, a condition where the body doesn’t make enough thyroid hormones to regulate metabolism.
Boots immunity: Sea moss is also thought to boost immunity – in fact, one early study suggests that sea moss can even protect the body against contracting salmonella by preventing the spread of S. enteritidis. So it’s pretty much an all-rounder.
Improves gut health: It’s also thought to improve gut health. The fibre found in sea moss works to create a gel which helps digestion, and the prebiotics feed the good bacteria found in the gut which helps to keep the digestive tract healthy. In other words, sea moss can help to balance out the good and bad bacteria found in the gut.
Add it to your skincare routine: Trying to look after your skin? Sea moss might be the answer. It contains polyphenols which reduce inflammation, meaning it may help with eczema, psoriasis and other skin conditions. It also contains sulfur which can help balance the skin’s microbiome and help treat acne, rosacea, and seborrea. It might even help stimulate collagen production as it contains amino acids that are essential for maintaining the skin’s elasticity and moisture. Essentially, it sounds like everyone could do with adding sea moss to their skincare routine.
How to use sea moss in your diet
When it comes to incorporating sea moss into your diet, there are a few different forms to choose from. Choose from gel, capsules, raw and dried, depending on your preference. We reckon the easiest way to incorporate it is by blending into smoothies or soups or adding it to tea. It’s also completely vegan and gluten-free, so it can work for loads of diets.
Here are some recipes that could do with a bit of sea moss:
Are there any risks involved with sea moss consumption?
There are a few risks involved with iodine overconsumption as it can lead to complications such as thyroid issues and even cancer. It’s important to avoid taking it in excessive quantities and try to choose high-quality, sustainable products.
So, there are loads of health benefits from sea moss. It’s jam-packed full of nutrients and it’s thought to improve gut health. Incorporate it into your diet today and you might just start to notice the benefits.