Sea moss is a type of seaweed that has recently become popular as a natural remedy for various ailments. It is rich in nutrients such as vitamins A, C, E and minerals.
Sea moss has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help treat conditions such as arthritis, asthma, and even cancer.
It is a great source of iodine, carotenes and sulfur-containing compounds. These nutrients are believed to contribute to the health benefits of seaweed. Some people take seaweed for its mineral and vitamin content, such as potassium, calcium, selenium, magnesium, manganese, and iron.
It is also used as a vegan alternative to gelatin in recipes such as puddings and jellies. When applied to the skin, sea moss is said to moisturize and soothe irritated skin. It is also sometimes used as a natural laxative and diuretic.
It may provide the following health benefits: Improves thyroid function, boosts energy levels and supports healthy skin.
However, there is little scientific evidence to support these claims. More research is needed to determine whether it is effective for these or other health purposes.
In this sea moss benefits article, we will explore its potential health benefits, side effects and some sea moss supplements available.
What is Sea moss?
Sea moss is also known as Irish moss or red seaweed. It is a spiky, frilly sea vegetable that somewhat resembles frisée lettuce. It grows all year-round in tidal pools and coves.
Sea moss is commonly harvested in New England to extract carrageenan, a gelatinous carbohydrate used in baked goods and cosmetics. It can be eaten as is and is often used to thicken soups and stews. Raw sea moss has an earthy, underwater taste similar to clams and oysters.
Many health food stores and online retailers sell sea moss in its raw, dried form.
Sea Moss Gel is a natural, nutrient-rich product derived from seaweed rich in minerals such as iodine, potassium and calcium. It is an excellent source of water and hydrocolloids and is widely used as a thickening stabilizer in food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
In a domestic setting, however, you’re more likely to find sea moss in supplement form rather than as a recipe ingredient. Given its name, you might expect sea moss to be green – it’s actually available in a variety of colours from green through to yellow, red, brown and even black.
Nutritional information
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) FoodData CentralTrusted Source, 2 tablespoons (tbsp) or a 10 gram (g) serving of sea moss contains approximately:
- calories: 4.9
- protein: 0.2 g
- fat: 0 g
- carbohydrates: 1.2 g
- sugars: 0.1 g
The same serving of sea moss also contains these vitamins and minerals:
- calcium: 7.2 milligrams (mg)
- magnesium: 14.4 mg
- phosphorous: 15.7 mg
- potassium: 6.3 mg
- iron: 0.9 mg
- zinc: 0.2 mg
- copper: 0.02 mg
- manganese: 0.04 mg
Red seaweeds also have antioxidant properties, which may help prevent oxidative damage in the cells.
Similar to other sea vegetables, sea moss is a natural source of the mineral iodine. Research posted to the Journal of Medicinal Food notes that sea moss contains about 47 mg of iodine per gram.
If you want to consume sea moss, remember that a little bit goes a long way. A serving of sea moss is just two tablespoons, so it doesn’t take much to start adding it to your diet.
Sea moss is a source of iodine, which is something you can eat too much of. Having too much iodine in your diet can lead to a goiter, or enlarged thyroid gland, which can require surgery to resolve. To prevent this, be sure to stick to no more than one serving of sea moss per day.
Benefits of Sea moss
Sea moss may have the same benefits as other types of sea algae, as they share similar compounds.
However, the current research into sea moss has limitations, and scientists still need further evidence to back any health claims. Those include:
May support weight loss
Seaweed can help you lose weight. A 12-week study of 78 adults found that those who consumed 1,000 milligrams per day of red seaweed extract lost more total body fat and weight than the placebo group.
A study published in Marine Drugs also found that a compound found in many seaweeds called fucoxanthin shows promise in breaking down and metabolizing fat.
Weight loss effects can vary between different types of algae, and much of the research has focused on isolated compounds rather than the effects of sea moss in general.
May Support thyroid health
Our thyroid gland is responsible for releasing hormones to help govern our growth, energy, reproduction and repair. Eating a diet rich in iodine can support thyroid health. The thyroid gland needs this mineral to produce and use important hormones in the body. Without enough iodine, the thyroid gland cannot function properly and can cause metabolic problems.
Seaweed such as sea moss, which is a natural source of iodine, can help prevent iodine deficiency.
Support gut health
Seaweed is rich in dietary fiber, many of which are in the form of polysaccharides, which we cannot digest, but intestinal bacteria can. In this way, it acts as a prebiotic or food source for these beneficial gut microbes.
Enriching our gut bacteria in this way helps create a favorable environment that encourages the microbes that best benefit us among other things and help shape our health.
Support immune health
The gut is involved in the immune system. A diet high in prebiotic and high-fiber foods like seaweed can help promote a healthy immune system.
A study published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies found higher levels of immune antibodies in rats that ate the seaweed. Further human studies could help support these findings.
In addition, sea moss is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and E, which are known to boost immunity. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the risk of infection.
Help in the fight against cancer
Compounds in some algae may help fight against specific cancers. Research posted to Cancers notes that fucoxanthin, found abundantly in some algae, may help fight against specific markers of colorectal cancer or reduce risk factors.
With this said, the research focused heavily on high concentrations and extracts of fucoxanthin. More research into sea moss itself could show if the same benefits apply.
Have neuroprotective effects
Antioxidant properties in algae may help protect against neurodegenerative disease. Research posted to Marine Drugs found that an extract from sea moss protected against markers of Parkinson’s disease.
Researchers carried out the study on roundworms. Further research in humans would help explore the potential neuroprotective effects of sea moss on humans.
Support muscle and energy recovery
It can build muscle and aid in workout recovery Sea moss is rich in an amino acid called taurine, which helps with muscle-building.
A study in the Asian Journal of Medical Sciences involved 80 adults over the age of 40 with musculoskeletal symptoms. The research found that people given certain types of sea moss had reduced fatigue, exhaustion, and pain levels. This may be due to the high levels of amino acids and total proteins present in the plant.
Support fertility
There is not much formal research to back up the claim that sea moss will promote fertility. Sea moss may make up part of fertility treatment in traditional medicinal systems, and anecdotally some people claim the algae helps their fertility. More formal research is needed to evaluate this claim.
Potential Side effects
There are some potential drawbacks and side effects to consuming seaweed.
Even in supplement form, the nutritional value, and therefore potential benefits, of nori are varied. Factors such as growing region, temperature, and minerals in the water can affect the nutritional levels of the Irish moss.
Altered iodine levels in nori can also put people at risk for iodine deficiency if the only source of iodine is seaweed.
People who eat large amounts of nori and other iodine-rich seaweeds may be getting too much iodine in their diet. Consuming too much iodine can put you at risk for iodine poisoning and thyroid problems.
Pollution can pose another potential risk to algae, such as iodine, which can enrich minerals and metals from the environment. If heavy metals are present in the environment, they may also be present in algae.
How to prepare sea moss
Many brands have started selling sea moss capsules and tablets. However, there are many ways to cook it yourself and enjoy cooking at home.
To cook seaweed, first wash it with water and soak it in cold water for a day, changing the water often. The seaweed is ready to use when it has doubled in size and turned white and jelly-like.
Once ready, place the seaweed and water in a blender and blend until a thick, honey-colored liquid is formed. The finished sea moss can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks and can be used in a variety of recipes.
Sea moss is used as a thickening agent in recipes and is ideal for:
- smoothies
- soup
- stew
- bakery products
Some Sea moss supplements you can consider
Elm & Rye Sea Moss
Elm & Rye Moss is a sea moss supplement that has been developed by a team of gold standard researchers.
This product is available in capsule and gummy form and is made from pure seaweed. That means no additives, fillers or other unwanted ingredients. Elm & Rye Sea Moss is third party lab tested for purity and safety.
Ocean’s Promise Sea Moss Max
Ocean’s Promise Sea Moss Max is a dietary supplement that can help support your health and well-being.
Just two capsules per day is all you need to feel great, and the bladder racks provide an additional benefit. This supplement is fortified with black pepper extract that improves absorption, so you get the maximum benefit from every serving.
Atlantic Naturals Organic Sea Moss Capsules
Atlantic Naturals Organic Sea Moss Capsules support your heart, thyroid, and immune health with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
These capsules are vegan, organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, and third-party tested. Each serving delivers 1000 mg sea moss.
Maju Superwoods Wildcrafted Sea Moss
Maju Superwoods Wildcrafted Sea Moss supports your heart health and reduces inflammation.
This supplement is made with sea moss harvested from cold Canadian waters, bladderwrack and burdock root blended with black pepper extract for enhanced absorption.
SNAP Supplements Irish Sea Moss with Iodine Energy Support
With Irish Sea Moss Iodine Energy Support, you can keep your thyroid and hormone levels in check.
This supplement is made with a blend of organic seaweed and kelp, along with burdock root and bladderwrack for added health benefits. Each capsule is optimally dosed to support immune and thyroid function while also boosting mood and energy.
Akasha Superfoods Sea Moss Vitality Blend
Akasha Superfoods Sea Moss Vitality Blend is formulated with a powerful blend of organic sea moss, bladderwrack and burdock root.
The formula supports your well-being from head to toe. Two capsules deliver 500 mg sea moss and burdock root along with 400 mg bladderwrack per serving.
What forms can I get sea moss supplements in?
Raw sea moss, also called Irish moss, is available in several forms:
Powdered Form:
This form is the most common type of supplement for sea moss. You can add it to smoothies or dissolve it in water.
Liquid Extract Form:
Less common but may be easier to take, just add the recommended amount of drops to water or juice and drink it down.
Capsule Form:
If you don’t like the taste or texture of sea moss powder, capsules may be a good option for you; they are easy to swallow, and they can also be opened and mixed with foods or drinks.
Topical Form:
You can also find Irish moss in topical products like creams and lotions. These are applied directly to the skin and may be beneficial for conditions like eczema. There are several things to keep in mind before taking supplements containing sea moss such as side effects, taste, texture and tolerance level.
Overall, sea moss is considered healthy; however it’s always best to speak with your doctor first before taking any supplements
What to Consider before you buy Sea moss
We’ve looked at some of the sea moss health benefits, so before you purchase sea moss, there are a few things to consider beyond the cost. We consider a variety of factors such as the origin, cultivation methods, environmental effect, local laws and ecology before making our purchase decisions.
It’s not about getting the lowest price on the market for us; rather it’s all about what we get out of our purchases. So let’s look at some of those aspects that influence our decision-making process in further detail.
There are many factors that influence your health-related purchasing decisions.
Seaweed is cultivated in many locations throughout the world. Some are more desirable than others for a variety of reasons, including their taste and texture. Before choosing where to buy from, I consider these factors:
- The location of the farm.
- The conditions of the water.
- The type of seaweed.
- How it’s processed.
- Whether or not it’s wildcrafted.
When you’re looking for sea moss, these are all important factors to consider. The seas have endured a battering from pollutants discharged from land for centuries—even on the smaller scale, industries, farms, power plants, rubbish dumps, sewage and storm water runoff have an influence.
Storm water drainage systems are installed to serve manufacturing, transport yards, shopping center car parks and other areas of high vehicle traffic. Every purchase you make affects how you view the world.
Conclusion
Sea moss is a type of seaweed that grows in the Atlantic Ocean. It has been used as a traditional remedy for various ailments since ancient times as we have looked at some of the key health benefits of sea moss. Sea moss is rich in vitamins and minerals, which makes it an effective supplement option for those looking to improve their health.
The anti-inflammatory properties of sea moss can help reduce the risk of disease and may reduce the severity of prostate enlargement and prevent kidney stones. Furthermore, sea moss can help reduce the impact of radiation poisoning by reducing inflammation throughout the body.
Thus, there are many benefits associated with sea moss when used as a dietary supplement; however, make sure to consult with your healthcare provider before adding any new supplement to your daily routine.