Sea moss is native to the Atlantic Coastline and has been used extensively for medicinal and dietary purposes since the 1800s. Since then, it has acquired other names, the most popular being the Irish Sea Moss, as it gained traction in the Irish Potato Famine in the 1840s.
Today the Irish sea moss is used to help prevent and alleviate certain ailments. Algae and sea moss, in particular, can be linked to many different health benefits.
When it comes to sea-based superfoods, Caribbean sea moss has more nutrients than just about any other food. It is rich in protein, fiber, selenium, iodine, potassium, and magnesium. These seaweeds are recommended in a processed form called gel. This gel is often infused with different types of fruits, turmeric, and other herbs. An interesting fact is that it can expand roughly 10x its original size (you can think of it like a sponge) when it’s soaked and reconstituted in liquid. Try to stay away from a raw powder form. If found in capsules, be sure that they are originated in the freeze-dried gel.
What are the Benefits of Sea Moss?
There is no shortage of benefits from sea moss, and many supplement their diet with this wonder of the sea due to the plethora of benefits.
⦁ Maximize Sexual Performance
Caribbean sea moss is known to have an enhancing effect on sexual performance. This is why in the Caribbean, it is known as a natural aphrodisiac. In addition, the presence of zinc found naturally in Caribbean sea moss helps increase the production of testosterone in men. Additionally, the special plant can increase sperm count and the mobility of sperm.
Apart from serving as an aphrodisiac for men, women in the West Indies use Caribbean sea moss as a substitute for breast milk when they cannot provide that naturally for their children. They also make sure that the Caribbean sea moss becomes a staple in their children’s diet during their growth years so that they get enough minerals and nutrients.
⦁ Enhance Thyroid Health
The hazards of the thyroid hormone imbalance can manifest themselves in various ways. People can lose weight, suffer from fatigue, and experience muscle pain. Consumption of this seaweed has been found to help prevent many of these symptoms when used as a supplement or consumed. It wasn’t until the 21st century that the benefits were scientifically backed.
In addition, the presence of iodine in sea moss acts as a catalyst in the production of thyroid hormone and is a great way to improve thyroid health.
⦁ Improve Respiratory Health
The presence of chlorophyll, potassium chloride, and omega-3 fatty acids makes sea moss an effective and natural decongestant. So, in the event your sinuses are acting up, sea moss can act fast to help break up your congestion and help you breathe easier. It also has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, which dissolve mucus and mitigate swelling.
That all being said, sea moss can also be used to reduce the symptoms of the flu or the common cold.
⦁ Sea Moss is Beneficial for Skin Health
Sea moss has been known to treat skin-related ailments like eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. This is because it is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and gelatins, which have a soothing effect on the skin. A compound called citrulline-arginine found naturally in sea moss helps repair cells and enhances the metabolism.
It also produces amino acids which are essential for the synthesis of collagen and protein in the body. Collagen is another important component of sea moss that nourishes the skin (more on this shortly).
⦁ Minimize Hair Loss
The presence of iron in sea moss helps increase your iron reserve, where the deficiency of this mineral can trigger hair loss. A lack of iron in your diet can also cause other complications, and this can be resolved by incorporating sea moss into your diet or supplement regimen. The main reason for a decline in hair health is oxidative stress. Thanks to the presence of natural vitamin E in sea moss can help combat oxidative stress.
Additionally, the presence of vitamin A contributes to the production of sebum which works on the scalp to keep it moist and help prevent dandruff.
⦁ Increase Energy Levels
To capitalize on the energy that you get from food, you’ll need adequate levels of vitamin B. Sea moss contains both riboflavin (B2) and folate (B9). In order to break down nutrients like carbohydrates, protein, and fat, riboflavin is needed, and to make genetic material like DNA, B9 is required.
⦁ Support Emotional Health
Sea moss is rich in potassium and magnesium, which are known to be mood-enhancers. The absence of some nutrients can negatively impact your mood, which may result in shifts in your mental and emotional health. Some studies indicated that sea moss has the ability to prevent the degeneration of the brain and fight severe cognitive diseases like Parkinson’s.
⦁ Boost Immunity
Irish sea moss contains high levels of potassium iodide that can help dissolve phlegm, making it essential for those suffering from a cold, allergies, and even the flu. It is also rich in amino acids, antioxidants, vitamin C, and which act as natural antibacterial agents to help fight various infections without compromising immunity.
⦁ Joint Relief
Fatty acids and fish oils present in sea moss can improve mobility by relieving and preventing inflammation and joint pain. The natural anti-inflammatory properties don’t merely start and stop in the joints, sea moss can help reduce inflammation throughout the entire body as well.
Sea moss can be incredibly beneficial for arthritis patients as it can minimize joint issues and pain. This secret of the sea can also improve joint fluid to help lubricate and protect the joints. Such a benefit can be advantageous for athletes and those showing signs of joint problems. We can’t forget those are getting up in age and feel it. Sea moss can be used by the elderly to reduce inflammation and minimize acute and chronic aches and pains.
⦁ Support the Health of the Mucous Membranes
Since sea moss can help dissolve phlegm, it can also soothe the digestive tract and lungs. The presence of potassium iodide aids in this process. Therefore, people with asthma or who are suffering from a cold can receive some relief simply by taking in sea moss.
Moreover, sea moss has prebiotic properties, which reduces the presence of unwanted and unhealthy bacteria in the gut. This goes back to tying in with immunity as gut health plays a significant role in the health of the immune system.
⦁ Good Source of Collagen
People who don’t eat meat may be able to get enough collagen from supplementing with this plant. People with digestive issues can consume Irish sea moss, and because of the presence of collagen gel in it, digestive health can also be improved. Vegan collagen sources also help with hair growth as well as strengthening nails.
Since sea moss is a plant, it’s well established that plant-based collagen is better absorbed in the body than animal-based collagen.
⦁ Help Manage Endometriosis
In endometriosis, the process of menstruation is not normal in women. Instead of the blood going down, it travels into the abdominal region, where the blood of the uterine lining can implant onto other organs. It is characterized by irregular periods, painful sexual intercourse, and in some instances, infertility. Sea moss possesses unique kinds of fibers and phytonutrients that are not simply found in land-based plants.
A case in point would be the instance of Japanese women who have the lowest rates of breast, abdominal, and ovarian cancers. They also have even period durations and lower infertility rates. It is assumed that sea moss has a mitigating effect on estrogen. So, when estrogen production is reduced because of it, the risk of estrogen-dependent cancers can decrease.
Should Sea Moss Be Considered a Part of Your Daily Diet?
It’s not out of the question that sea moss can be used as an alternative to animal-based protein in the future. In fact, with its rising popularity, it can be assumed that the demand for sea moss will be on the rise and will be looked at as an alternative protein source for some sections of the population. Sea moss as an alternative source of protein is of massive use to vegans who have felt like they were deprived of a legitimate protein source because of their dietary preferences.
Besides, not consuming meat can prove to be strenuous in many areas of their health, which can now be alleviated by using something like Irish sea moss. Sea moss can also be used as a fiber supplement due to the presence of agar.
Taking all of this information into account, it should be mentioned that there might be some side effects associated with the consumption of sea moss which might appear in the form of bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, and even inflammation. This does not happen in all cases but should be noted.