Sea Moss Health Benefits and Side Effects
What is Seas Moss
Sea moss is a type of seaweed found in the Atlantic Ocean. It’s packed with vitamins and mineral content, making it a popular ingredient in health foods and supplements. But what are Sea Moss health benefits? It’s most commonly used in dishes such as soups and smoothies, as well as for its potential health benefits, which include boosting immunity, aiding digestion, and promoting skin health.
Types of Sea Moss
There are many types and varieties of sea moss that vary from a type of red algae to different type of algae. Two popular types of sea moss include Gracilaria and Chondrus crispus. Here is what you need to know about these two types of sea moss you need to know about:
- Chondrus Crispus, commonly referred to as Irish sea moss, is found in colored regions. It has a purple or red seaweed and is usually leafy in appearance.
- Gracilaria (commonly known as Jamaican sea moss) can vary in color and grow in both cold and warm areas. This sea moss has a stringy appearance.
Palmaria palmata (Dulse), and Sargassum are two other types of this type of sea vegetables. Each type has its own unique characteristics, such as color, texture, taste, and nutritional value.
Health Benefits of Sea Moss
Sea Moss is packed with health benefits! It is rich in iodine, which is important for the proper functioning of the thyroid. It is also high in calcium, potassium, magnesium, and other minerals that are essential for healthy bones, teeth, and overall body health. Sea Moss is also high in Vitamin C, which helps boost the immune response and can help fight off colds and other illnesses. Additionally, Sea Moss is known to help improve digestive tract, reduce inflammation, and can even assist with weight loss. All in all, Sea Moss is a great addition to your diet and can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Sea Moss Nutrition List
Dr. Sebi once shared that Sea Moss contains 92 of the 102 minerals the human body needs. However, the number of nutrients and minerals found in Sea Moss will vary depending on where it grows, the quality of the water, and the amount of sunlight it is exposed to.
Chondrus Crispus, Irish Sea Moss, has been known to have more nutrients and minerals than Gracilaria, Jamaican Sea Moss.
Be careful when purchasing online. Often Gracilaria is labeled as “Irish Sea Moss” when it is not. You will be able to tell what type of sea moss it is by the shape – Chondrus Crispus has a leafy appearance and is often a dark purple.
Irish Moss Nutritional Benefits and Facts
According to the USDA, Sea Moss is packed with vitamins and nutritional values that can keep your immune system balanced. Here is the breakdown of the nutritional properties found in Sea Moss:
Is Sea Moss Healthy?
Sea moss is a type of seaweed that is believed to have numerous overall health benefits. It is high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. And is thought to aid in digestion, help boost the immune system, brain development, reduce oxidative stress, aid in menstrual health and improve skin health. This seaweed is a good source of iodine and the perfect diet addition if you have an iodine deficiency and an underactive thyroid.
Healthy Digestion
Sea Moss is a good source of fiber which will help support healthy digestion and promote overall wellness. Good fiber in your diet will help get you regular and keep your bowels moving. Adding Sea Moss to your diet as a source of soluble fiber for overall gut health.
However, more research is needed to determine the full extent of its health benefits. As with any dietary supplement, it is important to talk to your doctor before adding it to your diet.
Health Benefits for Women
Hormonal Balance
Can Sea Moss help balance hormones?
The combination of Iodine, Zinc, Selenium, Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K are all vital to ensure hormonal balance for women’s menstrual cycle. All of these can be found in Sea Moss, and can be an aid in balancing hormones.
These minerals are also important for the function of the thyroid gland which can also effect the balance of other hormones.
Sea Moss and Fibroids
Scientific evidence shows, Vitamin A, B Vitamins, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K (most of which can be found in Sea Moss), along will Vitamin D, provide antifibrotic support to help shrink fibroids.
Sea Moss and Endometriosis
Sea Moss can have a positive effect on balancing the side effects of Endometriosis. Because of the long list of vitamins and nutrients that offer anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidant support, this spiny sea vegetable helps fight off free radicals.
Seaweed Side Effects
There is still a need for further research to determine the side effects of Sea Moss. However, because we know it contains high levels of iodine, it is important to note how consuming too much iodine can affect your thyroid health.
Sea Moss and Thyroid Health
Thyroid hormones health is dependent on iodine. The body is not able to make enough iodine, and it is essential to have foods and vitamins in your diet that will provide this important element in your diet. According to WebMD, seaweed is the number one source of Iodine. This means Sea Moss is an excellent choice if you need to increase your iodine levels.
However, too much iodine in your system and have an adverse effect. According to the National Library of Medicine, “Thyroid disorders arising from excess iodine intake, including seaweed consumption can take the form of goiter, thyroid autoimmunity, hypothyroidism, or hyperthyroidism.”
To avoid these side effects, it is best to speak with a doctor before taking sea moss and follow the recommended amount and dosage.
How to Prepare Sea Moss
Raw Sea Moss can be intimidating to add to your diet. However, there are several options when looking to add Sea Moss to your diet and lifestyle. You can make an edible seaweed gel, ice cream, create a powder in its’ dried form, to be added to smoothies or capsule supplement form, add it to your food recipes, create a face mask and so much more! Here are a few Sea Moss recipes to get you started on your journey:
- Irish Moss Gel
- Sea Moss Pancakes
- Watermelon & Sea Moss Juice
- Sea Moss Lemonade
- Infused Apple Sauce
- Protein Sea Moss Milk
- Sea Moss Gummies
A lot of Sea Moss recipes, so it never too much sea moss gel around when making something quick. You can keep sea moss gel form in your refrigerator for a longer period of time.
How to Make Sea Moss Gel
Sea moss gel is the foundation of a lot of food recipes. Even though many companies make pre-made sea moss gel, it is really easy to make your own sea moss gel at home. Here is an easy way to make your sea moss gel that tastes good using four simple ingredients:
Where to Find Sea Moss
One of the best places to find sea moss is online, as it is not typically sold in stores. There are a number of reputable online stores that sell organic and wildcrafted sea moss, so you can be sure you are purchasing a quality product. You can also find sea moss at some health food stores and specialty markets. Be sure to ask for help if you cannot find it, as some stores may carry it but not have it on display.
Where Does Sea Moss Grow In the United States?
In recent years, Sea Moss has become popular. Many think that Sea Moss is only available in other countries and islands, and that is not the case. Sea Moss, aka Irish moss, is a species of seaweed common along the rocky coasts of most of the United States. One state is slowly starting to become the hub for Irish Moss, and that is Maine. There are a variety of algae and seaweed farms that provide fresh sea moss for the North America coastline.
Here’s to living healthy!
If this article helps, there is so much more to learn about seaweed. If you have more questions, leave them below.
Health & Wellness on Pink Proverb
Sea Moss Recipes
- How To Make the Perfect Sea Moss Gel
- Amazing Sea Moss Health Benefits
- Delicious Sea Moss Apple Sauce Recipe
- Protein Pack Sea Moss Milk
- Easy Sea Moss Pina Colada Recipe
- Watermelon Sea Moss Juice Recipe
- Sea Moss Blackberry Smash Recipe
- Sea Moss Gummies Recipe
- Sea Moss Lemonade Recipe
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Meet Kyla
Hi Healthy Fam!
I am the creator of Pink Proverb — The Health and Wellness site for women focusing on being proactive about our healthy life and creating a self-care lifestyle that allows us to be our best selves.
I am a Stage IV Endometriosis mom, working hard to stay pain-free. This is my sacred place of inspiration, journaling the things that have helped me along the way.
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