Sea moss
When thinking of any kind of sea plant I can’t help but to remember back to summer swims at the lake. Almost causing a panic thinking my feet were getting tapped on by a few water friends (when really I was just brazing past some seaweed). But traumatizing childhood memories don’t have to creep into the mind when speaking of the healing wonders of sea moss.
What is Sea Moss?
Sea moss is a species of red algae, also called Irish moss. Formally known as Chondrus Crispus, sea moss can be used in a variety of ways to provide the body with many health benefits. This algae grows on the rocky coastlines of the Atlantic coast in the British Isles, North America, and Europe.
Dating back to 400 B.C. in Chinese medical practices, sea moss has been used for its nutritional and medicinal properties. It was a very large source of nutrition in Ireland during the Great Famine in the mid 19th century. Later, Irish immigrants established seaweed farms in the United States. As agar became scarce during the second world war, sea moss increased in popularity as a food thickener.
Benefits of Sea Moss
Provides Iodine
Among other nutrients, Sea Moss is high in Iodine. This can lead to health benefits such as improving heart function, regulation of blood sugar, as well as reduce risk of cancer. Sea moss is naturally calorie free and contains significant amounts of iron and phosphorus. This encourages healthy formation of bones and teeth as well as enhances the body's ability to repair cells and tissues.
Heart Healthy
Sea moss has a higher fiber content than most vegetables. Providing many heart-positive effects such as blood sugar control, lowering cholesterol, and reducing risk of diabetes and heart disease.
Because algae is a good source of fiber it provides your body with good live bacteria which promotes overall health. Click here to see the health benefits of having a healthy gut.
Build Muscle and aid in Workout Recovery
As mentioned previously, sea moss has the potential to enhance the body's ability to repair cells and tissues. With around 6 grams of protein per 100 grams of sea moss, this super plant can also be incorporated into a work out diet to aid in muscle growth. Sea moss is also rich in the amino acid taurine. Amino acids build proteins, and proteins are what help build muscle. Working out creates small tears in the muscle. Replenishing amino acids can help repair those tears, therefore aiding in muscle recovery.
Things to Consider
When considering introducing sea moss into your diet, there are a few things to take into account. Sea moss is a mostly healthy superfood, though it has some unhealthy elements to it that we will dive into shortly.
Bottom line is that sea moss is a product of its environment. Therefore, its nutritional value is based largely on where it was grown. One bunch of the seaweed might be higher or lower in potency than the next. It is hard to know exactly what’s in sea moss or how much.
Too Much Heavy Metals
Seaweed absorbs metals from its environment. Sheesh! Small amounts will not harm you at all. But it’s best to avoid consuming too much of this raw plant (or any seaweed).
Too Much Iodine
Iodine is considered an important element in relation to thyroid health, but if taken excessively, or in combination with other iodine rich sources it can lead to iodine toxicity. Too much iodine can negatively impact thyroid function. Anyone dealing with thyroid issues should talk to a physician before taking supplements high in iodine.
Unpleasant Texture and Taste
While this will cause no harm, when it comes to new foods, for me it’s all about the texture. Raw sea moss is somewhat slimy, very earthy and has an underwater taste similar to oysters or clams. If you don’t like seafood, raw sea moss is most likely not for you. Luckily it can be consumed in many ways such as capsules, which do not have a strong taste if at all.
How to use it?
Sea moss comes in many different forms for consumption which include, but are not limited to ;
Capsules
Gummies
Gels
Powder
Lotions
Whole Dried Sea moss
Dried sea moss taste is mostly neutral and should be able to blend in with different foods though it will change the texture of your dish by making it thicker. I would recommend adding it to soups, stews or milk drinks.
If consuming sea moss doesn’t sound like your thing, try reaping some of its skin benefits by adding it to your skin care routine. This can be done by mixing the gel with water to make a paste and letting it sit for 10-15 minutes before washing it off. You can make a whole spa treatment with it by adding some skin-loving ingredients such as honey, charcoal, aloe vera, or turmeric.
Summary
There are numerous benefits to adding sea moss to your daily or weekly routine and almost as many ways to incorporate it one way or another. Based on its long history, it is obvious that the perks of sea moss are worth giving it a try. It’s important to note though, that no amount of supplements can make up for a sh*ty diet. A whole foods based diet is the best way to have longevity and a high quality of life. When trying sea moss be sure to add it to a healthy diet and have the right dosage.
