What Is Sea Moss, And 12 Reasons You Need To Be Eating More Of It?
Updated: Feb 28, 2023
What is sea moss gel? More importantly, what is its benefits?
Sea Moss is A sea plant harvested in a particular way, ever since the creation of sea moss, has been used by people worldwide to benefit health and well-being. However, if you're wondering what sea moss is and how you can use it to your advantage, keep reading!
What Is Sea Moss?
Irish moss, also known as "Sea Moss," has been used for centuries as a high mineral food and medicine. The high content of iodine, sulfur compounds, bromine, beta-carotene, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, pectin, B-vitamins, and vitamin C make this sea vegetable one of the world's most nutritious foods.
It has been used to treat digestive issues such as ulcers and other gastric disorders. It is also used to treat thyroid issues and respiratory problems. It's a beautiful source of nourishment with fantastic health benefits.
It is an excellent source of potassium chloride, which helps to dissolve catarrhs (inflammation and phlegm in the mucous membranes), which makes it helpful for respiratory and digestive problems. It is also high in iodine, sulfur, and bromine, essential for thyroid health.
The high magnesium level also makes it beneficial for bone health as it helps with calcium absorption. Sea moss contains 92 out of 102 minerals that our bodies may need, making it a great superfood! Sea moss can be found in raw powder, gel, or whole plant form in your local health food store.
These minerals can include zinc, calcium, selenium, sulfur, iron, iodine, bromine, and magnesium. Since sea moss contains so many minerals, it's no wonder it helps boost energy levels and aids in memory retention.
Sea Moss also contains polysaccharides like Fucoidan that help boost the immune system by strengthening white blood cells to fight against infection and disease in your body.
Sea Moss has been shown to help reduce inflammation throughout the body due to its high mineral content and antioxidant properties. The gel-like substance found in sea moss helps remove mucus from the body while helping to cleanse out the colon at the same time.
How to Use Sea Moss
Sea moss can be used topically or taken internally to promote good health. To use on the skin, make a facial mask by mixing it with water and applying it to the skin.
Some people use it in their shampoo or conditioner to get conditioning benefits. Sea moss can also be added to smoothies or made into a gel and added to your favorite recipes.
Top 12 Health Benefits of Sea Moss
Sea moss has been found to have many health benefits. Sea moss was used as a nutritional supplement by Jamaican Maroons during the 18th century.
1. It Improves Thyroid Function
Sea moss contains iodine, which supports thyroid function to regulate metabolism and energy levels. One tablespoon of sea moss gel contains 100% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of iodine.
For this reason, it can be especially beneficial to those with low thyroid function, also known as hypothyroidism.
Sea moss, aka Irish moss, is a type of red algae that grows in rocky areas along the Atlantic coastlines of North America and Europe. Sea moss is a superfood rich in nutrients with many health benefits.
2. Boost Your Immune System
Sea moss is rich in vitamin C that can help cure or prevent the common cold and flu, while carrageenan might be able to ward off cancer cells.
Both these substances also play a role in reducing inflammation in your body. This means that consuming sea moss can help you fight off infections and chronic illnesses like arthritis and heart disease.
3. Improve Your Digestion
Another benefit of eating sea moss regularly is that it may improve your digestive system and relieve constipation issues. Sea moss contains natural laxatives and other components that can help improve and regulate bowel movements.
Sea moss gel is high in vitamin A, a nutrient that helps prevent infections by keeping the mucous membranes in your eyes, nose, throat, and lungs healthy.
4. It Provides Infection Control
Sea moss also contains many antiviral substances - such as kaempferol and quercetin - that can treat flu symptoms by reducing mucus production and controlling inflammation.
Sea moss is one of the best sources of iodine on the planet, which makes it a great way to prevent low thyroid function and other thyroid issues.
The high zinc content of sea moss boosts your immune system's ability to fight off viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens that could make you sick or cause an infection.
5. Fighting Viruses
Sea moss contains antiviral properties that can help boost your immune system against viruses. Some cultures consume sea moss during flu season to prevent viral infections. Sea moss has even been used to treat HIV patients with promising results!
6. May Improve Blood Sugar Control
Some research suggests that sea moss may have antidiabetic effects. One test-tube study found that certain compounds in sea moss helped reduce glucose production and prevent the breakdown of carbohydrates in mice with type 2 diabetes. However, human studies are needed before sea moss can be recommended for this use.
7. May Support Heart Health
Sea moss contains several beneficial minerals, such as potassium and magnesium. These minerals may help lower your blood pressure, a risk factor for heart disease.
In addition, animal studies suggest that compounds in sea moss may help reduce cholesterol levels by preventing the absorption and reabsorption of cholesterol in the gut.
Though these results are promising, more research is needed to determine whether sea moss has similar effects on humans.
8. May Improve Blood Sugar Control
Sea moss is rich in magnesium, which has been shown to help lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
One study found that the seaweed extract helped the animals regulate their blood sugar levels. It also appeared to reduce inflammatory markers, which may help control diabetes.
9. It Can Build Muscle
Sea moss contains a compound called carrageenan. Animal studies have shown that carrageenan can increase muscle protein synthesis, which helps build muscle.
In one study, athletes who took red seaweed extracts after exercise had less pain and inflammation and better performance than those who did not take it.
10. Anecdotal Benefits for Fertility
People have used sea moss to treat infertility in women and men for centuries. Research shows that sea moss might help increase sperm count and mobility, but more research is needed to determine whether it's effective or not.
The effects of sea moss on female fertility have not been studied. However, some studies suggest that zinc may assist in minimizing the risk of infertility caused by ovulatory dysfunction. If someone is attempting to conceive and wants to try sea moss, first consult your healthcare professional.
11. Skin Healing Properties
Sea moss has a high concentration of sulfur-containing amino acids, which are great for healing wounds and maintaining healthy skin. Alginic acid has antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties that help fight infections and heal the body.
The zinc in sea moss helps balance the skin's oil production and is especially helpful for those with an oily complexion. Sea Moss naturally fights against skin irritations such as psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis.
12. Improved Mental State and Mood
It is rich in potassium chloride, which acts as a natural antibiotic to cleanse your body of excess mucus. It also contains iodine which may benefit thyroid function by helping to reduce inflammation and promoting normal hormone synthesis.
It may also act as an antidepressant and mood booster due to its high content of B vitamins, magnesium, calcium, and potassium. These minerals help increase energy levels and reduce stress levels which contribute to better sleep and overall mental health.
Bottom Line
Sea moss is a great food to add to your diet. It has a lot of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. It has good fats and triglycerides, protein, and other vital macros that your body needs to function correctly.
It also gives your body a healthy dose of micronutrients. If you are not currently eating sea moss, you should start doing so as soon as possible.
With its unique taste, high nutritional value, and potential healing effects, some even consider it one of the best superfoods that everyone should be eating more of.
