Benefits Of Sea Moss

What Is Irish Sea Moss?

Sea moss is often also known as Irish moss or red seaweed; sea moss is a type of seaweed that will grow year round in tidepools and inlets. Sea moss is commonly harvested to extract carrageenan which is a jelly substance that is often used for food as a thickener. 

Sea moss is tufted and has thin fanlike fronds and it comes in a variety of colors like green-yellow to dark purple. Plus it is known to have a variety of health benefits. The algae can be made into a drink by boiling and adding milk and honey.

Sea moss gel is a natural, nutrient rich product that is derived from sea moss. People mix it with water and make a puree that they take by the spoon full or mix it in a smoothie.

Benefits Of Sea Moss

There has been a rise in sea moss and its benefits because Kim Kardashian posted something about drinking a sea moss smoothie. People have claimed that sea moss can help with your skin and your immune system. Though there is not a lot of scientific research to support those claims.

May Prevent Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is a common degenerative disease in older adults. It can cause tremors, stiffness, and slowness of movement. Research has shown that sea moss may be able to help slow down the worsening of the disease. There was a study done with worms that shows the extract from sea moss was able to reduce any stiffness or slowness of movement. 

May Help Improve The Immune System

Studies have shown that sea moss can boost the immune system and may help protect the body from contracting salmonella. One study has shown that sea moss can stop the growth of the bacteria that causes salmonella in humans. 

May Support Thyroid Health

Sea moss is full of iodine and can help people who have the condition where the body doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone which regulates your body's metabolism. Metabolism is how the food you consume is transformed into energy and regulates processes like your heart rate and breathing. 

Side Effects Of Sea Moss

A big downside to sea moss is that there is not a lot of research on its benefits and how it can help someone's overall health and wellness.

Though sea moss is a good source of iodine, the iodine content of sea moss and other seaweed is highly variable; which could put people at risk for an overconsumption of iodine. Taking too much iodine can lead to hypothyroidism. The thyroid glad is responsible for your growth and metabolism.

Sea moss can come with the risk of heavy metal consumption because seaweed absorbs and stores heavy metals in high amounts.

How To Prepare Sea Moss?

There are many ways to prepare sea moss. To prepare sea moss gel, soak raw sea moss in water overnight, then rinse and blend it with new water until smooth. Transfer it to a container with an airtight lid and store it in the refrigerator to gel. You can also mix it or sprinkle it in your yogurt or oatmeal and adding it to different meals. 

Conclusion

Sea moss has been used as a natural thickening agent in various foods and you can make it into a gel at home and easily add it to foods and drinks. Sea moss is a source of multiple vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that may benefit your overall health.