This article will cover the nutritional information and how to make sea moss.

Sea moss definition

Sea moss is a type of seaweed or algae called Chondruscrispyus. Also known as Irish Moss. It is edible and spiny and shares some similarities with other edible seaweeds like kombu, dulse or wakame.

Sea moss can grow naturally in water and tide pools on rocky coastlines such as the coasts of northern Atlantic Ocean. Common sea moss can be found as a red seaweed but it can also grow in other colors depending on the climate and water temperature.

Nutritional Information

Red seaweeds may also contain antioxidant propertiesTrusted source that can help protect cells from oxidative damage.

Sea moss, like other sea vegetables is a natural source for the mineral iodine. According to Journal of Medicinal Food, sea moss has about 47mg of iodine per gram.

Uses

Sea moss is used in cultures near where it naturally grows. Sea moss can be used as a natural sourceTrustedSource for a thickener called Carrageenan. It can be used in soups, stews and other food that needs thickening.

Although some companies still harvest dried sea moss and sell it, it is becoming more common to purchase sea moss as a dietary supplement.

Sea moss can be added to supplements either as a single ingredient or in combination with other ingredients. Sea moss comes in either powdered or gel forms.

Some companies might use the thickening properties sea moss for creating products like vitamin gummies and gels.

Potential benefits

Because they share the same compounds, sea moss could have similar benefits to other types of sea alga.

The current research on sea moss is limited and scientists need more evidence to support any claims of health. These include:

Supporting weight loss

Seaweeds could help with weight loss. A 12-week studyTrusted source showed that those who consumed 1,000 mgs of red seaweed extract daily saw a significant decrease in body fat and weight than those who took the placebo.

According to Marine DrugsTrustedSource, research also shows that fucoxanthin, a compound found in seaweeds, can help to reduce and metabolize fat.

There may be different weight loss effects for each type of seaweed. However, most research is focused on the isolated compounds and not the overall effects of sea moss.

Supporting your thyroid health

Thyroid health may be supported by diets high in iodine. This mineral is essential for the thyroid to make and use hormones. The thyroid could not function properly without enough iodine and this could lead to metabolic problems.

Sea algae, such as sea moss, can be used to prevent deficiency by acting as a natural source for iodine.

Supporting gut health

Prebiotic effects from sea moss could help improve the health of the microbiome.

However, this was an animal study. To support these findings, researchers would need to conduct more human studies.

Supporting immune health

The immune system is linked to the gut. Healthy immune system may be promoted by consuming prebiotics and fiber-rich foods like sea moss.

BMC Complementary Medicine and TherapiesTrustedSource published research that found higher levels of immune antibody in rats that had consumed sea moss. These findings could be confirmed by further research on humans.

Contributing to the fight against cancer

Certain cancers may be prevented by certain compounds found in algae. Research published to CarcinomsTrustedSource shows that fucoxanthin (found in abundance in certain algae) may be able to fight specific markers of colorectal carcinoma or lower risk factors.

This is why the research emphasized high fucoxanthin concentrations and their extracts. Additional research could be done on sea moss to determine if these benefits are still available.

Neuroprotective effects

Algae may have antioxidant properties that can help prevent neurodegenerative diseases. A study published to Marine Drugs showed that a sea moss extract protected against Parkinson's disease markers.

Roundworms were the subject of the research. Additional research on humans would be useful to determine the neuroprotective effects that sea moss might have on humans.

Supporting muscle and energy recuperation

Sea moss can help with fatigue and recovery from exercise.

The Asian Journal of Medical Sciences included 80 people over 40 who had musculoskeletal problems. People who were given sea moss showed a reduction in fatigue, exhaustion and pain. The plant contains high levels of total proteins and amino acids.

Supporting fertility

The claim that sea moss promotes fertility is not supported by any formal research. Some people believe sea moss is a part of traditional fertility treatments. This claim requires more formal research.

Healthy hair and skin

Anecdotally, some people claim that sea moss can improve the appearance and feel of their hair and skin. This claim needs more proof from researchers.

Side effects

Sea moss can have side effects or potential downsides.

Sea moss' nutritional value and potential benefits can differ even in supplement form. Sea moss' nutrient content can be affected by factors such as temperature, growing location, and mineral content in the water.

If sea moss is the only source of iodine, then a person could be at risk of an iodine deficiency due to variations in the iodine levels.

People who consume large amounts of what is sea moss and other seaweeds rich in iodine might have too much iodine. Iodine overconsumption can lead to thyroid problems or poisoning.

Seaweeds that are contaminated with iodine or other minerals could be at risk. Algae and seaweed can accumulate metals and minerals from the environment. The algae may also contain heavy metals if they are present in the environment.

How do you prepare

Sea moss can be used in a variety of ways, including to make a variety of dishes.

Sea moss can be used in raw or dried form to thicken soups or stews.

A sea moss gel can be a great way to add seamoss to your diet. Dried sea moss can be soaked in water overnight. Clean the sea moss pills benefits and then add it to a blender. Blend the mixture until smooth and place it in a sealed container. The mixture should be kept covered in the refrigerator for at least one night to gel.

The gelled mixture can be used as an addition to food that needs thickening or as a supplement. There are many factors that can affect the shelf life of this gelled mixture, including temperature and cleanliness of the tools used to prepare it.

You can also add powdered salt moss to smoothies or juices, and sprinkle it on yogurt and cereal. Powdered seamoss can be added to soups and stews for a similar effect to gel.

Summary

Sea moss, a spiny form of seaweed, is similar to other seaweeds. It might have similar health benefits as other types of seaweed. It is a traditional seaweed that was harvested for its carrageenan. However, it also contains various levels of healthy minerals as well as antioxidants.

Additional research, especially on humans, will be necessary to verify current claims regarding the health benefits of sea moss.

Sea moss can be added to a diet as a supplement, or powdered or dried. Sea moss' high iodine content means that people with thyroid problems should consult their doctor before adding it to their diet.