What is Sea Moss Good For?

Most people know you should eat your five portions of fruit and veg each day. But you probably never thought to add sea moss to your grocery list. This type of algae is making waves in the wellness world, with many potential health benefits stacking up. So, what is sea moss good for? Keep reading to find out.

• What is Sea Moss?
  • The History of Sea Moss
• 8 Uses and Potential Benefits of Sea Moss
  • Rich in Nutrients
  • Supports Thyroid Function
  • Natural Energy Booster
  • Improves Gut Health
  • Increases Skin Health
  • Supports Immunity
  • Aids Weight Loss
  • Improves Emotional Health
• Good Sources of Sea Moss
  • Ireland and Europe
  • Caribbean
  • North America
  • Wildcrafted Sea Moss
• How Can You Take Sea Moss?
  • Powder
  • Capsule
  • Gel
  • Raw
• Good Ways to Start Using Sea Moss in Your Diet
  • Incorporate a Supplement
  • Add to Your Smoothie
  • Mix Up Your Cooking
• Final Thoughts: What is Sea Moss Good For?

What is Sea Moss?

Sea moss, AKA Irish sea moss, has exploded in popularity in recent years. It’s becoming the must-have ingredient to add to your diet for immune-boosting benefits. But what exactly is sea moss?

A type of algae, sea moss is scientifically known as Chondrus crispus. You can mainly find sea moss off the Atlantic shores in North America, Northern Europe, and the Caribbean Islands. Sea moss grows all year round in tidepools and inlets. Irish sea moss varies in colors from yellow to dark purple, depending on growing conditions and bleaching from the sun. 

The History of Sea Moss

Historians believe that humans have been harvesting sea moss for centuries. Its known medicinal benefits date back to 600 BC when people would gather sea moss for its carrageenan content. Carrageenan is a food-thickening agent that naturally occurs in sea moss.

Irish sea moss got its name from the famous potato famine in Ireland in the 1800s. During this time of starvation, the people were desperate for food. They started eating red algae on the rocks to get nutrients. As a result, the name “Irish sea moss” stuck. The Irish believed that carrageenan could cure colds and flu. To this day, people in Ireland and the Caribbean commonly use sea moss in their diets, with many people swearing by its superfood properties.

8 Uses and Potential Benefits of Sea Moss

Everywhere you look, it feels like the healthy eating community is bursting with information about sea moss. Although the algae has traditional uses dating back centuries, it’s only now that scientists are starting to discover the health benefits of sea moss. With evidence growing, here’s what the research says about what sea moss is good for.

Rich in Nutrients

Sea moss is rich in vitamins and nutrients to support a healthy diet and active lifestyle. It’s naturally low in sugar, calories, and fat, and it even contains a small amount of plant protein. This sea plant has an impressive array of vitamins, including:

• Iron 
• Folate 
• Zinc 
• Copper 
• Magnesium 
• Vitamin K 
• Calcium 

This spiral seaweed packs a powerful punch and is highly nutrient-dense. Sea moss contains 92 of the 102 minerals your body needs. On top of this, it includes beta-carotene, vitamin B, and phosphorus. There’s a reason it’s thought to be such a nutrient powerhouse and touted as a superfood.

Supports Thyroid Function

A healthy thyroid is a significant contributor to your overall health and well-being. Your thyroid is responsible for producing hormones. Without proper hormone production from your thyroid, your body can end up in chaos and out of balance.

Sea moss is high in iodine, which is an essential nutrient for healthy joints. Your thyroid also needs iodine to function correctly and produce hormones.

Hypothyroidism is also known as an underactive thyroid. It happens when your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones. It’s thought that roughly 95% of cases of hypothyroidism are deficient in iodine. Sea moss may support natural thyroid function through its iodine content.

Natural Energy Booster

Sea moss may act as a natural energy booster due to its nutrient profile. This sea plant is full of B vitamins and iron, which are both essential for maintaining high energy levels. Firstly, you need iron for energy. Your body uses iron to create red blood cells that help to transport oxygen around the body. Without enough iron in your diet, you can start to feel tired and run down.

The other way sea moss may be good for increasing energy levels is through its B vitamins content. B vitamins have a role to play in the way you store energy from food. Sea moss contains decent levels of vitamin B2 and B9. Your body needs these vitamins to break down food, create red blood cells, and form DNA. All of these are important when it comes to creating and maintaining good energy levels throughout the day. 

Improves Gut Health

Another potential benefit is that it may improve your gut health. A healthy gut is essential for a properly functioning immune system, good skin, weight loss, and general well-being. 

Sea moss is mucilaginous food. Similar to aloe vera and okra, it has a mucus-like texture. Your digestive tract has a mucus membrane. When it’s inflamed, it can lead to gastrointestinal problems, constipation, and bacteria imbalance. Sea moss may support your gut by breaking down into a gelatinous substance in your digestive tract. This may soothe the inflammation in your gut’s mucus membrane.

Although more research is needed in humans, initial animal studies suggest that sea moss may have a prebiotic effect in the gut. This helps you to digest food and supports a healthy gut.

In general, a good gut health diet starts with eating whole, high-fiber, seasonal, and local foods. A diet rich in whole grains, fruit, and vegetables supports a healthy gut. Sea moss may be an excellent addition to your diet to improve gut health.

Increases Skin Health

Sea moss is full of skin-boosting nutrients like calcium, vitamin K, and potassium. Many people consume sea moss and use it on the skin as a face mask because of its gel-like texture. On the skin, it helps to retain moisture and may even have an antibacterial effect. This means that a sea moss mask may be good for people with acne.

Many people use sea moss as a face mask to soothe eczema, dermatitis, burns, and psoriasis. Evidence shows that sea moss can improve cell growth and stimulate specific amino acids essential for collagen. Collagen is the protein powerhouse behind smooth, supple, and soft skin.

On top of adding a sea moss face mask to your routine, great beauty tips include getting enough sleep and drinking plenty of water. Often, good skin starts with the basics and what you’re putting into your body.   

Supports Immunity

If you’re looking for an immunity booster, this superfood might be right for you. Early evidence suggests that sea moss may boost the immune system and even prevent you from getting salmonella. Salmonella is a type of bacteria that is most commonly responsible for food-related illnesses. A salmonella infection affects your intestinal tract and occurs after you consume contaminated food or water.

Aids Weight Loss

Sea moss may aid in weight loss. Preliminary research suggests that sea moss may regulate appetite and influence fat metabolism. There isn’t enough research on humans to show the direct effect of sea moss on weight loss yet. But with its high fiber content, it may help to increase feelings of fullness and aid weight loss over time.

Improves Emotional Health

Your body’s cells need potassium to function. Often, high-potassium foods are helpful for conditions like depression, anxiety, moodiness, and fibromyalgia. Sea moss is rich in potassium; therefore, it may support emotional health. Preliminary evidence suggests sea moss may protect brain tissue in Parkinson’s disease.

Good Sources of Sea Moss

You can cultivate sea moss all over the world. The nutritional value of sea moss can differ depending on where it’s grown. Traditionally, it’s sold in bunches and is native to North America, Europe, and the Caribbean. But it’s also harvested in protected pool farms around the globe.

These types of sea moss farms are expanding around the world as the demand for sea moss increases. This means you can find sea moss farming operations in places like Indonesia, China, and Brazil, just to name a few. In general, when buying sea moss, you should look for sources where sea moss is native and grows naturally.

Ireland and Europe

Sea moss is common all around the shores of Ireland and along the coasts of Iceland and the Faroe Islands. It grows abundantly in the rocky parts of the Atlantic coast of the British Isles and across Europe. Sea moss got a name for itself in Ireland, which continues to be a good source for sea moss.

Organic Irish Sea Moss Capsules from Herb Therapy contain 100% organic Irish sea moss from the North Atlantic Ocean. The capsules also contain burdock root and bladderwrack, including 102 beneficial nutrients. Bladderwrack is another type of nutrient-rich seaweed found off the North Sea, Atlantic, and Pacific Oceans. This is a potent supplement containing 1,500 mg of sea moss with all organic ingredients and no fillers.  

Caribbean

You can find sea moss growing on the rocks close to the shores of the Caribbean. When buying sea moss, may notice harvest locations like Jamaica, St. Lucia, Antigua, and other islands in the Caribbean.

Irish migrants brought the traditional use of sea moss to the Caribbean region. They created the Jamaican Irish moss drink, which is notorious for helping men and women increase their libido. Although this claim doesn’t really have any supporting scientific evidence, it hasn’t stopped its popularity.

Atlantic Gold Organic Jamaican Sea Moss capsules are an easy way to get Irish sea moss into your diet. These capsules use purple sea moss harvested in Jamaica with no fillers and use plant-based capsules. Purple sea moss is high in antioxidants called anthocyanins, common in other blue and purple fruits and vegetables.

North America

Off the rocky parts of the Atlantic coast of North America, sea moss grows in abundance. That means you can find sea moss where it is naturally available, rather than importing products from countries where sea moss is grown in a more artificial setting.

Organic Irish Sea Moss Capsules by Our Daily Vites are wildcrafted and entirely vegan. Made in the US, the supplements are third-party tested and use organic ingredients. With 92 minerals and plenty of immune-boosting antioxidants to nourish the body, these supplements are a great addition to your routine.

When it comes to finding the best source of sea moss, you have a few different options. The best sources are those where sea moss grows naturally. That’s why Irish sea moss sourced from Ireland, Jamaica, and the North Atlantic are the most popular. Some supplements use sea moss produced in China and other countries using farming operations or factories.

Wildcrafted Sea Moss

One of the most important considerations with sea moss or Irish sea moss is choosing a wildcrafted product. This means that the sea moss is 100% naturally grown with no preservatives. Sea moss takes about three months to replenish after you pick it, so it’s not as readily available. 

In contrast, fake sea moss is made in factories and uses preservatives and salts. As the sea moss industry continues to expand, this is a growing concern. So finding good sea moss sources is not just about where the sea moss comes from, but also about the production process. 

With a few tips, it’s much easier to spot “fake” or pool-grown sea moss. The problem with pool-grown sea moss is that it’s not exposed to natural minerals in the ocean and doesn’t experience the water’s natural flow. Instead, fake sea moss is reliant on adding a mineral substrate to the pool. Although it’s possible to grow sea moss this way, it’s less natural and sustainable than traditional farming methods. Real sea moss should look imperfect, contain naturally-occurring salt grains, and have stray pieces of seaweed. Usually, you can see a variation in color or tone in real sea moss.

As there can be a big difference between naturally-harvested and pool-grown sea moss, it’s important to buy fully tested supplements that meet industry standards. This is especially true for capsules, as it’s easier to spot any issues with sea moss in its raw form.

How Can You Take Sea Moss?

Similar to other superfoods, sea moss comes in a variety of forms. Depending on what you would like to use it for and how, a specific type of sea moss may be more suitable for you than another. There are easy ways to integrate sea moss into your daily routine. Here are four different ways you can take sea moss.

Powder

One way to take sea moss is in powder form. This is ideal if you want to take the fuss out of making sea moss gel. If you prefer to add your nutrients to a shake or smoothie, this is a great choice.

The downside of sea moss powder is that it needs to go with something with a stronger flavor. Sea moss is from the sea, so naturally it has a sea-like odor that is strong when prepared with water alone.

It’s vital that you avoid cheaply made sea moss harvested in polluted waters. This Organic Earth Sea Moss Powder is USDA Certified Organic and wildcrafted. With no fillers or preservatives, it contains entirely organic ingredients. Like other sea moss supplements, it has bladderwrack and burdock root to boost wellness, support the digestive system, and rejuvenate the skin.

Capsule

One of the easiest and most effortless ways to take Irish sea moss is by capsule. If you’re the type of person that just wants to take a pre-measured dose and not think about it, a capsule is an excellent choice. Capsules tend to be more potent, as there is a higher concentration of sea moss in a single serving than in a gel or powder.

With capsules, it’s essential that the brand commits to complete transparency with its manufacturing process. Things like third-party testing throughout the production are crucial.

MAJU Wild Irish Sea Moss Capsules are a great option if you’re looking to incorporate sea moss into your diet. The vegan capsules use four wildcrafted ingredients, including Irish sea moss, black pepper extract, bladderwrack, and burdock root. The marine algae combination is harvested in wild Canadian water and has a 30-day promise for users to try out the capsules.

Gel

Sea moss gel usually comes in a small jar. You can buy it online as well as from local suppliers. What’s great about sea moss gel is that you can easily add it to a range of foods like smoothies, sauces, curries, and shakes. Sea moss gel uses natural, raw sea moss to create a gel. This means that you are eating sea moss closer to its natural state.

The downside of sea moss gel is that it does have a shelf life. You need to keep sea moss gel in the refrigerator and make sure you use it up in time. This doesn’t suit everyone. While sea moss gel doesn’t have a potent flavor or smell, you still don’t want to eat it out of the jar. It needs to go with a stronger flavor profile so that it mixes in with your meal or drink.

This Sea Moss Gel uses wildcrafted sea moss from the ocean, specifically from Jamaica. Many users find that the gel is beneficial for digestive issues and for removing mucus from the body. A spoonful a day supports overall health and well-being. You need to keep the sea moss gel in the refrigerator. The 16oz jar has a five-week shelf life.

Raw

One of the most cost-effective ways to buy sea moss is to get it raw. If you’re eating it raw, you need to take the right steps to eat it safely. You need to wash, soak, and blend sea moss to prepare it properly. You can then use it as a thickening agent in soups, smoothies, and sauces.

Although it’s cheaper to buy raw sea moss and make your own gel, it does take a bit more time and preparation. Here’s a quick video to show you how to prepare sea moss gel and make it yourself.

If you’re looking to create a face mask or use it as a hair product, you will need to use sea moss gel. You can either buy the gel pre-made from a trusted brand or make your own from raw sea moss.

Ja Organix’s Wildcrafted Irish Sea Moss is organic, raw, and sourced from the Jamaican coast. For healthy skin, boosted immune system, reduced congestion, and reduced mucus build-up, this is a great option. This is ideal for someone who wants to use sea moss in a variety of ways. You can choose to make a face or hair mask, or you can use it as a thickening agent for food. The benefit of using wildcrafted sea moss is that it’s grown away from high-traffic areas. Ja Organix’s sea moss is vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO, with no additives.

Good Ways to Start Using Sea Moss in Your Diet

There are a few ways you can start using sea moss in your diet. It can often feel a bit overwhelming to know what supplement to choose or how to use it, but you can add sea moss into your diet pretty effortlessly. This is because it’s such a good thickening agent; it goes well in a lot of different foods.

Incorporate a Supplement

For a fuss-free way to use sea moss, a supplement or capsule is a no-brainer. Make sure to choose a supplement that has the right standards and testing. Avoid supplements with a lot of fillers and preservatives. A supplement is easy to add to your regimen.

Add to Your Smoothie

Another way to use sea moss is by adding it to a smoothie or shake. You can do this with both sea moss gel and powder. Depending on how you like to make your smoothies, you may find a powder easier. You also benefit from other added nutrients, as a lot of sea moss powders tend to combine other useful ingredients like bladderwrack and burdock root.

Mix Up Your Cooking

Finally, you can add sea moss gel to a ton of different recipes. It does have a slight seaweed flavor, but you cannot taste it at all once it’s in a smoothie or soup. You can easily add a tablespoon of sea moss gel to foods like:

• Sauces 
• Soups 
• Smoothies 
• Cakes 
• Stews

Final Thoughts: What is Sea Moss Good For?

You can see why sea moss has exploded in popularity in the wellness world. Sea moss has the potential to benefit your skin, immune system, and emotional health and support your overall well-being. If you’re looking to add sea moss to your diet, you can choose to buy capsules, powder, raw, or sea moss gel. Get creative with your sea moss and start feeling the nutritional benefits.