What Is Sea Moss?

At current, several sources of sea moss have been popping out of the market due to its increasing demand. Sea moss is an Ocean food mostly found in the shores of many bodies of water. While different forms of sea moss are made available in the market, Irish sea moss has become the most popularly studied and traded.

Irish Sea Moss or scientifically known as the Chondrus crispus is a native plant in the Atlantic Ocean. It is mostly found on the rocky shores of the Northern Atlantic. While some are foreign to it, this sea moss has been discovered for more than a century by the Irish and Jamaicans. It is also known for European, Northern American, and Caribbean people. 

Before it was recognized as an ocean superfood, Irish sea moss was used as a Mucoactive agent. It was used by the Irish as an elixir for coughing. Irish sea moss also has a strong association with Irish history as it has rumored to have saved many people from famine.

Up to date, Irish people and Jamaican natives continue to use and eat sea moss as they have inculcated its benefits to their diet. 

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Why People Love Irish Sea Moss

Alkaline 

Many diet plans emphasize calorie count or on the source of different food, but seldom people indicate the alkalinity or acidity of the food source. It is important to know the alkalinity and acidity of the food we eat because the body needs a certain balance in pH to function properly. Likewise, chronic illness can result from long-term consumption of acidic food or alkaline food. 

At normal, the pH of alkaline ranges from 7.1–14.0. Although some parts of the body may naturally be acidic like the stomach, due to its function, the blood on the other hand should not be too acidic as it may lead to acidosis. Thus a good amount of alkaline food is essential to balance the pH of the body. 

The body’s metabolism waste can turn the blood too acidic when the foods we mostly eat are highly acidic. That is why we need to balance the food we take in. We need a good amount of alkaline foods in our system to remain in the state of homeostasis. We also need to have a refresh from time to time from acidic foods we eat. 

Irish sea moss is classified as an alkaline food. Besides, it is essentially light to the stomach and low in calories. These are why people like so much. 

Healthy Hair and Nails 

Likewise, Irish sea moss is packed with collagen. Just a little review, collagen is a structural protein that is also the main component of our connective tissue. In short, collagen is responsible for the elasticity of the skin. A collagen-rich skin looks full and wrinkle-free; this is the reason why babies have bouncy and smooth skins. 

With daily consumption of Irish sea moss, the skin naturally becomes better. Irish sea moss naturally hydrates the skin and improves its quality. Aside from that, since sea moss is organic food, absorption is faster compared to synthetic sources or also known as soluble. 

People who take Irish sea moss daily can eventually notice an improvement in the outside appearance because collagen enhances the matrix in the hair, skin, and nails will start to regenerate from the inside out. While it is more advisable to take sea moss through the diet, topical gels are also tested to work for hydrating the skin. 

Aside from these two mentioned, Irish sea moss is classified as a superfood.

Read Blog: What Are the Side Effects of Sea Moss? Differentiating Carrageenan from Poligeenan

Why is Sea Moss a Superfood

Irish sea moss has limitless benefits to the body. These benefits are brought about by its amazing properties. These are the top 8 we shortlisted for you to know sea moss better. 

• 92 micronutrients
• Fucoxanthin
• Fibre-rich
• Iodine
• Vitamin B
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Zinc

92 micronutrients

Irish sea moss like the wildcrafted Irish sea moss of Earthbal is filled with 92 micronutrients. These micronutrients are also called trace minerals. These are essential minerals needed by the body in a smaller but consistent amount to continue its daily function. 

Irish sea moss is identified to have 92 out of 102 micronutrients needed by the body to function. Isn’t that amazing? By just eating one superfood, you can already have your daily dose of 92 necessary micronutrients. 

While supplements can also provide a little bit near the number of trace minerals a sea moss can provide, supplements can have more side effects than a natural sea moss. 

Fucoxanthin

Fucoxanthin is an important support to the digestive system. It helps the intestine in filtering unnecessary compounds. It is researched to prevent the absorption of unwanted fats in the body, especially in the gut area. More so, if it is paired with probiotics, can help with gut maintenance and healthy gut. 

Fibre-rich

In every 100g of Irish moss, you get a good 10g of fibers. Irish moss has a laxative effect which naturally cleans the intestine and helps mobilize accumulated dirt in the large intestine. Plus, you wouldn’t worry about the calories because a hundred grams is just around 49 calories.

Iodine Source

While just third on the list, Irish sea moss is a good source of iodine. Iodine is an essential nutrient for a healthy thyroid. It is a regulating nutrient for thyroid hormone production too. Essentially, a healthy thyroid means good muscle health and mental health. It is abundant that moderation should be observed for people who are at risk of developing hyperthyroidism. 

Vitamin B Source

Another abundant vitamin in Irish sea moss is vitamin B. There are two important variants of Vitamin B found in sea moss- Folate (B9) and Riboflavin (B2). Vitamin B is important in breaking down proteins in the body. It is also important is processing carbohydrates and fats. Folate or Vitamin B9 in folic acid is also a necessary nutrient for the neonate and the mother’s health during prenatal development.

Iron

It is known to everyone that Iron is essential for blood health. It is a necessary nutrient for hemoglobin development. The heme in the blood is a molecule that transports oxygen to the peripheral muscles and other organs. In a 100g of Irish sea moss, 68% of your daily requirement is met. Lacking in iron in the body can lead to anemia and other illness.

Magnesium 

Magnesium is a little less known to be an essential mineral in the body than iron but it plays a big role in the daily function of the body. Magnesium serves as an enzyme cofactor for many regulatory and biochemical reactions in the body. The mineral is important in protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and blood pressure regulation. A good amount of magnesium in the diet can help maintain bodily function. A 100g of sea moss can provide 41% of the daily recommended magnesium.

Zinc 

Zinc is necessary to support the immune system. It is also important in cell division and cell growth. While it may sound scientific, it just basically means that zinc is essential for our immunity to be healthy.  A deficiency in zinc in the body can lead to a lack of attention, weak immunity, allergies, thinning hair, and even leaky gut. While there are many zinc supplements, research claims that the zinc is best absorbed through the diet, especially from whole foods. Zinc also plays a good part in maintaining the immune system.

Read Blog: How Much Sea Moss to Take Daily? Take Sea Moss in Moderation

Who Benefits From Sea Moss

• Mucus Relief
• Thyroid Support
• Brain Health
• Libido Support
• Prenatal Support
• Energy Boost
• Immune System

Mucus relief

Irish sea moss has been used as an expectorant since the early 19th century. It is a tested effective Mucoactive agent. People with cough can use sea moss for throat relief. It is also helpful to the digestive system especially to people with leaky gut.

Thyroid support

The thyroid is an important organ in hormone management. Two main hormones the thyroid is responsible for managing are Thyroxine and Triiodothyronine which are essential for mental health, body functions, and more. We listed a few for you, 

• Digestive system
• Heart
• Cholesterol levels
• Brain, mood, and hormone balance
• Bones
• Muscle control
• Reproductive organs
• Nervous system
• Metabolism

Brain Health

A healthy brain is a consequence of all the natural components of Irish sea moss. Also, with a healthy thyroid comes better brain function because of better hormone management. Likewise, because the brain has an adequate amount of nutrients, it becomes more efficient and its aging becomes slower. 

Libido Support

A healthy reproductive system is another benefit of eating sea moss. With a good amount of Zinc, added with its naturally faster absorption, healthy libido and stimulation can be achieved. It also improves blood circulation through the body which eventually improves the stamina.

Prenatal Support

Sea moss is a recommended food for many pregnant women because of its organic folate content. Folic acid, a synthetic form of Folate is required to have a healthy prenatal development. A study shows that there is a correlation between the development of the neural tube of the baby and the amount of folic acid the mother has. With a large amount of required folic acid,  400mgc, for pregnant women, a natural source is recommended. 

Energy Boosts

Research also found sea moss to boost energy. Because the body meets its daily required nutrient and micronutrient, body functions become more optimized. More so, a healthy thyroid helps in muscle coordination and movement. Thus, with all the benefits from sea moss, the body becomes an oiled machine and the mind becomes more active. 

Immune System

Irish sea moss is filled with vitamins and minerals for the body to function well. Each vitamin or mineral helps keep the body away from diseases and in developing stronger immunity. Among the many other properties of sea moss, 

Read Blog: Sea Moss Whole Foods

When to Take and Not to Take Sea Moss? [source]

Although sea moss is a superfood which can bring limitless benefit to the body, it should not overdose. The iodine content in sea moss should be noted all the time. Check the table we have attached to know your limit. 

Too much of it can also cause Hyperthyroidism which can compromise your system. Likewise, too little Iodine in the system can lead to hypothyroidism. Hence, moderation is always the key. Although there are little to no side effects, a short health care advice can bring you a long way, so meet one before incorporating sea moss to your diet. 

Other side effects of using or consuming sea moss may include one or all of the following: 

• Burning or reddening skin
• Itchy or irritated skin
• Nausea and/or vomiting

In case you may feel any of these, contact health care professionals. 

How to Take Sea Moss?

There are different variants of sea moss products in the market. But! The freshest is the healthies it is still. 

Let’s get to know some of the available Sea Moss in the market. 

Steamed or washed 

This is the freshest version. Due to the difficulty of keeping the Irish sea moss, usually, this form can only be sold near the source of sea moss. 

Dried

In order to bring and to circulate to the further area, sea moss in the market, both online and in brick and mortar stores, are sold in dried form. This is baked or naturally sun-dried like Earthbal. The customer just needs to steam it again before eating. 

Powder

This is the easiest way to add sea moss to the diet. This is processed through drying then grinding. This version can be added to your daily smoothie. I promise you, it’s not fishy at all.

Pills or Capsules

This form is usually the cheapest. Pill or capsules offer an accurate dosage delivery method in an easily administered package. 

Gel

Another way is the gel form. Both edible and topical are popular. It is also usually used as thickeners for many recipes without added calories. 

Tinctures

Another new method is tinctures or extracts. This is good for topical use and mixing to drinks as it is more liquidy than gels.

Where To Buy Sea Moss

Sea moss is practically everywhere but the main question is not where to buy it, but rather, where to buy QUALITY sea moss. 

EARTHBAL

One certified Irish sea moss supplier is Earthbal. Their sea moss product is packed in the most natural way, natural dehydration. It is not cooked, it is not baked. So all properties mentioned are still present in the product. Its sea moss is wildcrafted and best processed to preserve the naturalness. The sea moss they are selling is non-GMO and gluten-free. Perfect for a vegan diet.