For centuries, red algae has taken center stage as a nutritional superstar. As the health awareness of seaweed and its benefits has grown recently. Sea moss or Irish moss is found in mainstream wellness conversations. Proponents of this type of algae have worked its benefits into popular health choices, such as supplements, pills, or gummy forms.
Sea moss, Irish moss, Irish seaweed—Chondrus crispus is the same thing. It is an algae from the ocean that can photosynthesize. All types of seaweed are also classified as algae, so they're all vegan and we can reap their benefits.
Sea moss is an evergreen. Sea moss is native to coastal North America and Northern Europe.
Sea moss can be found on the surface of oceanic rock formations. Those who harvest sea moss typically do so by hand, using a long pole to pick off the leafy tops that would then be dried and processed.
Poor populations have been documented to consume sea moss when food is scarce. For example, during the Irish Potato Famine in the 19th century, people would make soups out of sea moss to supplement their nutritional needs; others would eat it straight, though it is not particularly appetizing. This is how sea moss came to be known as Irish moss. It is also used in a popular Jamaican blended drink that consists of sea moss boiled with milk, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla and nutmeg.
Sea moss is not just a nutrient source - it's also been known as a health food for hundreds of years. It has even been used as an ingredient for carrageenan that you will find in dairy and non-dairy milk, ice creams, puddings, and more.
Many stories about sea moss claim that it's a miracle food. It could cure cancer and let you live to be 200 years old. Of course, these claims are sketchy at best, so it's important not to get way ahead of yourself. In other words, don't believe everything you see on the internet. But while we can't advocate these claims extensively, we can say that there have been a few benefits reported around this new superfood.
It's easy to overlook sea moss because it doesn't bulk up like more calorie-dense foods like nuts. But the benefits of this healthy food often outweigh those of the processed, over-processed, and high-calorie foods that are typically market darlings. Sea moss contains 92 out of the 110 minerals that our bodies need for various tasks, including metabolism and bone building.
A single serving contains just 49 calories but six grams of protein. It’s also rich in fiber—a nutrient most Americans don't get enough of—which can aid in weight loss and maintenance. Fiber also improves gut health, which is why it should be a staple for anyone who struggles with stomach problems or constipation. Other notable minerals found in sea moss include vitamins B and C, magnesium, sulfur, manganese, calcium, phosphorus, and zinc; their concentration varies depending on where the seaweed is harvested from.
Sea moss is rich in iodine, so eating large quantities may result in thyroid toxicity. Eating about 1,100 micrograms of iodine per day is considered excessive.
Some benefits of eating sea moss are…
1) The versatility of the plant; it can be eaten raw or cooked, dried and crushed into a power to use like garlic powder or even eaten whole.
2) Sea moss contains Vitamin A, Calcium and Iron.
3) It can help fight infections due to its iodine content
There have been recent studies about sea moss, which shows promise for promoting better digestion. One study that was published in the BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies Journal found that sea moss exhibited prebiotic properties in animal subjects and that it also helped restore the microbiome. Researchers claimed they observed an uptick in regular bowel movements, feeling lighter when eating sea moss, and improved digestion. Sea moss enthusiasts who incorporated some form of sea moss into their diet claim to have seen excellent results- an increased frequency of bowel movements and relief from painful tummy troubles.
Free radicals are substances that trigger inflammation due to stress. Acute or temporary inflammation is normal, but chronic inflammation can lead to a host of conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and cancer. Eating sea moss every day isn't going to make you immune to these diseases, but eating high-antioxidant foods on the regular is an easy way to practice prevention and protect your health.
Yes, sea moss is high in protein, but achieving the same content in supplement form is difficult. Sea moss is said to have performance-enhancing properties because of its high levels of taurine—an amino acid associated with muscle growth. It also has an antioxidant content which may support your workout and reduce inflammation while speeding up recovery time, allowing you to perform at a higher intensity without fear of injury and even workout more often.
Despite the similarity in name, there is no seaweed on the nori sheets or kelp noodles you'll find in most grocery stores. Sea moss is most commonly found in a powdered, gel, or capsule form at natural food grocery stores.
If you want the convenience of capsules, it doesn't get any easier than swallowing a tiny sea moss serving. The problem with the powdered and gelatinous versions is how to use them. Powdered is also quite versatile. It's easiest as a protein powder and blended into smoothies or post workout shakes. Sea moss can even be used as an egg-replacement in some vegan recipes, like ice cream and sauces. See these recipes to get more out of your jar of sea moss you may have bought on impulse.
You might be wondering, Can't all those rich spices give it a seaweed flavor? This sweet, spiced beverage is served with enough nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla accents to please your palate. Serve it chilled, warm, or at room temperature with an optional floater of rum.
Making your own jam is a great way to cut back on sugar and get more fiber. Stir in your homemade jam into your morning bowl of oats or generously spread it on just-toasted sourdough bread.
This island-inspired sea moss smoothie has a bright and sunny flavor, thanks to the mango, pineapple, and coconut. A little fresh ginger adds just the right amount of kick.
Explore different varieties of vegan foods to satisfy your taste buds. Order online or buy at the grocery the vegan food like The best vegan 3 day detox plan & 7 Best Vegan Cakes and Dessert Recipes.
For more information visit: Use Sea Moss for Health and Wellness