What is Sea Moss? | Health Benefits, Uses, & Side Effects

Are you curious about what is sea moss? If yes, then keep on reading because in this blog, we will dive deeper into the roots of Sea Moss, where it came from, and its health benefits.

 

We live in a world where processed and toxic foods are more easily accessible, but finding clean and healthy foods can be a challenge.

However, making learned dietary choices can help you live a healthier and more fulfilling life. While finding such healthy choices, one food that stays on top of our list is our all-time favourite, Sea Moss!

Sea moss is a red algae that is high in minerals and vitamins. It provides a wide range of nutrients, improves energy levels, and boosts physical and mental well-being, among many other benefits. This is an excellent dietary supplement for adults and kids and has a safe dosage level of 4 grams per day.

Today at Myla’s Moss, you will get to discover the true potential of this superfood.

What is Sea Moss?

Sea moss is also renowned by several other names, like Irish Sea Moss and Red Algae, and is scientifically known as Chondrus Crispus. It is a type of edible seaweed with a long history of remarkable health benefits for your physical, cognitive, and even emotional health! [1]

This seaweed grows on the Atlantic coastline of Europe, North America, and a few other Caribbean islands. Every day, millions of people around the world consume it to benefits from its wide range of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other health boosting components.

Furthermore, sea moss is a star ingredient in beauty and skin products as it can treat certain skin conditions, including eczema.[2] 

You can consume sea moss orally or topically apply the gel. Besides, it can be taken in raw gel form or mixed with smoothies, ice creams, or other food items.

 

History of Sea Moss

Sea Moss has a long-standing history dating back as far as 400 BC.

In the 20th century, Dr. Alfredo Bowman (also known as, Dr, Sebi), a health activist, and herbalist greatly promoted the idea of consuming sea moss in regular life. 

He was a firm believer in the healing properties of nature and sea moss was a major part of his alkaline-based diet. He personally used it to cure his condition, and his name is permanently associated with nature's gold sea moss.

Dr. Sebi's sea moss recipes are used by many people to attain the optimal benefits of seaweed. They are simple to make and help people cure themselves of malignant diseases. That is exactly why sea moss was Dr. Sebi's favourite fasting, cleansing, and daily nutrition herb.

 

Nutritional Composition of Sea Moss

There is no doubt that sea moss contains a high amount of vitamins and minerals. After all, there's a reason it's called a superfood. It contains all the crucial minerals and vitamins that our bodies require. The USDA has found that approximately 2 tablespoons of Sea Moss contains the following amount of minerals and vitamins. 

Here is the list of the top 18 research-backed minerals:

• Potassium

Potassium is essential for the body as it helps maintain fluid balance inside each cell. Sea moss contains around 6.3 mg of potassium. 

• Calcium

A similar serving of sea moss provides 7.2 mg of calcium. This mineral is responsible for your bone's health and wellness. Additionally, major organs in the body, i.e., the heart, need calcium to function properly.

• Magnesium

Irish moss contains 14.4 mg of magnesium. This compound is essential for muscles and nerves. Furthermore, it helps keep blood pressure normal and aids in bone formation. 

• Phosphorus

2 tablespoons of sea moss contain 15.7 mg phosphorus. The human body needs phosphorus for cell growth, maintaining metabolism, and producing energy. 

• Iron

Iron is essential for the production of hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells. It is also important for growth and development. Fun fact! Sea moss contains 0.9 mg of iron. 

• Vitamin D, A, K and E

Vitamins D, K, and E are vital for bones and vision. Additionally, vitamin K is needed for blood clotting and building bones.

• Iodine

The thyroid gland functions at its best when it is supplied with adequate iodine.

• Selenium

Selenium provides protection against cell damage.

• Zinc

Zinc helps the body in various activities, including building immunity, helping the thyroid gland, wound healing, and blood clotting, etc. 

• Manganese

Manganese helps build connective tissues, bones, and blood.

• Folate 

Folate is valuable for red blood cell formation and optimal cell growth.

• Copper

Cooper keeps the immune system in check, helps the body to produce red blood cells, and helps repair nerve cells.

• Vitamin B1, B2, B12, B9, C

The abundance of these vitamins helps the body by maintaining a healthy nervous system, improving metabolism, and providing anti-oxidants, among many other benefits.

Other Dietary Components of Sea Moss

In addition to essential minerals and vitamins, sea moss also contains dietary fibre, important amino acids, and polyphenols. Sea moss's polyunsaturated fatty acid content is relatively high, and its lipid profile is low. This makes it a fantastic choice for losing weight and staying fit.

Safe Dosage

The recommended dosage for sea moss is 40 grams daily. However, the fixed quantity depends on various factors, including the reason behind its consumption and your doctor’s advice. 

 

 The 8 Amazing Benefits of Sea Moss

Here are the 8 amazing health benefits of Sea Moss to convince you to add this nature's wonder to your diet. 

 

• Prevent HPV

Sea moss contains carrageenan, a fantastic inhibitor of Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a type of STD.[3] 

 

• Improves Heart Health

Sea moss contains Omega-3, which is excellent for keeping the heart healthy. It also helps in thinning the blood and preventing cholesterol.

 

• Sexual Well-Being 

Zinc, a compound responsible for good sexual health and is found in sea moss. It is also involved in increasing the testosterone level in men (the primary male sex hormone) and in the ovulation and development of eggs in women. 

 

• Cancer Prevention 

The available research on sea moss states that it may help prevent certain types of cancer.[4]  The carrageenan present in sea moss were tested. The results showed promising anti-cancerous activities.

 

• Enhances Skin and Hair 

Sea moss contains the essential nutrients a healthy body requires. A healthy body is equal to healthy skin and hair. 

 

• Immunity Booster 

Sea moss's antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties help boost immunity.

 

• Weight loss

The fibre content in sea moss helps keep the body full for longer, aiding in weight loss.

 

• Aids in Relieving Congestion 

Consuming or applying sea moss over the blocked sinus areas helps the body remove excess mucus and helps soothe the mucus membranes. We have personally witnessed this benefit of Sea Moss for our daughter Myla.  

To have a better overview of the benefits of sea moss, head on to our new blog post “20 Health Benefits of Sea Moss”. 

 

 

How to Use Sea Moss?

After being aware of the incredible benefits of sea moss, you must be wondering how to include it in your routine. 

There are multiple ways to incorporate Sea Moss in your life, such as:

• A dietary supplement
• In smoothies & ice-creams
• The Sea moss gel applied topically
• In salads as a dressing
• Vegan substitute for gelatin in desserts
• Use as hair mask

You can find more in depth ideas to use Sea Moss on our page “How To Use Sea Moss Gel? 

Where to Find Authentic Sea Moss?

At Myla's Moss, we take pride in providing the finest organic sea moss to our customers in the UK. Our 100% natural and efficacious products are crafted with care, and we invite you to explore our website to learn more about the origins and benefits of our offerings.

Myla's Moss is distinguished by our exceptional sea moss, sourced directly from the mineral-rich waters of St. Lucia. The high volcanic activity in the region infuses the sea moss with an unparalleled nutritional profile, ensuring that our customers receive the best possible quality.

We are committed to delivering safe, preservative-free, fresh, and wholesome sea moss in perfect packaging. Trust Myla's Moss for an exceptional sea moss experience.

What Are the Side Effects of Sea Moss?

There aren’t much sea moss side effects as it’s a natural compound. However, overconsumption may lead to some dire consequences. Here are some sea moss precautions to keep in mind. 

•   Contains a high quantity of iodine
•  May cause nausea, vomiting, stomach ache

 

The Final Verdict

This easy-to-understand guide has helped you learn about sea moss benefits, including its background, history, possible side effects, and different ways to use it. 

Sea moss is a nutrient-packed superfood that has become popular because of its wide range of benefits, like improving our immune system and helping our digestion.

Even though it has been around for a long time, people are rediscovering its value today. It's important to remember that while sea moss is generally safe, you should know about any potential side effects and talk to a healthcare professional before adding it to your routine, especially if you have any health issues.

Now that you have this information, you can make better choices about using sea moss in your diet. You can try it in smoothies, soups, or even skincare products. No matter how you choose to use sea moss, it can give a natural and healthy boost to your life. Enjoy trying it out, and we hope that your experience with sea moss is both enjoyable and good for your health!

Purchase a bottle of sea moss from Myla's Moss and experience the benefits first-hand. By choosing us, you'll receive a bottle packed with potent goodness that contributes to your overall well-being.

 

FAQ's

How to Add Sea Moss to Your Diet?

The easiest way to consume sea moss is in gel form. You can gulp it down with a glass of water without worrying about its taste and consistency. Besides, you can add it to your drinks, smoothies, and even ice cream. 

What does sea moss taste like?

Sea Moss is generally tasteless but has a natural, earthy, oyster-like odour from the ocean that some people may find unpleasant. Additionally, its texture is slimy. However, mixing it with food and drinks like ice creams and shakes will allow you to get all its goodness without feeling queasy.

What are the ten minerals missing from sea moss?

Although sea moss is known for its nutritional value, it’s missing some minerals too. The top ten minerals missing from sea moss are thulium, tin, tungsten, uranium, vanadium, titanium, xenon, yttrium, ytterbium, and zirconium. Since these minerals are very rare, you may not have heard about them, and some of them could even be harmful.

What does sea moss do?

Sea moss has plenty of benefits, and some of the top ones include improved thyroid function, mental well-being, and weight loss. Sea moss contains high quantities of iodine, zinc, calcium, potassium, and other essential minerals. This helps keep your reproductive organs healthy and improve your gut health. Additionally, sea moss helps with weight loss and enhances the appearance of skin and hair.

What is sea moss good for?

Sea moss is good for keeping your body and essential organs healthy. It lowers cholesterol and makes the blood thinner. Therefore, decreasing the likelihood of heart-related conditions. It also helps with nerve damage and prevents infections. 

What happens if you take sea moss every day?

Taking sea moss every day is good for your body. It contains over 18 (tested and verified) essential minerals and vitamins. Adding sea moss to your daily diet will help fight against infections, decrease inflammation, and improve the sexual well-being of men and women. It may also help in losing weight and increasing metabolism. 

Is sea moss good for your skin?

Yes, sea moss is good for the skin. It gives the boosts collagen and keratin production and increases skin elasticity which ultimately prevents early wrinkles. It contains quantities of Omega-3 which helps keep the skin young and fresh. In short, it can be a life-saver for people wanting to age slowly.  

Is sea moss good for your hair?

Zinc is an essential compound that helps keep hair healthy. Luckily, sea moss contains zinc and calcium, which are suitable for hair. Therefore, sea moss can help decrease hair damage and make your hair healthy and strong. 

 

 

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[1] Cornish, M. L., Critchley, A. T., & Mouritsen, O. G. (2017). Consumption of seaweeds and the human brain. Journal of Applied Phycology, 29, 2377-2398.
[2] David, S. R., Baharulnizam, N. B., & Rajabalaya, R. (2022). A review on biological assays of red algae marine compounds: An insight into skin whitening activities. Journal of Herbal Medicine, 100585.
[3] Laurie, C., El-Zein, M., Coutlée, F., de Pokomandy, A., & Franco, E. L. (2021). Carrageenan as a preventive agent against human papillomavirus infection: a narrative review. Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 48(7), 458-465.
[4] Torres, M. D., Flórez-Fernández, N., & Domínguez, H. (2021). Chondrus crispus treated with ultrasound as a polysaccharides source with improved antitumoral potential. Carbohydrate Polymers, 273, 118588.

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