Sea Moss Supplements
Sea moss, also known as Irish moss, is a type of red algae found along the coasts of North America, the Caribbean Islands, and Europe. Long utilised in traditional medicine, sea moss has recently garnered attention for its purported health benefits.
Considering the growing popularity of sea moss for its remarkable benefits, are you contemplating incorporating it into your wellness routine? If you need more clarification about selecting the appropriate sea moss supplement, this article is here to help. We'll delve into sea moss, explore its benefits and side effects, discuss the composition of trusted brands, and guide you on how to use it
What Is Sea Moss (Irish Moss)?
Sea moss, scientifically known as Chondrus crispus, is a red alga distinguished by its rubbery and tough texture. It naturally appears in various colours, including red, purple, yellow, brown, and black. In its ocean habitat, sea moss bears a resemblance to frisée lettuce. Predominantly found around rocky coastal areas, it has been traditionally harvested and used in herbal medicine. It is abundant along Ireland's coast, earning the moniker 'Irish moss' (1).
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Why Sea Moss is Gaining Popularity?
Sea moss offers many natural health benefits thanks to its rich blend of vitamins, minerals, and other vital nutrients. Food manufacturers harvest it for carrageenan, a thickening agent used in products like chocolate milk, ice cream, and creamers.
Sea Moss Benefits
With its numerous benefits, sea moss has become a popular ingredient in many supplement formulations. Nonetheless, choosing supplements from reputable brands that include safe, effective, and natural sea moss is crucial.
May Help Prevent Parkinson’s Disease
A standout benefit of sea moss is its potential to prevent Parkinson's disease in susceptible individuals. Sea moss is packed with natural ingredients that offer neuroprotective effects on the brain and nervous system. Studies indicate that regular intake of sea moss could delay the onset of Parkinson's disease (3). Additionally, it's believed to enhance cognition, memory, and overall brain health.
Can Help Boost the Immune System
Sea moss's rich nutrient profile endows it with immune-boosting properties. It's a balanced source of essential minerals, vitamins, and compounds for an efficient immune system. Notably, it contains antioxidants like vitamins C and E, capable of neutralising free radicals in the body.
Free radicals, produced during various chemical reactions in the body, can damage cells and potentially lead to severe conditions like cancer. A robust immune system can eliminate these radicals, preventing damage. With its natural antioxidants, sea moss helps ensure the body remains free from oxidative stress. An advised dose of sea moss in the morning could benefit day-long protection.
May Support Thyroid Health
Sea moss is also known for supporting thyroid function, thanks to its iodine content. Iodine is crucial for the thyroid gland to regulate metabolism effectively. Dysfunctional thyroid activity can lead to significant weight changes. Unlike some dairy and marine products high in iodine, sea moss offers a balanced amount, reducing the risk of hyperthyroidism (4).
Can Promote Gut Health
Regular consumption of sea moss has been linked to improved digestion and gut health. It helps promote beneficial gut bacteria and suppresses harmful ones, fostering a healthier digestive tract (5).
May Facilitate Weight Loss
Sea moss is a natural aid in weight management. Its iodine content supports thyroid function, thereby boosting metabolism. Additionally, its natural fibre content helps create a feeling of fullness, curbing overeating and aiding in fat mobilisation for weight loss (6).
May Enhance Cardiovascular Health
Sea moss is beneficial for heart health due to its fibre content. High cholesterol and fatty diets are risk factors for hypertension and stroke, but the fibre in sea moss can help mitigate these risks. Regular fibre intake is crucial for managing diabetes, blood sugar levels, and heart health (7).
Sea Moss Nutrition
Sea moss is celebrated as a nutritional powerhouse packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Each component within sea moss supplements is clinically proven to offer positive health benefits. The active ingredients typically found in these supplements include:
- Organic sea moss powder
- Organic burdock root powder
- Organic bladderwrack powder
- Organic black pepper powder
Additionally, sea moss supplements often contain these vital minerals and vitamins:
- Iodine: Crucial for thyroid health.
- Vitamin C: A potent antioxidant that bolsters immune function.
- Iron: Key for transporting oxygen in the blood.
- Magnesium: Supports muscle and nerve functions.
- Calcium: Vital for maintaining bone strength.
- Zinc: Aids in immune response and wound healing.
- Vitamins B2 and B9: Essential for energy metabolism and cellular division.
Should You Take Sea Moss Supplements?
Sea moss supplements offer a rich blend of natural vitamins and minerals crucial for human health. Each ingredient in these supplements is backed by clinical evidence supporting its positive impact on the body. Taking sea moss supplements is a fantastic way to harness these health benefits. However, adhering to the recommended dosage is critical for long-term and effective results.
Recommended Portion Size
For capsule forms, manufacturers typically recommend two capsules daily. In powder form, the advised dose is 1-2 tablespoons of sea moss per day. It's important to remember that sea moss supplements vary in composition, so always follow the dosage instructions on the product label.
How to Incorporate Sea Moss into Your Diet
Adding sea moss to your diet can be both enjoyable and beneficial. Here are some ways to prepare sea moss in various dishes:
Smoothies: Blend sea moss gel or preparation into your favourite smoothies. Tailor the flavours to your liking and enjoy a nutritious smoothie.
Soups: Enhance your soups by soaking sea moss for a few minutes, boosting nutritional content and flavour.
Stews: Rinse sea moss with water, then boil it for 30 minutes. Add oil and your chosen vegetables, and simmer for a few more minutes. Savour the unique taste of sea moss stew.
Baked Goods: Sea moss can be incorporated into raw ingredients before baking. Add it to cakes, muffins, energy bars, chocolate, or bread for an extra health boost.
Takeaway
Sea moss supplements have rapidly gained popularity for their extensive health benefits and essential nutrient profile. While they are linked with various health advantages, sensible consumption is essential. Follow the recommended dosage, be aware of potential side effects, and choose a reputable brand for your sea moss supplements in Australia. If you're dealing with any health issues, it's advisable to consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.
References
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Lomartire, S., Marques, J.C. and Gonçalves, A.M.M., 2021. An Overview to the Health Benefits of Seaweeds Consumption. Mar Drugs, 19(6). doi:10.3390/MD19060341
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Pangestuti, R., Shin, K.H. and Kim, S.K., 2021. Anti-Photoaging and Potential Skin Health Benefits of Seaweeds. Mar Drugs, 19(3). doi:10.3390/MD19030172
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Liu, J., Banskota, A.H., Critchley, A.T., Hafting, J. and Prithiviraj, B., 2015. Neuroprotective Effects of the Cultivated Chondrus crispus in a C. elegans Model of Parkinson’s Disease. Mar Drugs, 13(4):2250. doi:10.3390/MD13042250
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Darias-Rosales, J., Rubio, C., Gutiérrez, Á.J., Paz, S. and Hardisson, A., 2020. Risk assessment of iodine intake from the consumption of red seaweeds (Palmaria palmata and Chondrus crispus). Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 27(36):45737-45741. doi:10.1007/S11356-020-10478-9
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Liu, J., Kandasamy, S., Zhang, J., et al., 2015. Prebiotic effects of diet supplemented with the cultivated red seaweed Chondrus crispus or with fructo-oligo-saccharide on host immunity, colonic microbiota and gut microbial metabolites. BMC Complement Altern Med, 15(1). doi:10.1186/S12906-015-0802-5
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Gómez-Zorita, S., González-Arceo, M., Trepiana, J., et al., 2020. Anti-Obesity Effects of Macroalgae. Nutrients, 12(8):1-29. doi:10.3390/NU12082378
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Chichibu, H., Yamagishi, K., Kishida, R., et al., 2021. Seaweed Intake and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: The Circulatory Risk in Communities Study (CIRCS). J Atheroscler Thromb, 28(12):1298. doi:10.5551/JAT.61390
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Khalifa, M., Aftab, H.B., Kantorovich, V., 2021. “Fueling the Fire” - Irish Sea-Moss Resulting in Jod-Basedow Phenomenon in a Patient With Grave’s Disease. J Endocr Soc, 5(Suppl 1):A906. doi:10.1210/JENDSO/BVAB048.1849
