Irish Sea Moss Health Benefits? Here’s What You Need to Know

When you spot seaweed in the ocean, the last thing you’re probably thinking about is eating it. However, there are many who now consider Irish sea moss to be the secret weapon for staying fit and healthy. We’re here to talk about why sea moss is growing in popularity and what we really know about it – not just wild claims.

There are plenty of people out there who will tell you the “effects” of Irish sea moss without really explaining why they happen or what science backs these claims up. At Freshly Rooted Tribe Inc., we provide information you can really trust. Without further ado, let’s talk about the research and claims behind the ocean’s most popular supplement.

First things first:

What Is Sea Moss and Where Does it Come From?

Before we get into this topic, let’s talk about what sea moss actually is. You might also hear it referred to as “Chondrus crispus”, “Irish moss” or “red seaweed”, or “purple seaweed”, “green seaweed”, or “brown seaweed” but they’re all the same thing. Interestingly enough, it’s not actually moss, but a type of algae that grows around the globe.

Irish sea moss grows year-round in waters along the rocky Atlantic coasts to North America and Northern Europe. For hundreds of years, there have been reports of people using sea moss for nutritional and medicinal purposes. In fact, during the Irish Potato famine in the 1800s, people supplemented their diets with moss to gain important nutrients and minerals.

Some families would mix the seaweed into soups or stews. Others would eat this sea vegetable on their own – although the moss isn’t exactly known for its great flavor. Sea moss is naturally low in calories, fat, and sugar, still, it packs a ton of protein and nutrients for its size. Incorporating it into meals helped people stay healthy, even when there wasn’t much food to go around.

Today, you’ll actually find Irish sea moss in a variety of products. You’ve likely ingested some without even knowing it – or even used it on your face with skincare or makeup products. The moss is also sold raw or in many wellness supplements.

Like many other sea vegetables, sea mosses are known for their essential micronutrients, including vitamins and minerals. There isn’t a ton of scientific research out there, but what has been done indicates that sea moss can provide prebiotics and some much-needed nutrients. We’re still learning so much about this powerful supplement, and we’ll continue to share what we learn via Freshly Rooted Tribe’s products and articles.

Sea Moss Can Boost Your Immune System

Are you tired of hearing about immunity boosters, especially during 2020 and this year? We don’t blame you, but we do have good reasons for believing that Irish sea moss can sometimes keep you healthier.

Because Irish moss is rich in potassium chloride, it can help reduce phlegm and inflammation in mucous membranes. That means when you’re congested and coughing, it’s possible that Irish moss works as a natural antiviral and antimicrobial agent. Your respiratory infection/illness might not last quite as long as it would normally.

It’s also widely thought that sea moss helps with everyday elements of aging and inflammation. Users have reported lessened cold and flu-like symptoms when taking sea moss in the powdered form, as well as raw or as a sea moss gel.

According to Science Flora, sea moss reportedly helps ward off a variety of respiratory illnesses including:

• Tuberculosis
• Pneumonia
• Flu
• Common colds
• Chesty coughs
• Bronchitis

It Might Fight Parkinson’s Disease and Its Side Effects

Some studies have indicated that the anti-inflammatory properties of sea moss might actually protect the brain from diseases like Parkinson’s.

Over time, Parkinson’s Disease affects movement and causes tremors, stiffness, and slowness. There is currently no cure, but many doctors believe that anti-inflammatory drugs and supplements could possibly slow the progression of the disease and alleviate some of the worst symptoms.

According to WebMD, in a study done on worms, extract from sea moss decreased problems with stiffness and slow movement. Although it could be different in humans, there’s promising research that indicates sea moss could become a great weapon for fighting Parkinson’s and similar diseases.

Authentic Sea Moss Gel Contains Tons of Nutrients

If there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s that this little tiny spiral seaweed is densely packed with vitamins and nutrients. Some even refer to it as the “powerhouse” of nature – a fungus that contains 92 out of the 110 minerals the body contains. Some of the most important minerals/vitamins in Irish moss include:

• Beta-carotene
• Vitamin B
• Vitamin C
• Sulfur
• Magnesium
• Manganese
• Calcium
• Phosphorus
• Zinc

So many of these 92 minerals are vital to healthy functioning bodies. It’s also possible that Irish sea moss serves as an antioxidant with additional health benefits.

It Can Help Build Strong, Healthy Muscles

There’s a whopping six grams of protein per 100 grams of sea moss. To give you some context, there are about 27 grams of protein in 100 grams of chicken. For something that’s easy to mix into drinks or use in baking, that’s some serious protein. At the same time, sea moss is low in calories – usually around 49 calories per 100 grams.

Additionally, sea moss contains a specific acid called taurine that helps the body burn fat and build muscle. When you’re working out, this acid helps your body burn fat rather than carbohydrates, making it easier to develop strong, lean muscles.

If you’re in the gym often, you’ll also appreciate the anti-inflammatory properties of sea moss. These help your body recover quickly, and the collagen proteins in sea moss strengthen and repair your connective tissue.

Irish Sea Moss Can Help You Lose Weight

Irish moss doesn’t just make working out more effective and painless – it can also reduce your appetite according to some sources. It absorbs moisture in the intestinal tract, giving you a feeling of “fullness” even if you haven’t eaten a lot. The additional minerals and nutrients in sea moss also help fill up your body, giving you an extra great feeling of satisfaction after each meal.

If you want to understand how sea moss really helps with weight loss, you need to know how your metabolism works. Metabolism is a chemical reaction in your body that breaks down foods, then distributes the nutrients from what you eat to your various cells. In simple terms, it’s the method by which our bodies convert food into energy.

Having a great metabolism is important both for weight loss and for reproductive, respiratory, nervous, and organ health. Because sea moss contains citrulline-arginine, a compound that’s known to stimulate your metabolism, you’ll likely experience faster weight loss while ingesting Irish sea moss on a regular basis.

It Can Be Used to Help With Healthy Digestion

Ever heard of a “mucilaginous” food? Think of gelatinous foods like chia seeds or aloe. Similarly, the “snotty” texture of Irish moss is actually, well, good for you. Your digestive system can benefit from sea moss as it passes through your body.

In 2015, a study published in the BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies journal indicated that sea moss had prebiotic side effects in animals during digestion. In short, the sea moss increased beneficial short-chain fatty acid in the colon while removing bad bacteria and improving overall gut health.

Users of sea moss gel have reported:

• Improved digestion
• Easier, more regular bowel movements
• Feeling lighter and “cleaner”

In our experience, improved digestion is one of the most popular reasons that people use sea moss. If you’re tired of popping calcium pills and feeling nasty after you finish a heavy meal, this might be a good fit for you.

Experience Clearer Skin With Sea Moss Gel and Products

There’s a reason that sea moss is included in so many skincare items on the market today. The minerals in a sea moss gel can be applied directly to your skin. Like aloe vera, Irish sea moss can reduce the pain from sunburns and soothe dry, itchy areas.

The high vitamin content in sea moss is excellent at making skin retain moisture. If you’re constantly dealing with dry patches or red, rough areas, this is a great way to encourage your skin to naturally stay soft and hydrated.

Another amazing aspect of sea moss is its sulfur content. Although that might sound gross, sulfur actually has antibacterial properties that foster a healthy skin microbiome. Many people fight acne-causing bacteria with sea moss, and if you live in a place with bad pollution, sea moss can be used to protect your skin from environmental effects.

You’ll find sea moss in a variety of skincare products including masks, sunscreens, and moisturizers. You can also consume sea moss and reap the rewards of a smoother outward appearance. The fiber in sea moss supports a healthy gut, which then contributes to healthier skin.

Sea Moss in the Diet May Help With Thyroid Issues

Many reports on sea moss explore the algae’s undervalued effects on thyroid hormones. Because Irish moss contains the thyroid hormone precursor DI-Iodothyronine (DIT) and the thyroid hormones Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3), it can potentially help those who don’t have properly functioning thyroids.

A word of caution: if you are already taking medication for your thyroid, be careful about consuming sea moss. You’ll need to monitor your iodine intake – even though iodine is good for your thyroid, if you’re already taking medications that include it, you could ingest too much.

As always, our team at Freshly Rooted Tribes advises everyone to work with a certified practitioner who is knowledgeable if you are already dealing with a disorder.

Still, Irish moss is full of many different iodine compounds, micronutrients that are great at helping your thyroid function strongly. Some reports indicate that taking sea moss supplements will help out the hormones that regulate your metabolism, mood, digestion, and more.

How Do You Prepare Sea Moss to Eat?

Now that you know a little bit more about sea moss, you’re probably wondering just how people use and ingest it. Many brands sell capsules or tablets that include sea moss, but at Freshly Rooted Tribe, we sell Irish sea moss that’s 100 percent wild harvested.

Raw Irish sea moss should be cleaned with filtered or spring water, then left to soak for four to eight hours. After, drain the water from the bowl, and the sea moss will have lost most of its color, as well as expanded. Add the sea moss and freshwater to a high-speed blender, then blend for a couple of minutes.

Pour what is left into a glass jar and let it solidify in the refrigerator. Then, voila! You have homemade sea moss gel. We often recommend that customers incorporate sea moss gel as a thickening agent in homemade:

• Smoothies
• Baked goods
• Sauces
• Ice cream
• Soups
• Stews

Whether you choose powdered sea moss or raw, it’s important to make sure it is clean before using. Raw, rehydrated sea moss should be washed and soaked for at least 12 hours.

Not sure what to do with your sea moss gel? Reach out to our family and business. We have years of experience finding ways to incorporate Irish sea moss into our daily lives, and we can help you do the same based on your preferences and needs.

Who Should Not Use Irish Sea Moss in Their Diet?

We advise pregnant or breastfeeding women to speak to their doctors before taking any Irish sea moss supplements, pills, or foods. Additionally, there are reports that Irish moss functions as a blood thinner, so if you are taking anticoagulant medications, you should not ingest Irish moss.

Again: we always encourage people to talk to a doctor before starting any dramatic diet changes or treatments.

Conclusion

The bottom line is that Irish sea moss has an extremely high nutrient profile, and that can potentially lead to many positive benefits for a variety of people. Although there’s not a piece of science to back up every claim about this supplement, there are millions of personal testimonies out there.

There’s a reason that Pinterest has reported a 380 percent increase in popularity for the term “sea moss.” People are catching on to the many, many associated benefits – and it’s not too late for you to jump on the bandwagon, too. Now, more than ever, we all need to be thinking of ways to keep our bodies healthy.

Our family at Freshly Rooted Tribe Inc. is passionate about ingredients that boost our health – and yours. If you have questions about any of the ingredients we use, including Irish sea moss, don’t hesitate to shoot us a message or call (707) 297-6550. We’re here to help.