A registered dietitian explains what this spiny sea vegetable can do for your diet.
Sea Moss, also known as Irish moss, is a type of sea algae that can be eaten or taken as a nutritional supplement.Seamoss is naturally rich in minerals and vitamins, and regular use may have some health benefits.
Chondrus crispus, also known as Irish moss, is a type of algae or seaweed that is commonly referred to as sea moss. It is a spiny, edible plant that resembles other edible seaweeds such as kombu, dulse, and wakame.
Itgrows naturally in waters and tide pools along rocky coasts, such as the northern Atlantic Ocean’s coasts. The common sea moss is a red seaweed, but it can also grow in other colours depending on factors such as local climate and water temperatures.
Sea Moss Health Benefits
“There appear to be quite a few health benefits of sea moss, but they aren’t heavily studied,” Czerwony warns, “and sea moss supplements are not approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration.”
There is a lot of research on the health benefits of seaweed, which is sea moss’s cousin, but not on sea moss specifically. Nonetheless, it is generally safe for consumption, and its benefits are comparable to those of other seaweeds.
It’s healthy for Heart
It contains more fibre than most vegetables, which is a good thing because fibre has numerous health benefits. It can help you control your blood sugar, lower your cholesterol, and lower your risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.
“Research suggests that it may help lower bad cholesterol, which is one of the risk factors for heart disease,” Czerwony says. It helps to lower blood pressure, which is another important benefit.
Supporting Thyroid Health
Iodine-rich diets may benefit thyroid health. This mineral is required by the thyroid in order for it to produce and use important hormones in the body. Without enough iodine, the thyroid may not function properly, resulting in metabolic problems.
Sea algae, are natural sources of iodine and may help prevent iodine deficiency.
It may promote weight Loss
Remember how high the fibre content of seaweed is? High-fiber foods are filling, so they may help you avoid overeating. “Fiber keeps us fuller for longer, which may aid in weight control,” says Czerwony.
Sea Moss may Boost your immunity
According to one study, Atlantic salmon that ate sea moss had a more efficient immune response than salmon that did not. Of course, fish and humans have very different bodies, and no similar studies on humans have yet proven the same effect.
Nonetheless, a healthy gut is linked to a healthy immune system. In addition, sea moss is high in iron and antioxidants, both of which help with immune health.
Helps in fighting against Cancer
Compounds found in some algae may aid in the treatment of certain cancers. According to research published on CancersTrusted Source, fucoxanthin, which is abundant in some algae, may help fight specific markers of colorectal cancer or reduce risk factors.
Having said that, the study concentrated heavily on high concentrations and extracts of fucoxanthin. More research into sea moss could reveal whether the same benefits apply.
Build Muscle and aid in Work out Recovery
Taurine, an amino acid found in it, aids in muscle development. “When we exercise, we get little micro-tears in our muscles,” Czerwony says, “but amino acids can help with recovery.”
Sea moss also contains about 6 grammes of protein per 100 grammes, which is an important nutrient for athletes. Just don’t rely solely on sea moss to recover from exercise! You must still ensure that you are getting enough healthy food, hydration, rest, and so on.
Having Neuroprotective Tests
Algae’s antioxidant properties may help protect against neurodegenerative disease. According to a study published in Marine Drugs, a sea algae extract protected against Parkinson’s disease markers.
The reasearchers used these worms in study. More human research would help to investigate the potential neuroprotective effects of sea moss on humans.
Sea Moss helps in Promoting fertility
There hasn’t been a lot of formal research to back up the claim that sea moss promotes fertility. Traditional medicinal systems may include it as part of fertility treatment, and some people claim the algae helps their fertility anecdotally. This claim requires more formal research to be evaluated.
Assisting with muscle and energy recovery
Sea moss may aid in the recovery of the body after exercise or in the relief of fatigue.
A study published in the Asian Journal of Medical Sciences included 80 adults over the age of 40 who were suffering from musculoskeletal symptoms. The study discovered that people who were given certain types of sea moss experienced less fatigue, exhaustion, and pain. This could be due to the plant’s high levels of amino acids and total proteins.
It promotes gut health.
Your digestive system is teeming with bacteria, both good and bad. And, because gut health is linked to overall health, balancing out those bacteria is an important part of your overall health. Algae, including sea moss, is high in fibre and alive bacteria. “It has the potential to help replenish the good bacteria in our gut,” Czerwony says.
Helping to maintain healthy hair and skin
Anecdotally, some people claim that taking external sea moss on a regular basis improves the appearance and feel of their skin and hair. More evidence is to back up this claim, according to researchers.
How to Prepare
Sea moss lends itself well to a variety of recipes and preparation methods.
Soups and stews thicken with the help of it.
Making a sea vegetable gel is an easy way to incorporate sea moss into your diet. If you’re using dried form, soak it in water overnight. Rinse the sea algae and place it in a blender with some clean water. Blend the mixture until smooth, then store it in an airtight container. Place the covered mixture in the refrigerator overnight to gel.
This gelled mixture can be easily added to foods that require thickening, or it can be consumed as a supplement. Iodine-rich diets may benefit thyroid health. Powdered form can also be added to juices and smoothies, or sprinkled on yoghurt or cereal. Adding powder to soups or stews may have the same thickening effect as using it in gel form.
