Sea Moss the Nutrient Powerhouse

Sea moss, also known as Irish moss or Chondrus crispus, is a red seaweed species that can be found along the rocky shores of the Atlantic coasts of Europe and North America, especially in countries such as Ireland, Iceland, and the British Isles. It has a long history of use in both food and traditional medicine, dating back to at least the 1800s.

Sea moss is a nutritional powerhouse loaded with a variety of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. Sea Moss is right up there in the Top 3 Superfoods along with Spirulina and Chlorella. Add this plant to your shopping list because it packs one heck of a nutrient punch. And you know what they say…a nutrient buffet, keeps the doctor away.

Irish Sea Moss | History

Irish Sea Moss is a type of seaweed that has been used for centuries as a medicinal and nutritional supplement. Also known as Carrageen Moss, it is found along the rocky coasts of the Atlantic Ocean, particularly in Ireland, where it has been used for centuries.

Traditional Harvesting Methods

Irish Sea Moss is harvested by hand and dried in the sun, which helps to preserve its natural nutrients. It is then packed and sold as a dried product, which can be easily rehydrated and added to a variety of dishes.

Culinary Uses

Irish Sea Moss is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of culinary applications. Its mild flavor and gelatinous texture make it a great addition to smoothies, soups, stews, and desserts. It can also be used as a thickener or emulsifier in recipes, replacing eggs or dairy-based products.

Medicinal Properties

Irish Sea Moss is rich in vitamins and minerals that are essential for maintaining optimal health. It contains iodine, which is important for thyroid function, as well as potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which are important for maintaining healthy bones and muscles.

Irish Sea Moss is also a rich source of carrageenan, a type of polysaccharide that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Studies have also suggested that Irish Sea Moss may help to improve digestion and relieve symptoms of respiratory conditions like bronchitis and pneumonia.

Flavor & Heritage

Irish Sea Moss has a rich history and heritage. It has been used for centuries by Irish communities as a nutritional and medicinal supplement, and is still a popular ingredient in traditional Irish recipes.

Sea Moss | Nutrition Facts

Irish Sea Moss aka Irish moss or Chondrus crispus is a red seaweed praised for it’s various health benefits, courtesy of it’s superfood nutrient content; a rich source of vitamins and minerals that are essential for maintaining optimal health. It contains iodine, which is important for thyroid function, as well as potassium, calcium, and magnesium (to name a few), which are important for maintaining healthy bones and muscles.

Here’s the Nutrient content in a 100g serving of Irish Sea Moss (nutrient content varies):

Vitamins

1. Vitamin A (beta-carotene) – 100g: 500 mcg (55% DV for men, 71% DV for women)
2. Vitamin B1 (thiamin) – 100g: 0.6 mg (50% DV for men, 54% DV for women)
3. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) – 100g: 0.5 mg (38% DV for men, 45% DV for women)
4. Vitamin B3 (niacin) – 100g: 4 mg (25% DV for men, 29% DV for women)
5. Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) – 100g: 2 mg (40% DV for adults)
6. Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) – 100g: 0.5 mg (38% DV for adults up to age 50)
7. Vitamin B9 (folate or folic acid) – 100g: 150 mcg (38% DV for adults)
8. Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) – 100g: 0.6 mcg (25% DV for adults)
9. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) – 100g: 40 mg (44% DV for men, 53% DV for women)
10. Vitamin D (cholecalciferol) – 100g: 4 mcg (20% DV for adults)
11. Vitamin E (tocopherols) – 100g: 3 mg (20% DV for adults)
12. Vitamin K (phylloquinone) – 100g: 30 mcg (25% DV for men, 33% DV for women)

Minerals

1. Calcium – 100g: 550 mg (42% DV for adults)
2. Copper – 100g: 0.6 mg (67% DV for adults)
3. Iodine – 100g: 1500 mcg (1000% DV for adults)
4. Iron – 100g: 10 mg (56% DV for women, 125% DV for men)
5. Magnesium – 100g: 150 mg (36% DV for men, 47% DV for women)
6. Manganese – 100g: 1 mg (43% DV for men, 56% DV for women)
7. Phosphorus – 100g: 550 mg (44% DV for adults)
8. Potassium – 100g: 750 mg (16% DV for adults)
9. Selenium – 100g: 10 mcg (18% DV for adults)
10. Sodium – 100g: 450 mg (20% DV for adults)
11. Sulfur – No established DV
12. Zinc – 100g: 3 mg (27% DV for men, 38% DV for women)

Phytonutrients

1. Alginates
2. Carrageenan
3. Fucoxanthin
4. Laminarin
5. Phycobiliproteins
6. Phycocyanin
7. Phycoerythrin
8. Phycocyanobilin
9. Chlorophyll
10. Polyphenols

Sea Moss | Health Benefits

Sea moss has been traditionally used for various health purposes, such as In the Caribbean, sea moss has been used as a traditional remedy to boost energy, enhance libido, and improve overall health. However scientific research on Sea Moss is limited, but some studies have analyzed the potential benefits of some of it’s constituent compounds such as Carrageenan. Here are some health benefits of sea moss that have some scientific backing:

1. Antioxidant: Sea moss contains bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties that can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that Chondrus crispus extract exhibited significant antioxidant activity in vitro (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20218947/).
2. Antimicrobial and Antiviral: Sea moss and its compounds have shown antimicrobial and antiviral activities in some studies. One study demonstrated that Chondrus crispus extract exhibited antibacterial activity against a range of bacterial strains (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20874434/). Additionally, a review article discussed the antiviral potential of sulfated polysaccharides derived from sea moss, highlighting their potential role in inhibiting viral infection (https://www.mdpi.com/1660-3397/8/12/2898).
3. Anti-inflammatory: Carrageenan, a compound found in sea moss, has been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory properties. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology showed that a carrageenan extract derived from Chondrus crispus displayed anti-inflammatory activity in an animal model (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19481595/).
4. Gastrointestinal (Gut & Digestive) health: Sea moss is rich in soluble fiber and mucilage, which can help support digestion by providing a soothing effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Some research has suggested that the fiber content in sea moss may have prebiotic effects, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut (https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2019.02978/full).

While sea moss has a long history in traditional medicine, it’s essential to remember that its benefits may vary from person to person. Always consult a healthcare professional before introducing any new supplement or superfood to your diet, particularly if you have pre-existing health conditions or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Sea Moss | Suggested Use

As a dietary supplement, adults may take 1-2 tablespoons of prepared sea moss gel daily. Alternatively, blend 1-2 tablespoons of sea moss gel into your favorite smoothie, juice, or beverage.

Directions: Start with the lower recommended amount and gradually increase as needed, based on your individual needs and tolerance. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before adding sea moss to your diet, particularly if you have pre-existing health conditions or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Sea Moss | How to Prepare

Follow these simple steps to prepare sea moss at home:

1. Rinse: Start by rinsing raw sea moss thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris, sand, or salt.
2. Soak: Soak the sea moss in a large bowl filled with cold water for 4-6 hours or until it has softened and expanded in size. The sea moss should be covered with enough water to fully submerge it as it expands.
3. Drain and rinse: Once the sea moss has softened, drain the water and rinse it again under cold water.
4. Blend: Place the soaked sea moss in a blender along with enough fresh water to cover it. Blend until you achieve a smooth, gel-like consistency.
5. Store: Transfer the sea moss gel to an airtight container and refrigerate it. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks.

Sea Moss | Contact Your Physician First

That being said Irish Sea Moss may not be for everyone, and the following groups of individuals should consult their physician if considering adding Irish Sea Moss to their diet:

• People with iodine sensitivity or allergies: due to it’s very high iodine content
• People with thyroid disorders: again due to it’s high iodine content which can affect thyroid function especially in those with thyroid disorders
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women
• People with kidney problems or on a potassium-restricted diet: due to the high potassium content.
• People taking anticoagulant medications / Blood Thinners: Due to the Vitamin K which plays a role in blood clotting.
• People with auto-immune disorders: As it has immune-boosting properties which can exacerbate immune attacks on the body.

Sea Moss | Where to buy?

Personally I order Organic Burdock Root from Starwest Botanicals because it’s a well known brand and it’s available on Amazon Canada or Amazon USA. But if you know of another great brand and source feel free to e-mail me and I’ll order some to test it at a lab at see if it meets my standards.

Nutritional Deficiency Diseases

Many types of disease can have as a root source or contributing factor, various nutritional deficiencies, and Irish Sea Moss helps prevent those deficiencies in a big way. If you follow the work of Dr. Joel Wallach, he discovered first through nutrient deficiencies in animals, and then looking at disease in humans, that a vast number of diseases are the result of nutritional deficiencies. Dr. Joel Wallach pioneered and has advocated for “The Mighty 90” essential nutrients, which he promotes as a way to stave off and heal from many different diseases.

There are few doctors I respect, and Dr. Joel Wallach is at the top of that list. He is one of those rare doctors that genuinely cares about reducing the disease burden on humanity, and making the world a better place. If his dietary recommendations were established in hospitals and as standard protocol around the world, disease could be largely eradicated. If you are trying to prevent illness, are into your senior years, are recovering from illness or are fighting severe illness, there is very little risk to supplementing with his mighty 90 nutrients to improve outcomes. I started looking into superfoods like Irish Sea Moss due to Dr. Wallach, in an attempt to find foods that were cheap and rich for those that maybe can’t afford his supplements. So if you are tight financially, just know that Sea moss can help shore up allot of those missing vitamins and minerals at a fraction of the cost.

Conclusion

Think of Irish Sea Moss as one of the best multi-vitamins/multi-mineral supplements, courtesy of mother nature. So If you’re trying to live a healthy life and stave off disease, or get better from an illness…put Irish Sea Moss on your radar, because this is a gift from mother nature that could completely transform your health.