For centuries, coastal communities turned to Sea Moss for its remarkable health benefits. Science found that this marine superfood could hold the secret to reviving nerve health and cognitive function.
What is Sea Moss?
From the rugged shores of Ireland and Iceland to the scenic coastlines of southern Spain and Portugal and even the rocky stretches of the Northeastern US, sea moss makes waves in the health world.
Also known as Irish Moss, Irish Sea Moss, and Irish Seaweed, it’s a type of red algae known for its rich nutritional profile and potential to support nerve repair, boost immunity, and aid digestion.
Benefits of Sea Moss
The health benefits caused Sea Moss’s rise to popularity. For instance, sea moss has 92 of 102 minerals our bodies need for healthy function. Sea Moss’s nutritional powerhouse profile of nutrients includes:
Calcium, Magnesium, and Potassium
Calcium, magnesium, and potassium are critical minerals that support nerve transmission and function. They create the necessary electrical charge, passing signals from one nerve to another.
Iodine
While generally associated with thyroid health and function, iodine also plays an indirect yet vital role in the development and function of your nervous system.
Iodine is essential to producing thyroid hormones–T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine). These hormones regulate your body’s metabolism or internal thermostat and play a critical role in nervous system function.
Thyroid hormones promote the growth and maintenance of nerve cells and help regulate the production of myelin (the protective sheath around nerve fibers).
Iodine deficiency causes a lack of T3, negatively impacting cognitive abilities and impairing memory and learning centers.
Low T4 and T3 hormones also may result in hypothyroidism, which leads to nerve damage, slowed reflexes and coordination, difficulty concentrating, and mood disorders.
Antioxidants
Sea Moss is also a potent source of antioxidants, including carotenoids such as fucoxanthin and polyphenols. These antioxidants protect nerves and reduce neural and systemic inflammation.
Vitamins
This moss also contains a rich source of vitamins, including,
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B2
- Vitamin B3
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B9
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
These vitamins support nerve health, the immune system, and the skin.
Other essential minerals include iron, phosphorus, zinc, manganese, copper, and selenium. However, these only touch the tip of the iceberg of the 92 trace minerals in Irish Sea Moss.
Caragenan and Sea Moss
Sea Moss is known for its high carrageenan content, which gives it a jelly-like texture when hydrated.
For those who read food labels to avoid inflammatory or toxic ingredients, you likely came across warnings about carrageenan. Commonly found in processed foods and beverages like flavored milk, yogurts, processed cheeses, soups, sauces, and many desserts, the food industry often uses carrageenan as a thickening agent.
It creates a smooth, creamy texture but is linked to gastrointestinal issues like gut irritation and inflammation.
But, the food industry and sea moss have fundamental differences.
The naturally occurring carrageenan in sea moss is part of a whole food matrix, meaning it exists alongside other nutrients. The nutrients help stabilize it and potentially mitigate any adverse effects.
In fact, naturally occurring carrageenan comes with various health benefits.
Sea Moss Supports Digestive Health
As a soluble fiber, it promotes a healthy gut microbiome, acting as a prebiotic to feed good bacteria and improve bowel movements.
Sea Moss Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Sea Moss carrageenan reduces systemic inflammation and may help with inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Sea Moss Boosts Immune Function
The polysaccharides in carrageenan have antiviral and antimicrobial properties that boost the immune system and help protect against infections.
Sea Moss Supports Heart Health
The fiber-rich carrageenan helps lower bad cholesterol and has anticoagulant properties, reducing the risk of blood clots.
Sea Moss Supports Detoxification
Carrageenan in sea moss helps remove toxins and heavy metals from the body.
These are only a few benefits of naturally occurring carrageenan.
Food Industry and Sea Moss
Despite its benefits, most people see carrageenan as dangerous. The reason lies in over-processing.
The food industry subjects carrageenan to harsh chemical processes to break it down and remove it from the sea moss. Then, they expose it to high heat and more chemical treatments.
Once they complete these processes, the carrageenan molecules are smaller than in their natural form, making it easier for them to penetrate cells. The smaller molecules potentially damage the gut lining and trigger an immune response. Furthermore, they skyrocket inflammation.
In fact, research links commercially produced carrageenan to gastrointestinal disorders like Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Naturally occurring carrageenan assists in healing these disorders.
Despite these medical findings, the FDA considers commercial food-grade carrageenan safe for consumption.
Rare Side Effects of Sea Moss
Although sea moss is generally safe, there are some potential side effects, typically from eating too much. These side effects are rare, but we want to ensure you know them.
Iodine Overload
Since sea moss contains a rich source of Iodine, eating large amounts may raise one’s iodine levels, causing thyroid problems.
Digestive Issues
Due to sea moss’s high fiber content, some individuals may experience bloating, gas, or diarrhea.
The risk increases if someone consumes large amounts of it or is unaccustomed to a high-fiber diet.
Heavy Metal Contamination
Like any other seaweed or fish, sea moss absorbs heavy metals from its environment, including mercury, lead, and arsenic.
If you buy it from a reputable company, they typically screen for these heavy metals.
Allergic Reaction
Some individuals may experience an allergic reaction. While rare, if you have a known iodine sensitivity, we recommend not eating any.
Interaction with Blood Thinners
Sea moss contains natural anticoagulant properties, similar to turmeric. If you take any blood-thinning medications like warfarin or coumadin, we recommend having your doctor monitor your PT and INR tests to assess your body’s coagulation ability.
If you your bodies ability to clot begins to decrease when eating sea moss, this is good news. It means your doctor can decrease your blood thinner dose.
These side effects are rare and are almost always associated with overconsuming it.
How Much Sea Moss Should I Eat?
Most experts recommend eating 1-2 tablespoons (4-8 grams) of sea moss gel daily. If you use a dried type, we recommend 1-2 teaspoons, as it rehydrates into a large volume once you soak it.
Like with anything great, balance is key. Enjoy these benefits, but be mindful of how much you consume. With sea moss, less is more.
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