I had never heard of sea moss aka Irish moss, until recently while looking for natural remedies to help fight coronavirus… Maybe you have heard it called sea moss… same thing. Since I am a bit of a dork when it comes to things like this, I decided to dig deeper. The more I learned about sea moss, the more I was like “where have you been my whole adult life”!? It’s not like this is a new thing either. In fact, it has been used since at least 1810 and was commonly used as medicine to treat colds, respiratory infections, pneumonia, and even tuberculosis back then.
What is Sea Moss?
Sea moss is a tasteless red algae (seaweed) that grows in the coastline of the Atlantic Ocean (Caribbean Island, North America, and Europe). It is a powerful source of over 92 vitamins, minerals and things our bodies need such as:
- Protein
- Iodine
- Calcium
- Zinc
- Beta-carotene
- Sulfur compounds
- Bromine
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Phosphorus
- Selenium
- Pectin
- B-Vitamins
- A sulfur-containing amino acid called Taurine
- Manganese
- Omega-3 and Omega-6
- Vitamin A, C, E, K
We need 102 nutrients daily in order to function properly. Sea Moss contains most of them. With all that sea moss has to offer, I think it’s safe to call it the superfood of the sea.
The key is to get raw Irish moss. It is filled with higher quality nutrients as it derives from the sea.
A little interesting fact, Irish moss is so rich and dense in nutrients that back in 1846 it was used as poverty food during the Irish Potatoe Famine.
Health benefits of sea moss
With all of these nutrients, Irish moss has many benefits. That why it has been used back in the day as medicine to treat illnesses and other medical conditions.
- Treats respiratory problems: Prevents colds from respiratory problems like bronchitis or pneumonia
- Antiviral agents: Includes anti-viral agents that could prevent or treat the flu, colds, or sore throat.
- Healthy digestion: Sea moss contains a gelatin-like substance that soothes the digestive tract which can cause relief from digestion problems such as gastritis, heartburn, indigestion or nausea.
- Intestinal disorders and Gut Health: Provides relief from inflamed tissues in the intestinal tract by soothing inflamed tissue.
- Reduces appetite: Irish moss absorbs moisture. By doing this, it can reduce appetite by increasing its volume, expands, and makes you feel full.
- Gentle laxative: Can promote healthy bowel movements.
- Boost Immune System: Sea moss is super rich in amino acids, vitamin C, antioxidants, as well as antiviral and antimicrobial agents which can all fight off infections.
- Helps Balance Thyroid hormones: Irish Moss contains selenium, DIT (DI-Iodothyronine) and the thyroid hormones T3 (Tri-iodothyronine) and T4 (Thyroxin). These are vital hormones needed for metabolism.
- Super High In Potassium: Potassium is very for our bodies and our cells in order to function. Having the right amount of potassium and eating foods that contain a high amount can improve both mental and emotional health. A few examples include stress, anxiety, ADD, anger, or depression.
- Detoxifies Heavy Metals: Sea moss contains a phytonutrient called algin. This phytonutrient acts as a heavy metal detoxifying agent and pulls heavy metals from the tissues in our bodies.
- Can Cure Various Skin Issues: You can add sea moss to your bath or topically to hydrate or add moisture to your skin. This can also help with joint or muscle pain, inflammation, or skin rashes. It can also give relief from sunburns, eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis.
These are just a few of the health benefits you could get from sea moss. The more they study it, the more they find.
Forms Of Sea Moss:
Wildcrafted: This is the raw, fresh stuff. It is 100% natural and free from contaminants, pesticides, or any harmful bacteria. You want to make sure it comes from a good source. Stick with wildcrafted sea moss that comes from the Caribbean, North America or Europe. Jamaica and St.Lucia seem to be a popular source.
Supplement/Pill: You can get sea moss in a supplement. This is something easier than having to prepare wildcrafted sea moss but its not as dense in nutrients. So if convenience is what you are looking for, just know that you will still get the benefits for sea moss but they will be compromised a little.
Powder: Powder sea moss can be used in a number of ways. You can use it to make a facial skin treatment, add it to foods and drinks to thicken it up, or it can be used to make salad dressings or soups.
Gel: Add it to foods to thicken it up.
How To Prepare Sea Moss
- Dried Sea Moss: You will need to soak it for a few hours in water. Then rinse away any sand or debris.
- Fresh Sea Moss: Wash thoroughly to remove sand, debris or pieces of seaweed.
After the first step is done and your sea moss is clean/soaked, simmer until tender.
How To Prepare Sea Moss Idea Pinterest: https://pin.it/5xtlhWD
Recipe Ideas Form Pinterest
Strawberry Irish Sea Moss Smoothie: https://pin.it/4Hn7X4i
Sea Moss Gel: https://pin.it/6LZFRAg
Banana Mango sea Moss Smoothie: https://pin.it/7nT7g1e
Detox Mucas Cleanse Tea: https://pin.it/6NMEM90
Where To Get Sea Moss:
You can find sea moss at local natural grocery stores or a health food store.
You can also purchase it online. Just google search “Wildcrafted Sea Moss”.
Here is a great store on ETSY that has a sale on Sea Moss: CLICK HERE
I have found a few good products on Amazon for convenience. I will share a few with you below. Whenever you decide to purchase your sea moss, just make sure it is 100% natural and it comes from a good source.
Safety Precautions:
Since sea moss contains iodine, you do not have to take an additional iodine supplement because too much iodine overdose could cause thyroid gland inflammation. So if sea moss is something you take on a daily basis, you will not need additional iodine.
Don’t give sea moss to children. For adults only.
Do not consume if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. You will need to check with your doctor first.
If you have low blood pressure, check with your doctor first.
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In general, vitamins are safe for people to use, though you should always check with your doctor before beginning a new supplement. Some vitamins can be dangerous for people with weakened immune systems, which can occur due to long-term use of corticosteroids, an HIV/AIDS infection or organ transplants.
You may also need to avoid some supplements if you have an artificial heart valve; in rare cases, these bacteria can infect your heart muscle, and patients with artificial valves have an increased risk of this complication.
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8 Comments
This is a great guide to getting the most of sea moss. I looked into this a few years ago and saw it our local Whole Foods, but I never tried it. I will now! Thanks for sharing.
No problem! Thanks for reading! Let Optimized Life know if you try it. We would love to know what you think
I honestly had no idea about the benefits of sea moss or that it was even a thing to be honest! Thank you for sharing. I think I may need to try it now!
Awesome! Please let me know what you think!
Awesome if you do, Let Optimized Life know what you think about it after you use it.
I have never heard of this, nor known the benefits. Amazing! I’m wondering if I will be able to find it where I live?
You might be able to find it local but I would search on google.Let Optimized Life know what you think about it after you use it.
Interesting! Thanks for sharing!