On the internet, there has been a lot of buzz regarding sea moss. Sea moss are currently gathered in great quantities and utilized as a key component in a variety of health supplements and commercial foods. While the consumption of sea moss has been prevalent for thousands of years ( link 1), it is only recently that its applications and advantages have been popularized. People who eat a plant-based diet are becoming drawn to sea moss. These are reported to be abundant in a variety of nutrients that may be beneficial to one's health.

Let's take a deeper look at what sea mosses are, what they're good for, how they're used, and more.

Defining sea moss

Going by the scientific name of Chondrus crispus, sea moss is a certain variety of algae or seaweed. It is a flavourless sea plant that is fit for human consumption just like many other algae, seaweed, and other leafy plants of the marine flora. 

The Irish moss is the most common type of sea moss, and it prefers to grow near warm bodies of water. Most of them are red. Yellow, green, brown, purple, and black sea mosses are among the many colors available.

On the Atlantic coastlines of Northern America and Europe, sea moss can be seen washing up. Some have been spotted on Caribbean islands too.

Sea Moss Nutrients

The nutritional advantages of sea moss have been discovered in several investigations (link 2). It's claimed to be a natural storage of iodine and iron, both of which are vital micronutrients for human health (link 4). It contains a variety of vitamins and minerals. Antioxidants can be found in plentiful amounts in sea mosses. 

In 10 g or two tablespoonfuls-slow down the skin’s aging process of sea moss contains the following essential ingredients (link 3 ):

• Calories: 4.9
• Carbohydrates: 1.2 g or 0% DV (daily value)
• Total fats: 0 g or 0% DV
• Protein: 0.2 g or 0% DV
• Calcium: 7.2 mg or 1% DV
• Iron: 0.9 mg or 5% DV
• Magnesium: 14.4 mg or 4% DV
• Phosphorus: 15.7 mg or 2% DV
• Vitamin C: 0.3 mg or 1% DV
• Sodium: 6.7 mg or 0% DV
• Potassium: 6.3 mg or 0% DV
• Dietary fibre: 0.1 g or 1% DV

Apart from these, Vitamin B12, folate, selenium, manganese, copper, zinc, and many other useful nutrients are also present in limited quantities.

Applications of sea moss

Sea moss has been used in various kinds of culinary and cosmetic goods. When consumed orally, sea moss is considered to provide the most advantages. It aids digestion, strengthens the immune system, and replenishes the body's necessary nutrients. A lot of people use topical treatments. Wound healing and skin protection are well-known advantages. Sea moss has anti-aging properties for the skin as well.

• Food items

Sea moss has little taste; therefore, it doesn't change the flavour of the meal. They are combined with a variety of foods and beverages to make them healthier. Green leafy veggies can be replaced with sea mosses. Sauces, casseroles, smoothies, salads, and soups are some of the frequent dishes where Irish moss can be used to offer a distinctive texture and nutritional value. Many consider sea moss as a superfood due to its richness in beneficial minerals and vitamins.

It's also found in infant formula, ice cream, and several non-dairy goods as a thickening ingredient. Sea moss is prepared as a supplement in the formation of gel, powder, chewy tablets, or capsules, depending on the manufacturer.

• Topical applications

Sea moss can be seen in facial and body creams, lotions, face masks, oils, and other skincare products. According to research, sea moss includes a chemical called citrulline-arginine, which can help to slow down the aging process of the skin. It encourages cell development and metabolism, keeping the skin looking young and healthy. However, the items should only be used as directed, since overuse might have harmful consequences.

What are the advantages?

The impacts of sea moss on human health have yet to be thoroughly investigated. There has been a lot of research on the advantages of seaweed (link 5).

Here are a handful of sea moss's possible health gains:

• Thyroid care

DI-Iodothyronine is abundant in sea moss and may be utilized to treat thyroid problems. Iodine, which may also be found in sea moss, is a micronutrient that helps the thyroid work properly. Thyroid hormone synthesis requires selenium, which is abundant in sea moss.

• Weight loss

Fibbers and protein in sea moss keep the stomach fuller for longer, preventing overeating. Sea moss has no fat, and a component called fucoxanthin helps the body's fat metabolism.

• Immune system protection

Sea moss has antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help to enhance our immune system and protect us from typical cold and flu diseases. Sea moss can aid with bronchitis, aching throats, coughs, TB, and pneumonia, among other ailments. Inflammation can also be helped by sea moss.

• Heart health

See weed thins the blood and keeps the harmful cholesterol in the blood at bay. Sea moss may also help to keep your heart in good shape and avoid heart disease.

• Fight anaemia

Iron is abundant in sea moss. Taking iron supplements aids in the maintenance of healthy blood levels in the body.

• Brain health

Sea moss boosts mental wellness, which may support the prevention of Parkinson's disease. It's a prevalent issue among the elderly, and a preliminary study suggests that sea moss may help to slow down mental decline.

Does sea moss have negative effects?

The absence of comprehensive study is the greatest risk associated with sea moss application. Certain studies have also mentioned the side effects of having an excessive amount of sea moss. Sea moss holds iodine, which can induce hypothyroidism or goitre. Heavy metal build-up can also occur if there is too much sea moss in one's food or goods.