Complete Nutritional Profile of Sea Moss
What is Sea Moss?
Sea moss, also known as Irish moss or Chondrus crispus, is a type of red algae that grows on the rocky Atlantic coasts of Europe, North America, and the Caribbean. It has been used for centuries in various cultures for its medicinal properties and as a food source.
How do you use it?
There are several ways to use sea moss, including adding it to smoothies or juices, using it as a thickener in soups and sauces, mixing it into desserts, using it as a face mask, and using it in hair care.
It is important to avoid eating sea moss raw and to consume it in moderation. Additionally, sea moss should not be used as a substitute for medication, and it’s important to purchase it from a reputable source to ensure that it is high-quality and free from contaminants.
Essential Vitamins & Minerals for Optimal Human Health
Conclusive research conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) tells us that there are several essential vitamins and minerals that humans need to consume in their diet to maintain good health.
Essential vitamins are organic compounds that the body needs in small quantities to function properly, while essential minerals are inorganic substances that the body requires in small amounts to maintain proper bodily functions.
Here are some of the essential vitamins and minerals that humans need:
Essential Vitamins
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
- Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
- Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
- Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
- Vitamin B7 (Biotin)
- Vitamin B9 (Folate or Folic Acid)
- Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
Essentials Minerals
- Calcium
- Chloride
- Chromium
- Copper
- Fluoride
- Iodine
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Manganese
- Molybdenum
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Selenium
- Sodium
- Zinc
The nutrients found in sea moss vary greatly depending on the location, the species of sea moss, and harvesting methods. Therefore, it is important to note that exact nutrient content of sea moss has not yet been classified and most likely will never be.
As another resource from the information below, this USDA.gov website provides a thorough nutritional profile, although it legacy data and hasn’t been updated in several years.
What’s Sea Moss Made of & Why is it Beneficial?
With that said, studies have concluded that, in addition to macro and micronutrients, sea moss also contains a range of other nutrients such as amino acids, antioxidants, and phytochemicals.
Let’s break down the known key nutrients found in sea moss:
- Boron
- Calcium
- Chromium
- Copper
- Folate
- Iodine
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Manganese
- Niacin
- Nickel
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Riboflavin
- Selenium
- Sodium
- Sulfur
- Thiamin
- Vanadium
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
- Zinc
Sea moss is also known to contain small amounts of other minerals, such as cobalt, fluorine, and silicon.
To get a better understanding of nutritional value, let’s look at the nutrient information for two tablespoons (approximately 14 grams or 1/8 cup and the recommended daily dose) of sea moss:
Calories: 7 kcal
Macronutrients
- Protein: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 1.7g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Sugars: 0g
- Fat: 0g
Micronutrients
- Calcium: 10mg
- Iron: 0.4mg
- Magnesium: 19mg
- Phosphorus: 2mg
- Potassium: 22mg
- Sodium: 29mg
- Zinc: 0.06mg
- Copper: 0.03mg
- Manganese: 0.06mg
- Selenium: 0.12μg
- Vitamin C: 0.4mg
- Thiamin: 0.02mg
- Riboflavin: 0.04mg
- Niacin: 0.1mg
- Vitamin B6: 0.02mg
- Folate: 0.3μg
- Vitamin A, RAE: 0.1μg
- Vitamin A, IU: 3IU
- Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol): 0.1mg
- Vitamin K (phylloquinone): 0.04μg
Highlight on Key Nutrients & Their Role in Human Health
It’s important to understand what role the nutrients in sea moss play in allowing our bodies and brains to function normally. Here are few key highlights:
Iodine: Sea moss is a rich source of iodine, which is essential for healthy thyroid function and hormone production.
Iron: Sea moss contains iron, which is important for the production of red blood cells and oxygen transport in the body.
Calcium: Sea moss is a good source of calcium, which is important for strong bones and teeth.
Magnesium: Sea moss is a rich source of magnesium, which is important for muscle and nerve function, as well as bone health.
Potassium: Sea moss is a good source of potassium, which is important for regulating blood pressure, heart function, and nerve signaling.
Vitamins A, E, and K: Sea moss contains these vitamins, which are important for healthy skin, eyes, and immune function.
Antioxidants: Sea moss contains antioxidants, which help to protect the body from cellular damage caused by free radicals.
As you can see, these nutrients are important for many aspects of health, including bone health, immune function, and energy production.
It’s worth noting that sea moss should not be relied upon as the sole source of minerals in the diet, as it is important to consume a variety of foods to ensure adequate intake of all essential nutrients.
This article should not be considered medical advice. Consult with your healthcare provider before beginning an herbal regimen.
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