Sea Moss — A Superfood: Information and Benefits
Sea moss is an umbrella term given to various species of seaweed. It is commonly referred to as Irish moss but this is actually the term for a specific species, Chondrus Crispus. Other common and commercially available sea moss varieties are Genus Gracilaria and Eucheuma Cottonii. Although all varieties are healthful and beneficial, they do differ in appearance and nutritional profile due to the climate of the waters where they are found.
Sea moss has been used for centuries around the world. In some part of the world it was considered ‘peasant food’ and in others it was revered and used for its wondrous medicinal purposes. It has recently gained a lot of attention in the U.S. for being the next big superfood.
Indeed, sea moss has many health benefits! It is an alkaline food source, which means it has a pH level of 9 once digested. This is significant because it is known that an alkaline environment is inhospitable to many viruses and bacteria, making it difficult for acute and chronic illness to develop.
- Plant based collagen (a protein the body uses for bone strength, brain function, fights skin cell deterioration and promotes healthy hair and nails)
- Plant based iron (essential for cell health)
- Polysaccharides (immune-strengthening carbohydrate)
Sea moss has antiseptic and antiviral properties, which means it may help to combat inflammation and viruses.
It may help rid the body of excess mucus, which many believe to be the root cause of all diseases.
Sea moss has been shown to improve gut and digestive health, as it is prebiotic. It can also improve thyroid function due to its high iodine content (please refer to the Precautions section for a note about taking sea moss while on thyroid medication).
This is by no means an exhaustive list of the benefits of sea moss and studies are ongoing on the full spectrum of its medicinal and nutritional value. Refer to this science based article to learn more about sea moss.
The Plant Based Punani offers both Gold and Purple Sea Moss varieties, both wildcrafted and responsibly sourced from Jamaica. While both varieties are nutritionally rich, our Royal Purple variety is slightly higher in mineral content, hence the difference in price.
In order to achieve a golden hue, farmers must “blond” sea moss, allowing it to sit in the sun for a longer period of time to turn it a beautiful gold color. This extra step in the process slightly depletes the mineral content of the gold variety.
Sea Moss – Possible Side Effects and Precautions
It is not recommended for people on blood thinner medications to consume sea moss. Sea moss, like all other seaweeds, is a natural anticoagulant and laxative.
Consuming a large amount of sea moss can cause the body to want to flush it out. Like any other food or supplement, too much can cause a negative reaction in your body and sea moss is not excluded in this rule. Do not over consume and most importantly listen to your body. The recommended dose is 2 tablespoons of sea moss jelly daily. It is also recommended to take it in the morning and slowly increase your intake as your body adjusts.
Drink 8-12 cups of water daily to assist the body in the natural detox process initiated by consuming sea moss regularly.
Due to its high iodine content and its role in thyroid function, be careful when taking thyroid medication.
Always consult your physician before using any supplement.
It is not recommended for people on blood thinner medications to consume sea moss. Sea moss, like all other seaweeds, is a natural anticoagulant and laxative.
Consuming a large amount of sea moss can cause the body to want to flush it out. Like any other food or supplement, too much can cause a negative reaction in your body and sea moss is not excluded in this rule. Do not over consume and most importantly listen to your body. The recommended dose is 2 tablespoons of sea moss jelly daily. It is also recommended to take it in the morning and slowly increase your intake as your body adjusts.
Due to its high iodine content and its role in thyroid function, be careful when taking thyroid medication.
Always consult your physician before using any supplement.