Sea moss has been making waves in the wellness world. From traditional regimens to trendy superfood status, sea moss boasts a rich nutritional profile.
It features essential minerals, vitamins, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids.
What is sea moss?
Sea moss, scientifically known as Chondrus crispus, is a type of red algae that grows along the rocky coasts of the British Isles and Europe.
Potential health benefits of sea moss
From thyroid support to heart health, Irish sea moss offers a wealth of nutrients. Potential sea moss benefits include the following:
1. Thyroid health
Sea moss is a natural source of iodine, a vital element for thyroid health and function.
2. Gut health
Irish sea moss is a good source of fiber, which acts as a prebiotic in your gut. Prebiotics are nondigestible fiber compounds that act as a food source for beneficial gut bacteria, helping them thrive.
This contributes to a healthy balance of microorganisms in the digestive system and helps support your microbiome and gut health.
3. Blood sugar maintenance
Irish moss provides fiber, which helps support already-healthy blood sugar levels by slowing down the absorption of sugar in the digestive tract.
4. Immune health
While some preliminary evidence suggests that Irish sea moss and other seaweeds may encourage immune system health, more human studies are needed. What we do know is that the nutrients in Irish moss help support a healthy microbiome, and a robust immune system is intricately linked to a healthy gut since 70-80% of our immune cells live in our digestive tract.
Sea moss is also high in compounds like iron and antioxidants, which both support immune health.
5. Heart health
Nutrient-dense Irish sea moss contains omega-3 fatty acids, essential fatty acids that are known for their heart health properties.
The fiber in Irish moss also contributes to its heart-healthy properties.
Those omega-3s aren't just for heart support either. DHA, together with EPA, encourages brain health as well.
6. Bone health
Chondrus crispus also contains a good amount of calcium, which is essential for the formation and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth. Interestingly, Irish sea moss was found to have a higher calcium concentration than milk.
7. Muscle recovery
Sea moss is rich in amino acids, nutrients that are essential for building muscle and promoting muscle recovery after a workout. An observational study found that certain types of sea moss supplements helped support subjective improvements in exhaustion and fatigue in study subjects.
