Sea moss, also known as Irish moss, is a red algae with the scientific name of Chondrus crispus. For centuries, humans have been consuming it for its many nutritional and medicinal benefits. It is mainly found in rocks off the North Atlantic coast and is prized for its algal polysaccharide which is extracted from carrageenan. Sea moss has some potential benefits, but studies to evaluate these effects have been done in laboratories or on animals.
There is no doubt that it is not clear how Irish moss can improve human health, but the nutrient content of seaweed is promising. Celebrities promote it as a digestive aid, boosting the immune system and healing the skin, but like most declared superfoods, sea moss has been consumed for centuries. Although research on sea moss is limited, there are reports that seaweed has properties that protect the brain, stimulate the immune system and aid digestion. In addition, we know that seaweed is an excellent source of nutrients beneficial to health. So, is sea moss all it seems to be? Let's find out. The researchers suggest that, based on these findings, sea moss may help improve intestinal health and immune modulation.
It managed to increase the population of beneficial bacteria and reduce harmful bacteria, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae. Adding Irish moss to meals can increase feelings of fullness and, therefore, reduce the amount of calories you consume. There is no scientific evidence to support this, but the idea is that sea moss works in a similar way to chia seeds and aloe in this regard. Sea moss is used in skin care products because of its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It's also rich in nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, and magnesium.
Topical use of sea moss can help moisturize and soothe the skin, while fighting damage and infection. There is no scientific research on the benefits of Irish moss for skin, but its vitamin and mineral content alone holds promise for promoting healthy aging. You can find sea moss raw, dry, or in gel form. It's also available in powder or capsule form, and is used as an ingredient in some skin care products. You might struggle to find sea moss at your local grocery store, so another option is to buy it online from a reputable company. A potential risk of eating too much sea moss is excessive exposure to iodine, which can be risky for people with thyroid diseases.
While sea moss has many health benefits, there are some people who shouldn't take it. This includes pregnant women, children under 7 years old, people with allergies to shellfish and those with autoimmune diseases. However, keep in mind that scientific data on humans is lacking, so check with your healthcare provider first. This is especially true if you have hypothyroidism. When consumed in normal amounts, sea moss is generally safe and may have health benefits.
However, consuming too much Irish moss may mean you're eating too much iodine. Excess iodine can cause thyroid disorders, so you should be careful not to eat too much of the nutrient. If you have Hashimoto's disease, thyroiditis or other problems related to hypothyroidism, talk to your doctor about limiting iodine foods. There's no research on the safety of sea moss during pregnancy or nursing mothers so it's best to avoid it just in case. Children under 7 years old should also avoid sea moss because they are more likely to have an allergic reaction to it. Even if you're not technically allergic but have a serious reaction to seafood it's best to avoid sea moss as well. Some of the most common contraindications for eating sea moss include kidney stones and thyroid problems.
Until now research on the role of sea moss in intestinal health has only been conducted on animals so its function as a prebiotic in humans has not yet been studied. Therefore if you are pregnant nursing immunosuppressed or taking blood-thinning medications you should avoid sea moss. In conclusion, while sea moss has many health benefits there are some people who shouldn't take it including pregnant women children under 7 years old people with allergies to shellfish those with autoimmune diseases those with kidney stones or thyroid problems and those taking blood-thinning medications.
