What is Sea Moss Used For? – Health Benefits of Sea Moss

What is Sea Moss Used For? – Health Benefits of Sea Moss

Sea moss is a nutrient-rich superfood that has been garnering attention in fitness, beauty, and biohacking communities for its numerous health-promoting benefits. This versatile marine plant has received positive endorsements from a growing number of celebrities and athletes.

Sea moss boasts an impressive nutritional profile, offering essential vitamins, minerals, and free radical scavengers. From supporting immune health and hormonal function to promoting healthy detoxification, and healthy-looking hair, skin, and nails, sea moss is an excellent addition to a healthy lifestyle.

Here’s everything you need to know about the benefits of sea moss and how to add it to your routine.


What is Sea Moss (Irish Moss)?

Sea moss, scientifically known as Chondrus crispus, is a species of red algae that grows abundantly along the rocky shores of the Atlantic coasts of Europe and North America.

It is commonly referred to as Irish moss due to its extensive use in traditional Irish remedies and cuisine. Sea moss has been valued for centuries for its numerous health benefits, making it a popular choice for those seeking natural alternatives to support their well-being.

There are various species of sea moss, each with its unique characteristics and properties. Some of the common varieties include Chondrus crispus, Gracilaria, and Eucheuma, which differ in their appearance, texture, and nutritional composition. These varieties of sea moss are harvested and used for different purposes, ranging from food additives to cosmetic ingredients.

Sea moss is rich in vitamins, minerals, and other bioactive compounds that contribute to its many health-supporting benefits. Its nutrient-dense profile makes it a valuable addition to a balanced diet and a powerful ally in supporting various aspects of health, from immune function to hormonal balance.

Nutritional Composition

Sea moss is a nutrient powerhouse, thanks to its rich array of bioactive nutrients and unique properties [1]. As a natural source of vitamins, minerals, and free radical scavengers, sea moss is considered a superfood for its ability to support overall health and well-being. The synergistic interaction of these elements plays a crucial role in supporting various bodily functions.

 

  • Vitamins: Sea moss is rich in various vitamins such as A, B, C, E, and K, which are essential for healthy body functions at all stages of life.

  • Minerals: Sea moss contains an impressive array of minerals, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and iodine, which contribute to bone health, muscle function, and thyroid health.

  • Amino acids: Sea moss provides a good source of essential amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins and play a vital role in various biological processes.

  • Fiber: Sea moss is a good source of soluble fiber, which helps promote digestion and gut health.

  • Free Radical Scavengers: Sea moss contains powerful free radical scavengers that help protect the body against oxidative stress and support the immune system.

  • Compounds to Support a Healthy Inflammatory Response: Sea moss contains compounds that help support a healthy inflammatory response and promote overall health.

More specifically, here are some of the bioactive compounds associated with the health-promoting benefits of sea moss:

 

  • Vitamin C: Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin found abundantly in sea moss. This essential nutrient plays a pivotal role in various bodily functions. It's a powerful free radical scavenger that helps neutralize harmful free radicals, helping cells protect themselves naturally from oxidative stress. The presence of vitamin C in sea moss contributes to its immune-supporting properties Additionally, vitamin C is crucial for collagen synthesis, promoting skin elasticity, and joint health.

  • Iodine: Iodine is a trace element essential for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland produces hormones crucial for regulating metabolism and various physiological processes. Sea moss is particularly rich in iodine, making it a valuable dietary source for individuals looking to support optimal thyroid function [2].

  • Potassium: Potassium is a vital mineral that plays a key role in maintaining fluid balance, nerve transmission, and muscle contraction. Sea moss is a notable source of potassium, contributing to the recommended daily intake of this essential mineral.

  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats known to support a healthy inflammatory response, promote brain health, and support cardiovascular function. Sea moss contains a notable amount of omega-3 fatty acids.

  • Oligosaccharides: Oligosaccharides are complex carbohydrates composed of a small number of simple sugars linked together. Sea moss contains a variety of oligosaccharides, including carrageenan, which is a well-known polysaccharide [3]. In the digestive system, oligosaccharides may act as prebiotics, promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and supporting digestive health.

  • Polyphenols: Polyphenols are free radical scavengers found in plants, including sea moss. These compounds play a crucial role in neutralizing free radicals, helping to protect cells from oxidative damage naturally.

  • Alkaloids: Alkaloids are naturally occurring organic compounds with diverse physiological effects. Sea moss contains alkaloids, which may contribute to its overall bioactivity.

  • Sterols: Sterols are plant-derived compounds with a structure similar to cholesterol. Sea moss contains sterols, which may play a role in supporting cardiovascular health.

  • Flavonoids: Flavonoids are a diverse group of plant compounds known for their free radical scavenging properties. Sea moss contains flavonoids, contributing to its overall free radical scavenging profile.

  • Alginates: Sea moss contains alginates, which are natural detoxifying agents that help support the body’s natural ability to remove heavy metals and other toxins.

  • Sulfur: Sulfur is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in various biological processes. Sea moss is a notable source of sulfur, contributing to its distinct flavor and potential health benefits. Sulfur is essential for the production of collagen and keratin, proteins vital for skin, hair, and nail health. Including sea moss in your diet may support the maintenance of healthy-looking skin, nails, and hair.

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Sea Moss Benefits

What is sea moss used for? Sea moss offers an array of health benefits, thanks to its dense nutritional profile and unique properties [4].

In this section, we will explore the numerous sea moss benefits and the advantages of incorporating the supplement into your daily routine—focusing on the impact sea moss has on supporting the immune system, detoxification, cardiovascular health, hormonal function, and healthy physical appearance of the hair, skin, and nails.

Promotes a Healthy Immune System

The immune-boosting properties of sea moss make it a valuable addition to your wellness routine. The diverse array of bioactive nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and polysaccharides, contributes to its ability to fortify the body's defenses against infections and illnesses [5].

For example, sea moss contains zinc, which may stimulate and support the development and activity of immune cells—enhancing the body's ability to combat infections.

The unique combination of nutrients, including polyphenols, flavonoids, and sulfated polysaccharides like carrageenan, may help promote a healthy immune response [6]. This promotes a balanced and effective defense against unwanted organisms and compounds.

Assists in Healthy Detoxification

The natural detoxifying agents present in sea moss, such as alginates, help remove heavy metals and other toxins from the body [4].

By binding to these harmful substances, sea moss aids in their elimination, promoting a healthy and well-functioning system. This detoxification process is essential for maintaining optimal health and preventing the accumulation of toxins that could lead to various health issues.

The carrageenan in sea moss, acting as a prebiotic, may promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria [7]. A healthy gut microbiome is essential for efficient digestion and nutrient absorption, further supporting the body's detoxification processes.

Incorporating sea moss into your routine offers a natural and gentle approach to supporting your body's detoxification pathways.

Supports Cardiovascular Health

Sea moss has been shown to support heart health by promoting healthy circulation, supporting a healthy inflammatory response, and encouraging healthy cholesterol levels [8].

Its high content of potassium, for example, helps promote healthy blood pressure levels and vascular function. Similarly, the polyunsaturated fatty acids in sea moss play a role in encouraging a favorable lipid profile—supporting cardiovascular health.

Other benefits of sea moss for supporting cardiovascular health include its positive influence on combating oxidative stress, thanks to its composition of free radical scavengers such as vitamin C and polyphenols.

Supports Hormonal Function

Hormonal balance is crucial for overall health, and sea moss plays a supportive role in this aspect. The iodine content in sea moss is particularly noteworthy, as it influences thyroid function—impacting the production and regulation of hormones throughout the body [9].

A healthy thyroid is essential for maintaining hormonal balance and ensuring proper functioning of various bodily processes. Sea moss's iodine content helps support the proper production and function of these hormones, promoting energy metabolism and overall hormonal equilibrium.

Promotes Healthy Looking Hair, Skins and Nails

Beyond its internal health benefits, sea moss has the potential to enhance external beauty by promoting healthy-looking hair, skin, and nails [4].

The abundance of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids in sea moss contributes to its positive effects. For example, sulfur is a key component of sea moss and plays a crucial role in the formation of proteins, including those in hair and nails.

Likewise, the high amounts of polysaccharides in sea moss promote healthy skin hydration, which is essential for healthy skin elasticity and a healthy, vibrant appearance. Sea moss also contains compounds that support collagen production. Collagen is a protein vital for maintaining skin elasticity.

These nutrients work synergistically to protect against oxidative stress, support a healthy inflammatory response, and promote the body's natural processes for maintaining a healthy physical appearance.

How to Incorporate Sea Moss into Your Routine

By embracing the benefits of sea moss, you're not just adopting a health trend; you're tapping into the wisdom of nature to support a healthier and more vibrant you.

Making sea moss a part of your daily life is simple, with a high-quality supplement that can be seamlessly integrated into your routine. Incorporating the marine superfood into your routine through supplementation is an excellent and convenient way to support your overall well-being.

Ascent Nutrition offers a high-quality sea moss supplement that is carefully formulated to provide optimal health benefits. Made with the finest ingredients, this supplement is designed to support your wellness journey.

In addition to Organic Irish Moss (Chondrus crispus), Ascent Nutrition’s Sea Moss supplement contains Organic Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus), Organic Burdock (Arctium lappa), and BioPerine® (Black Pepper Fruit Extract)—adding to its nutritional profile and health-supporting benefits.

By choosing Ascent Nutrition’s Sea Moss, you can trust that you are getting the best quality and the most effective supplements on the market.


Reference

  1. USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) FoodData Central: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/168456/nutrients

  2. Andersen, S., Noahsen, P., Rex, K. F., Florian-Sørensen, H. C., & Mulvad, G. (2019). Iodine in edible seaweed, its absorption, dietary use, and relation to iodine nutrition in Arctic people. Journal of medicinal food, 22(4), 421-426: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/jmf.2018.0187 

  3. Cheong, K. L., Qiu, H. M., Du, H., Liu, Y., & Khan, B. M. (2018). Oligosaccharides derived from red seaweed: Production, properties, and potential health and cosmetic applications. Molecules, 23(10), 2451: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6222765/

  4. Lomartire, S., Marques, J. C., & Gonçalves, A. M. (2021). An overview to the health benefits of seaweeds consumption. Marine Drugs, 19(6), 341: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8232781/

  5. Palstra, A. P., Kals, J., Blanco Garcia, A., Dirks, R. P., & Poelman, M. (2018). Immunomodulatory effects of dietary seaweeds in LPS challenged Atlantic salmon Salmo salar as determined by deep RNA sequencing of the head kidney transcriptome. Frontiers in Physiology, 9, 625: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5992350/

  6. Liu, J., Kandasamy, S., Zhang, J., Kirby, C. W., Karakach, T., Hafting, J., ... & Prithiviraj, B. (2015). Prebiotic effects of diet supplemented with the cultivated red seaweed Chondrus crispus or with fructo-oligo-saccharide on host immunity, colonic microbiota and gut microbial metabolites. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 15, 1-12: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4535385/

  7. Lopez-Santamarina, A., Miranda, J. M., Mondragon, A. D. C., Lamas, A., Cardelle-Cobas, A., Franco, C. M., & Cepeda, A. (2020). Potential use of marine seaweeds as prebiotics: A review. Molecules, 25(4), 1004: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7070434/

  8. Taboada, C., Millán, R., & Míguez, I. (2010). Composition, nutritional aspects and effect on serum parameters of marine algae Ulva rigida. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 90(3), 445-449: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20355066/

  9. Combet, E., Ma, Z. F., Cousins, F., Thompson, B., & Lean, M. E. (2014). Low-level seaweed supplementation improves iodine status in iodine-insufficient women. British Journal of Nutrition, 112(5), 753-761: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25006699/

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