Sea moss is one of the most popular edible seaweed that has been in the spotlight recently due to its potential health benefits. Also referred to as Irish mosh, sea moss is an edible seaweed that usually grows on rocky coasts in the Northern Atlantic.
Sea moss is harvested to extract the carrageenan found inside the cell walls. This carrageenan is used to thicken foods like pudding and other cream desserts. Therefore, it’s an everyday use among many people. The low levels found in carrageenan are used in various dairy and nondairy products for stabilization.
Due to its popularity nowadays, you may be wondering if the health benefits of sea moss are true. Well, you will learn that in this guide. Scroll on to find the details.
What’s Sea Moss?
It is a seaweed that usually grows in Atlantic regions. Many expect it to be a greenish substance, but it comes in different colors, ranging from green and red to yellow, black, and brown. But its common variety is red and is often known as Irish moss. Just like other seaweeds, sea moss has many nutrients that are hard to get.
Food manufacturers mostly use it to make most food types, like vegans, and also as an emulsifier. Sea moss is mostly used as a supplement rather than an ingredient recipe in domestic settings.
There are several health benefits of sea moss. It not only provides iodine but also tyrosine, which supports a healthy thyroid. With its omega-3 fatty acids, it helps support a healthy heart.
Important Health Benefits of Sea Moss
Recently, there has been plenty of information claiming that this superfood is healthy for our bodies and that it can help our skin as well as our immune systems. But since it hasn’t been eaten for ages, researchers have started looking for its medical benefits. Here are the benefits of sea moss
1. Can Help Prevent Parkinson’s Disease
As one of the most popular degenerative diseases, Parkinson’s has been seen to cause tremors and stiffness in many adults. This disease can also make you have slow movement and no cure is known yet. However, earlier research shows that sea moss slows the worsening of Parkinson’s disease.
Studies conducted on worms using sea moss showed reduced slow movements and stiffness. This could imply that it’s a promising remedy for those with Parkinson’s. However, some more research is required to ascertain if sea moss can work for humans, too.
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2. Promotes Healthy Thyroid
One of the health benefits of sea moss is promoting thyroid health. The thyroid is a very small gland at the base of the neck, and it requires plenty of iodine to secrete thyroid hormones. These hormones affect how the thyroid functions and play a huge role in metabolism.
Iodine can only be acquired through the diet since our bodies can’t make it. Insufficient iodine in our bodies can result in an enlarged thyroid, which is referred to as goiter, and other intellectual disabilities in children born by mothers who have iodine deficiency.
Despite the fact that iodized salt has been introduced, there are still problems concerning thyroid health. Minor deficiency in this element can cause negative effects on the thyroid. However, the introduction of sea moss has changed everything. Sea moss is rich in iodine, but the quantity can vary according to species. It is one of the best benefits of sea moss for women. The brown sea moss is seen to contain greater amounts of iodine nutrients as compared to other species.
The iodine present in sea moss can help those with hypothyroidism, where the body does not make sufficient thyroid hormones for regulating the metabolism of the body. But first, talk with your doctor to know the type of sea moss you can use to manage hypothyroidism.
3. Promotes a Healthy Gut
An unhealthy gut results from an imbalance of gut bacteria. The imbalance is usually linked to disorders like inflammatory bowel disease, high blood pressure, cancer, etc.
The prebiotics in fibers that are resistant to digestion help stimulate the growth of good bacteria in the gut. Research shows that seaweeds, like sea moss, contain components that have the potential to act as prebiotics, which support gut health.
4. Helps in Muscle Recovery
The nutrients in the sea moss will help build muscles, which will, in turn, lead to a healthy bone structure. This is actually great for those on an exercise activity or older people who are prone to muscle loss and bone mass because of aging.
Besides, it also helps by providing more energy, and you’ll feel less exhausted. Researchers conclude that it could be due to the high protein nutrients available in sea moss.
5. Controls Blood Sugar
Seaweed is a healthy and balanced diet that can support managing blood sugar levels and potentially lower the risk of developing type II diabetes. Sea moss has compounds like fucoxanthin and ctenoid, which aid in lowering insulin resistance and controlling blood sugar.
Since it contains high levels of fiber, it will help slow down the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream. Therefore, this impacts blood sugar control. Similarly, consuming sea moss regularly may contribute to good blood glucose levels in those with diabetes.
While these potential health benefits of sea moss for women and men are promising, it is important to consult with your doctor first to give you the go-ahead. Some people may be allergic or are under a particular medication, which can bring adverse effects.
Conclusion
As one of the commonly used types of seaweed, sea moss offers potential health benefits for users. Companies have embraced it, and it is now being used in commercial foods and consumer supplements. It is rich in minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins; it boosts overall health.
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