Health Benefits Of Irish Sea Moss

Stress, poor diets, and the emergence of new viruses make people in the modern world more concerned about their health than ever before. Dietary supplements and novel cures are being considered from various sources. One of these is Irish sea moss, as it has been described as having many health benefits.

What Nutrients Are In Irish Sea Moss?

On their Food Data Central site, the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html - /food-details/168456/nutrientsoutlines the nutrients in one serving of Irish sea moss.

The overall calories were 4.9.
Protein (taurine) 0.2 grams.
There is zero fat.
Carrageenan carbohydrates 1.2g
Sugars 0.1 g

It is rich in minerals and vitamins.

Calcium

Magnesium

Phosphorous

Potassium

Iron

Zinc

Copper

Manganese

Chromium

Sodium

Iodine

Vitamin A

Vitamin B1, B2, B9, B12

Vitamin C

Vitamin D

Vitamin E

Vitamin K

Omega 3

What Is Irish Sea Moss?

Despite its name, Irish sea moss is not a moss but a red algae or seaweed. Its official scientific name is Chondrus crispus, and it grows in the Atlantic Ocean on the west coast of Ireland and the east coast of North America.

It was a lifesaver for many Irish people who ate it during the Irish Potato Famine, which lasted from 1845 to 1849. The Irish people knew that Irish sea moss had many health benefits and was a good source of a carbohydrate known as carrageenan.

Carrageenan has been used since early history as a food source and as a means of thickening and setting food. It was also used in traditional Irish folk medicine to treat various ailments.

What Are The Benefits of Irish Sea Moss?

The Irish traditionally used Irish sea moss to treat colds, influenza, Tuberculosis, and pneumonia.

In modern-day medicine, it has been noted that potassium chloride found in Irish sea moss acts as a mucolytic (dissolves phlegm) and reduces inflammation in the respiratory tracts.

The high fiber content lowers blood sugar and acts as an excellent prebiotic, improving gut health. Prebiotics are essential as they feed the healthy bacteria in the intestines.

The iodine content helps support thyroid function and boosts the immune system. Too much iodine can be detrimental, and this is why Irish sea moss portion size must be controlled.

What Does Irish Sea Moss Cure?

Irish sea moss treats a host of conditions by targeting the disease directly and supporting the body with vitamins and nutrients.

Diabetes is controlled and prevented by reducing blood sugar levels.

Heart conditions are improved by reduced blood pressure and cholesterol. Taurine may allow for the repair of the damaged heart muscle.

Hypothyroidism is the inefficient functioning of the thyroid gland. Irish sea moss supports the functioning of the thyroid to ensure adequate production of thyroxin.

Respiratory diseases are relieved through mucolytic and anti-inflammatory action.

Irish sea moss is used in weight loss programs as it reduces appetite.

Research has found that fucoxanthin (also known as fucoidans) found in carrageenan combats markers for cancer, reducing the risk of cancer. More research is needed to determine the fucoxanthin content in Irish sea moss.

Irish sea moss strengthens the immune system by promoting the activation of an immune response to pathogens.

Fucoidans are also known to have antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, and antithrombotic effects.

A carrageenan-based antiviral drug has been successfully used to counteract the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which causes cervical cancer in women.

Although not scientifically proven, many people claim that Irish sea moss has increased fertility.

Can Irish Sea Moss Be Consumed Daily?

Irish sea moss can be consumed daily. The American Food Data Central agency recommends one serving of 10 grams or two tablespoons.

Some people claim that Irish sea moss is detrimental to health and should not be consumed daily, if at all. Unscientific articles have claimed that carrageenan can be degraded by the body to form poligeenan, a carcinogenic substance.

This claim has been shown to be inaccurate. Science shows that the body does not produce the acids or the necessary high temperatures to convert carrageenan to poligeenan. In 2008 the FDA refuted the unscientific claims of carrageenan dangers and stated that carrageenan remains a safe product to include in foods or take as a supplement.

Conclusion

Irish sea moss is safe to eat daily and has many health benefits. It is nutrient-dense, improves general health, and can be used in the fight against specific diseases.