Sea Moss: Benefits and Side Effects

Introduction

Sea moss is a spiny vegetable found in the sea that is mainly cultivated for preparing health supplements. It is a kind of red algae, scientifically known as Chondrus crispus. It is also known as Irish moss. It contains an ingredient called carrageenan that helps thicken the milk products required to prepare food items like ice cream. It can be consumed either in raw or supplement forms like pills, powders, gels, and gummies.

What Is Sea Moss?

Sea moss is typically a seaweed, mainly found in waters along the rocky Atlantic coasts between North America and Europe. However, the most common variety that grows in the warmer waters, is also called red algae or Irish Moss.

What Are the Ingredients of Sea Moss?

1. Sea moss generally contains vitamins and minerals.

2. There are low amounts of calories, fat, proteins, and sugars.

3. It is rich in iodine (a micronutrient required for maintaining the thyroid gland).

4. It is also a good source of antioxidants (compounds required to protect cells from oxidative damage).

Sea moss is rich in nutrients, and the following shows the critical components found in 10 grams of sea moss:

• Calories - 4.9 grams.

• Carbohydrates - 1.23 grams.

• Fat - 0.02 grams.

• Protein - 0.15 grams.

• Iodine - 470 milligrams.

• Iron - 0.89 milligrams.

• Copper - 0.02 milligrams.

• Magnesium - 14.4 milligrams.

• Manganese - 0.04 milligrams.

• Zinc - 0.095 milligrams.

• Vitamin B2 - 0.05 milligrams

• Vitamin B6 - 0.01 milligrams.

• Vitamin B9 - 18.2 micrograms.

What Are the Available Forms?

Sea moss can be consumed in the following forms:

1. Capsules.

2. Gels.

3. Gummies.

4. Lotions.

5. Powders.

How To Prepare Sea Moss?

Sea moss can be utilized in many forms like capsules and tablets. There are several ways to prepare sea moss to be consumed at home. First, sea moss must be soaked in cold water for a day, and the water should change very often. Then, the prepared sea moss can be checked if the size is doubled and it has become white and gelatinous. After thickening, the sea moss can be blended with water.

The prepared sea moss can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks. It can be used in a variety of recipes. It is also a thickening agent and is used in making the following dishes:

• Soups.

• Smoothies.

• Stews.

• Baked items.

What Are the Benefits of Sea Moss?

The following are the potential benefits offered by sea moss:

1. Heart Health: Sea moss is rich in fiber and acts as a superfood compared to other green vegetables. The fiber in the sea moss positively affects the body by enhancing blood sugar control and reducing low-density level(LDL) cholesterol. It also acts as a blood thinner. Therefore, it reduces the risk of chronic heart disease and diabetes.

2. Weight Loss: The fiber in the sea moss gives the feeling of fullness. It keeps the stomach full, hence preventing the individuals from overeating. Therefore, the fibrous content in the sea moss helps in weight loss. Some studies have shown that a compound called fucoxanthin helps in fat metabolism in some species of rats.

3. Good Bacteria: The digestive system of humans has a tremendous amount of bacteria. All the good and bad bacteria are found in the gut. Sea moss is rich in live bacteria, thus supporting a healthy gut microbiome.

4. Immune System: The immune system is maintained by the amount of iron and antioxidants in the sea moss. A study was conducted on Atlantic salmon and found that the intake of sea moss enhances their immunity.

5. Muscle Repair: Sea moss contains an amino acid known as taurine. Taurine helps in muscle-building and repair. While exercising, the amino acid taurine in the red algae can repair minor muscle tearing.

Some other uses have also been listed:

1. Maintenance of thyroid health due to the presence of iodine in the sea moss.

2. Sea moss helps in reducing blood sugar levels.

3. It is also believed that sea moss increases the fertility rate in men and women.

4. It helps in clearing skin.

5. It enhances hair health.

6. It is also considered to be a suppressing agent for cancer.

7. It slows the progression of Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease is one of the most common degenerative diseases in older adults. This is characterised by tremors, stiffness, and slowness of movements. As there is no cure for this disease, sea moss proves beneficial in slowing disease progression. According to a study conducted on worms, sea moss has been shown to reduce the accumulation of alpha-synuclein (a protein that regulates synaptic vesicles), thereby decreasing the movements' stiffness. But more research needs to be done about the effects of sea moss on humans.

What Are the Side Effects of Sea Moss?

Sea moss possesses nutritional value but shows side effects as well.

1. Hypothyroidism: As there is the presence of iodine in the sea moss, too much iodine, overconsumption, or an enormous amount of iodine can lead to hypothyroidism or under active thyroid. The thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH) is important for

• Weight management.

• Energy regularisation.

• Muscle strength.

• Maintenance of body temperature.

• Mood swings.

2. Heavy Metals: Heavy metals are absorbed in the sea moss that remains non-toxic in smaller amounts, but if the concentration is higher or the consumption of sea moss increases, there are chances of toxicity.

Conclusion

Sea moss, the Irish moss or the red algae, has many nutritional values as it maintains heart health, prevents chronic heart diseases, boosts immunity and gut health, and is also a good source of iodine. Other uses include fertility enhancement, reducing blood sugar levels, regulation of skin health, and hair care related to sea moss, prevention of Parkinson's disease, and maintaining the balance between good and bad bacteria in the digestive system. However, some studies still need to be conducted to know the effects of sea moss on such organs. In addition, the significant side effects of sea moss consumption are still being studied.