Irish Sea Moss is a seaweed that grows in waters, tidepools, and inlets along rocky coasts. It is an edible seaweed rich in minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients.
Many countries have been using this for years in different forms and recipes. You can buy sea moss as a supplement (online and offline) or in raw forms from specialty health stores.
There are many types of Sea Moss, and Irish Sea Moss (Chondrus crispus) is our favorite. Let’s explore why!
Irish Sea Moss Nutrient
The Irish Sea Moss has tons of vitamins and nutrients. There is only a modest amount of plant protein in these, but they are naturally low in calories, fat, and sugar.
| Nutrient | Amount | Magnesium | 14.4mg |
| Carbohydrates | 1.23g | Manganese | 0.04mg |
| Fat | 0.02g | Zinc | 0.2mg |
| Protein | 0.15g | Vitamin B2 | 0.05mg |
| Iodine | 470mg | Vitamin B6 | 0.01mg |
| Iron | 0.89mg | Vitamin B9 | 18.2mcg |
| Copper | 0.02mg | Calories | 4.9 |
Also, Irish Sea Moss is rich in antioxidants which help protect your cells from the damaging effects of free radicals.
Irish Sea Moss Gel, Powder, and Pill Form
There are a few easy ways to consume Irish Sea Moss; you can choose whichever method you’d prefer. Here are some ways for you to consume your Irish Sea Moss:
Dried form
Most stores would have your Irish Sea Moss dried up, and this method would be proper if you’d like a longer storage life for your Irish Sea Moss.
Gel form
One convenient way to consume your Irish Sea Moss is by buying or crafting your own Irish Sea Moss gel. This could save you more time; grab a teaspoon full of gel and mix it with your favorite drink or a food recipe that fits.
You could also turn your dried Irish Sea Moss into gel form whenever you want to.
Powder Form
Another way to consume your Irish Sea Moss is by purchasing its powdered form. The powdered form would be much better if you’re always out for work or travel. You could easily pack them and simply add them to your drinks or food.
Pill Form
Sea moss may also come in the form of dietary supplements. Whenever purchasing a dietary supplement, ensure you do so from a reliable and trustworthy brand.
Difference Between Sea Moss and Irish Moss
Sea Moss and Irish Moss are two different plants but are often mistaken as the same plant. Sea Moss is a little thicker seaweed like a stick than Irish Moss, with flat, fan-like leaves.
The scientific name for Sea Moss is Eucheuma and Gracilaria. It is found in tropical climates like Southern Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. They are available in various colors, but the most popular are purple and gold.
While Irish Moss’s scientific name is Chondrus crispus, it is grown in colder regions like Canada, North America, and Europe. They are usually dark purple in color.
Sea Moss is more accessible and found more so in abundance than Irish Moss. Both offer similar health benefits so you can consume either of them.
Irish Sea Moss Benefits
Numerous studies have looked into the potential health benefits of Irish moss. Before embarking on any new diet, it’s a good idea to consult with your doctor. Because of this, Irish moss has numerous health advantages that might boost your heart and skin, among other things.
1. Good for the Skin
The omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin A in Irish moss are suitable for the skin. Irish moss also contains collagen-building components. This collagen aids in the growth and repair of the skin, making it appear younger and more immune to the effects of aging.[2]
2. Thyroid
Iodine, which is crucial for thyroid function, is abundant in Irish moss. The thyroid gland regulates metabolic and mental health. A healthy metabolism is supported by Iodine and riboflavin in Irish sea moss.
3. Gut Health
Adding Irish moss to your diet is an excellent way to get a high-quality source of fiber. A diet rich in fiber helps maintain a healthy digestive system and lower cholesterol levels. Good bacteria thrive in an environment rich in Irish moss, which functions as a prebiotic.
4. Aids in Weight Loss
The appetite-suppressing properties of Irish moss may make it an effective weight loss supplement. Appetite suppression and blood sugar control make dieting more manageable.
5. Heart Health
Irish sea moss is beneficial to the cardiovascular system. You can minimize your risk of cardiovascular disease by taking omega-3s, which are found in it. Heart disease, hypertension, and blood clotting are linked to high cholesterol.
6. Good for the Respiratory System
It is excellent for the lungs since it contains potassium chloride. It helps dissolve phlegm and lowers inflammation; therefore, potassium chloride can reduce congestion. Strengthening one’s immune system could prevent common illnesses like the cold.
7. Rich in Nutrients
It is widely accepted that Irish moss is a good source of essential minerals for human survival. Proteins and vitamins are found in it. In the absence of meat, vegetarians and vegans may suffer from vitamin and mineral deficiencies that moss might help to alleviate.
8. Improves Fertility and Sexual Performance
Irish sea moss contains a significant amount of zinc. It is believed that zinc levels produce higher sex hormones in the body, while iron content increases endurance, which boosts your libido levels.
9. Eases Joint Pains
Studies show that Irish sea moss has fish oil and fatty acids, excellent anti-inflammatory agents. It can help older adults, athletes, and arthritis patients to reduce joint swelling, promote overall mobility and improve flexibility.
10. Skin and Hair
Many social media influencers and celebrities believe that Irish sea moss helps with clear skin and eliminates toxins from the body. It can also help with skin problems like burns, dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema. However, researchers are still looking for evidence to prove this claim.
Irish Sea Moss Side Effects
Studies have shown that eating up to two tablespoons of Irish sea moss a day has no detrimental effects on the body, but there is no set daily dosage recommendation for this herb. Iodine, an essential mineral for hormone balance, is found in sea moss.
But it is also vital that we note that the known potential risk of consuming Irish sea moss is the risk of consuming metal, as seaweed is known to store and absorb contaminants like metals.
Another downside is the inconsistency in iodine level in the sea moss, depending upon the location. It can result in both hypothyroidism and underactive thyroid level.
A burning or stinging sensation and redness on the skin could be other side effects if applied.
Do consult your doctor before incorporating sea moss into your diet.
FAQ: Irish Sea Moss
How Long Does it Take for Irish Sea Moss to Start Working in your Body?
The results vary from individual to individual, depending on your lifestyle and eating habits. If you take a balanced plant-based diet and moderate exercise, the results are visible in a week. And for some, it takes weeks to show results.
How Does Irish Sea Moss Affect your Gut Health?
Irish Sea Moss is an excellent prebiotic that improves your gut health by feeding healthy bacteria to your gut. Adding algae/seaweed to your diet is a simple yet effective way to provide prebiotic fiber to your body.
Fiber plays an essential role in digestion, building immunity, and disease prevention. And thus, it helps with constipation and diarrhea.
In short, sea moss can help you get rid of the toxins in your body.
Does Irish Sea Moss Help with Weight Loss?
Irish Sea Moss can help reduce weight, as it contains Taurine (amino acid), which helps burn body fat and build strong and lean muscles.
But do not depend on Irish Sea Moss alone; a healthy diet and exercise can give your weight loss journey a more significant impact.
How much Irish Sea Moss should I take daily?
Research studies recommend taking 1-2 tbsp per day, i.e., 4g-8g.[3]
Irish Sea Moss is high in many nutrients and minerals, especially Iodine, vital in thyroid function. High intake of Iodine can lead to hypothyroidism and can cause thyroid disorder.
Hence, it would be best to consume Irish sea moss in small quantities only.
Bottomline: Benefits and Side Effects of Irish Sea Moss
Sea Moss is a stick-like seaweed or sea algae, which is a good source of various minerals and nutrients. It is also an excellent antioxidant that benefits overall health.
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your own healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.
Editorial References And Fact-Checking
- Al-Atif H. (2022). Collagen Supplements for Aging and Wrinkles: A Paradigm Shift in the Fields of Dermatology and Cosmetics. Dermatology practical & conceptual, 12(1), e2022018. https://doi.org/10.5826/dpc.1201a18
- Darias-Rosales, J., Rubio, C., Gutiérrez, Á. J., Paz, S., & Hardisson, A. (2020). Risk assessment of iodine intake from the consumption of red seaweeds (Palmaria palmata and Chondrus crispus). Environmental science and pollution research international, 27(36), 45737–45741. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-020-10478-9
