As far as superfoods go, irish sea moss is about as nutrient-dense as they come. This unusual seaweed is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that offer a host of health benefits. From improving thyroid function to boosting your immune system, there's a lot this little plant can do! I grew up eating sea moss smoothies and jamaican sea moss drinks (yumm) and we introduced our customers to sea moss back 2012 at our juice bar in Brooklyn, so we know and love this superfood. We offer a fresh sea moss smoothie called "Irish Sea Moss" and allow our customers to add it to their smoothies, juices and açai bowls as an energy booster.
In this complete guide to sea moss, we'll cover everything you need to know about this powerful superfood. Trust me, after reading this post you'll be adding sea moss to your diet in no time!
#1: What is Sea Moss and where does it come from
Sea moss is a species of seaweed found along the coasts of the Atlantic Ocean from North America, throughout the Caribbean and into South America, as well as Africa and Europe. It is one of the more popular types of seaweed of the many medicinal and side dish seaweeds found in cuisines around the world.
It has gel-like properties which make it easy to blend in smoothies and various recipes. Many people adore this versatile sea vegetable for its nourishing potential and multiple health benefits! It is a staple in the Caribbean-American diet offered as a beverage at most urban health food stores, juice bars, Jamaican and Guyanese restaurants along with sorrel (hibiscus), peanut punch and mauby bitters.
I want you to be excited about sea moss because it's becoming a popular superfood available from tons of retailers but for the same reason, newbies should know what it is and why it's been a gem for the health conscious community. Even if you've been drinking sea moss for decades like me, you might learn something new!
There are two different types of popular sea moss
Genus Gracilaria also known as Jamaican Sea Moss is typically grown in warmer waters where it is grown farmed or retrieved naturally on rock beds or nets.
Chondrus Crispus also known as Irish Sea Moss is typically grown in or near Ireland & Canada and has natural purple, red or green colors. This variation is grown grown slowly and receives some of its' nutrients from the rocks it grows on.
Sea moss comes in 3 different forms.
How you can get the most out of your sea moss purchase!
Sea Moss has become incredibly lucrative for people to sell. Juice bars like ours will offer it as a smoothie or an add-on/boost and there are retailers making it for sale by the jar with a variety of fruit infused sea moss gel. I will just say, you are better off buying it raw or using pure gel without the added flavors and then mixing it with your favorite ingredients like blueberry and drinking it fresh over buying or storing fruit infused sea moss gel. The added fruit makes it look pretty and might give it a fruity taste, but it will make the whole jar go rancid quickly increasing your risks of negative side effects. Sea Moss should be able to store for a long time, at least 30 days in a refrigerated air tight jar.
What are the pros and cons of sea moss?
Let's be incredibly real. Not every supplement, nutrient or superfood is good for every body! If you are serious about your health you will periodically get your urine, blood or other tests to see what your nutritional needs are. While ingesting sea moss can provide numerous health benefits, as a superfood there may be a few potential side effects that must be considered. Those taking sea moss should watch out for digestive upset such as cramping, bloating or diarrhea, especially when taken in high amounts. Sea moss may need to be avoided if pregnant or breastfeeding and as always you should consult with a doctor prior to taking any supplement or natural remedy for accurate guidance on how it may affect your individual body and overall health.
Who should not take sea moss?
People with certain health conditions, such as kidney problems, should not take sea moss supplements. Sea moss could potentially worsen existing health issues because it's high in potassium and iodine: two substances that can be harmful to those with preexisting kidney ailments. Though some medical professionals recommend taking sea moss for mineral deficiencies or to boost energy, anyone with the aforementioned conditions should consult their doctor first before trying this supplement. As a precautionary measure, pregnant and breastfeeding women, too, should get approval from their healthcare provider before taking any supplement.
#2: What are the Nutritional Benefits of Sea Moss
Sea moss, scientifically known as Chondrus Crispus but most people know it as Irish Sea Moss, is an incredible seaweed extensively used for its nutritional and medicinal value. Sea moss is an natural remedy that has numerous health benefits. It is rich with iodine, minerals and vitamins which can assist in improving the overall function of your body. For example, iodine helps to boost metabolism and makes sure the thyroid glands work properly. The minerals found in sea moss aid in strengthening the bones, reducing inflammation found throughout the body, and creating a healthier digestive tract. So if you are looking for a way to naturally support the electrolytes your body needs while aiding your gastrointestinal tract to full health than sea moss could be something worth exploring. It is an incredible source of healing!
Wait....Sea Moss contains 92 of the 102 essential minerals and vitamins our body needs?!
Sea moss is rich in important minerals like magnesium, calcium, iron, selenium, phosphorus, zinc, and iodine; vitamins A & C; antioxidants; Omega-3 fatty acids; protein; and dietary fiber. These nutrients help to support healthy connective tissues, joint alignment, immunity boosting properties as well as digestive issues.
Extensive studies have revealed a variety of essential minerals and vitamins that make it a power-packed superfood. It contains a vast list of essential Minerals such as:
Zinc - helps build proteins, heals damaged tissues, supports immunity.
Selenium - protects against heart disease, aids in hypothyroidism, antioxidant.
Phosphorus - used in formation of bones and teeth, helps kidneys, helps with fatigue.
Magnesium - significant for nerve and muscle function, involved in creating proteins.
Iodine - needed to make essential thyroid hormones for normal metabolism and more.
Iron - contributes to a good function of red blood cells, carries oxygen and gives energy.
Manganese - necessary for normal brain function, nervous system, connective tissues.
Calcium - essential for maintaining good health in bones, heart, muscles and nerves.
And Essential vitamins:
Protein - reduces muscle loss, curbs hunger, helps maintain healthy weight
Vitamin A - vision, immunity, growth and reproduction
Vitamin E - blood, skin, eyes and reproductive organs, powerful antioxidant
Vitamin C - protects against free radicals
Vitamin K - produces proteins needed for fast healing, metabolism and memory
Vitamin B9 aka Folic Acid - needed for healthy pregnancy, grows new tissue & cells
Omega-3 Fatty Acids - prevents heart disease, stroke, eczema and other conditions
Listen to the late Dr. Sebi, a well known naturopath teach his audience about his research on sea moss:
It is no wonder why sea moss has been traditionally used for generations by many cultures around the world and no one wonder that my parents introduced me to sea moss as a child. Thanks to my experience with sea moss growing up, i've been able to share it with thousands of customers over the past 16 years who had never even heard of this superfood!
#3: What happens if you take sea moss every day?
You should know how to make it and how Sea Moss Gel or Powder is made today.
Sea moss is a nutrient-dense superfood used to make smoothies, salads, and many other foods. Being a type of red algae, the raw product is edible on its own but for most applications it must first be prepared.
1. Clean the sea moss: Take the moss and soak in water for an hour and wash off all the salt and other bits
2. Place sea moss into a pot or bowl and pour in boiled spring or filtered water until the moss is covered.
3. Leave for 12-24 hours until the moss "melts" and cools off.
4. Blend the mixture and scoop the gel into a mason jar for fridge storage.
5. Bonus: freeze dry the raw cleaned and turn the sea moss into a powder.
Here's an easy tutorial on how to prepare sea moss:
We boil our sea moss and use the gel because of tradition and because the boil helps to release nutrition while breaking down the rubbery texture of raw seaweed. We want to ensure we have a smooth consistency as well as activating some of the nutritional elements in it. Sea moss also has natural antibacterial and antiviral properties so boil off can be safely discarded without worrying about contamination. Once the boil is complete and the gel formed, you can use this product in most consuming ways that fit your nutritional needs.
Use sea moss in:
Fruit and Veggie Smoothies
Shakes
Juices
Soups
Salad Dressing
Raw by the spoonful
Beauty Masks
Sea moss is quickly becoming a nutritional powerhouse and must-have staple in households around the world. Make sure you vet your sources before purchasing. Not all superfoods are created and grown with care! Once you have found a reliable source, adding sea moss to smoothies is a natural, food-based, simple and effective way to up your daily dose of vitamins, minerals and collagen.
How we use it in every day life
Get creative with your smoothie recipes by mixing in additional revered superfoods like ashwaghandha or beetroot powder for some extra zest! To get the most out of it, look into plant-based smoothie recipes that use sea moss as a list item - you may be surprised to learn how far it can take you.
There are many people that have vlogged about their journey to using sea moss for 7-30 consecutive days. Check out this one below:
There are other great superfoods that go with sea moss:
bananas
cinnamon
pumpkin spice blends
honey
fresh berries
burdock root
bladderwrack - adds missing minerals to sea moss
pineapple
You have pretty much learned everything there is to know about the most popular sea moss. This is a best seller at our juice bar that we make fresh to order for pick up or delivery on grubhub and doordash. If you are looking for a nutritious and delicious way to add minerals and vitamins to your diet, look no further than this golden or royal purple seaweed! This ocean superfood is packed with nutrients that have numerous health benefits. Sea moss is easy to incorporate into your daily life – simply add it to smoothies or soups, or use it as a vegan substitute for gelatin in recipes. And there are endless possibilities when it comes to recipes that include this healthy ingredient – check out some of our favorites below! Do you have questions? Concerns? Have you tried cooking food with sea moss? What’s your favorite recipe? Have you had good sea moss blended gels. If so, tell us about them!
Here's an easy sea moss smoothie recipe you can make at home or request at Move With Grace Juice Bar:
