SEA MOSS HAS 92
OF THE
110 MINERALS
THE BODY IS MADE
FROM
In Barbados and the Caribbean, sea moss is considered a man’s drink because it is said to boost his stamina, but it contains powerful immune boosting nutrients that are good for both sexes.
Sea moss has been proven to contain over 90 percent of the nutrients our bodies’ needs and is especially high in antioxidants and minerals which contribute to boosting the immune system. These include vitamin B2, vitamin B12, calcium, chromium, magnesium, and zinc. It is also gluten-free and vegan.
Sea moss is also known as Irish moss, and is considered ‘nature’s multivitamin’ and was used to treat pneumonia and tuberculosis over 100 years ago. It grows year-round and is found in commercially harvestable quantities in the Caribbean and Ireland. Today, people use it in health drinks or smoothies, or directly in food like sauces, soups, salads and casseroles. It is also available in pills, capsules, gels and tinctures.
What is not common knowledge is that a component of sea moss, called carrageenan, is used in cosmetics and baked goods.
Carrageenan is an additive used to thicken, emulsify, and preserve foods and drinks.
This is usually found in the red sea weed common to Ireland.
Well known herbalist, Dr Sebi, brought sea moss back to mainstream attention and recommended it to his patients to treat chronic illnesses. It has now become so popular that companies grow it in ocean pools and harvest it for commercial purposes. Nutrition specialists advise that where the sea moss is grown has an impact on its quality.
Author and vegan herbalist Paul Otote considers sea moss a «powerhouse» food and has identified five major health benefits from using it.
1. HIGH IRON CONTENT
“Sea moss is full of iron, which many plant-based eaters lack because it’s commonly found in animal foods like meat, poultry, and seafood. Sea moss contains about 9 milligrams of iron per 100 grams, which means sea moss has nine times more iron than chicken. When you’re feeling fatigued or low energy, it may be because your iron levels are low, since iron helps your body create red blood cells to move oxygen from your lungs to your cells,” reports thebeet.com on benefits identified by Otote.
2. FULL OF NUTRIENTS
“Otote explains that ‘sea moss has 92 of the 110 minerals the body is made from’, and he calls it the “powerhouse.” Sea moss contains beta-carotene, vitamin B, vitamin C, and sulfur as well as minerals like magnesium, manganese, calcium, phosphorus, and zinc. All these contribute to healthy cell functioning in the body,” states thebeet.com.
3. CAN HELP WITH THYROID FUNCTIONING.
“Sea moss contains high levels of iodine, a mineral found in a limited number of foods. Our bodies need this mineral in moderation to produce thyroid hormones. Sea moss contains the vital thyroid hormones that are important for healthy thyroid function and your body’s metabolism. Before you use sea moss to boost thyroid hormones or as a weight-loss supplement, check with your doctor to avoid using too much.
4. BUILDS STRONG, LEAN MUSCLES
Sea moss is rich in protein with 6 grams of protein per 100 grams and it contains an amino acid called taurine, which helps the body burn fat and build muscle. “Taurine has the ability to make the body burn fat instead of carbs during cardio,” Otote says.
5. STRENGTHENS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
“Sea moss also helps the body fight back against everyday ageing and inflammation, in what could be called ‘the anti’s’: Anti-inflammatory, anti-ageing, anti-bacterial, and antiviral. It’s used as a treatment to help prevent and relieve cold and flu-like symptoms, in powdered form. “It can be used to prevent colds but also help you heal and recover from sickness,” Otote says. Sea moss contains potassium chloride, which helps the body reduce inflammation and people take it to lower their risk of infections because of its positive impact on the immune system. Otote sums it up as a no-lose additive: “Sea moss when you’re ill is a win, and sea moss when you’re healthy is a win, it’s a win-win”, reports thebeet.com The use of sea moss comes with a caution, however. According to the Mayo Clinic, since it is a source of iodine, using too much sea moss can lead to an enlarged thyroid gland. Some studies say too much iodine could result in thyroid cancer. The recommended use is one serving of two tablespoons a day. Other side effects of using or consuming sea moss may include burning, itchy or irritated skin, nausea and/or vomiting.
• Improved immunity, due to its large amounts of vitamins and antioxidants • Improved digestion, due to its bacteria-fighting capabilities • Replenishment of essential vitamins
