Health Benefits of Sea Moss

By eleanor

Reviewed: dr. vanta

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. ZY;, Chen D;Wu XZ;Wen. ‘Sulfated Polysaccharides and Immune Response: Promoter or Inhibitor?' Panminerva Medica, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18607341/.
• 2. Kulshreshtha, Garima, et al. ‘Red Seaweeds Sarcodiotheca Gaudichaudii and Chondrus Crispus down Regulate Virulence Factors of Salmonella Enteritidis and Induce Immune Responses in Caenorhabditis Elegans.' Frontiers, Frontiers, 16 Mar. 2016, www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2016.00421/full.
• 3. S;, Redman K;Ruffman T;Fitzgerald P;Skeaff. ‘Iodine Deficiency and the Brain: Effects and Mechanisms.' Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25880137/.
• 4. Guo F;Huang C;Cui Y;Momma H;Niu K;Nagatomi R; ‘Dietary Seaweed Intake and Depressive Symptoms in Japanese Adults: a Prospective Cohort Study.' Nutrition Journal, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31590668/.
• 5. AT;, Pereira L; Critchley. ‘The COVID 19 Novel Coronavirus Pandemic, 2020, Seaweeds to the Rescue? Why Does Substantial, Supporting Research about the Antiviral Properties of Seaweed Polysaccharides Seem to Go Unrecognized by the Pharmaceutical Community in These Desperate Times?' Journal of Applied Phycology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32836796/.
• 6. CA;, Lusvarghi S;Bewley. ‘Griffithsin: An Antiviral Lectin with Outstanding Therapeutic Potential.' Viruses, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27783038/.
• 7. JP;, Chater PI;Wilcox MD;Houghton D;Pearson. ‘The Role of Seaweed Bioactives in the Control of Digestion: Implications for Obesity Treatments.' Food & Function, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26416783/.
• 8. Liu J;Kandasamy S;Zhang J;Kirby CW;Karakach T;Hafting J;Critchley AT;Evans F;Prithiviraj B; ‘Prebiotic Effects of Diet Supplemented with the Cultivated Red Seaweed Chondrus Crispus or with Fructo-Oligo-Saccharide on Host Immunity, Colonic Microbiota and Gut Microbial Metabolites.' BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26271359.
• 9. ‘Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid).' National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/hyperthyroidism.
• 10. ‘A Species of Red Algae Found to Improve Circulation and Protect against Blood Clots.' Heart Disease News, heartdisease.news/2019-12-11-red-alga-improves-circulation-protects-against-blood-clots.html.
• 11. Post author By Hugh Butler. ‘Seaweed Reduces Arthritis.' BioSea Health, 8 Apr. 2020, bioseahealth.com/seaweed-reduces-arthritis/.
• 12. Kerschenmeyer, Anne, et al. ‘Anti-Oxidant and Immune-Modulatory Properties of Sulfated Alginate Derivatives on Human Chondrocytes and Macrophages.' Biomaterials Science, The Royal Society of Chemistry, 16 June 2017, pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2017.

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Sea moss, also known as Irish moss or red seaweed, is a type of moss that grows throughout the year in tidepools and inlets. It recently became available on the international market following the discovery that it may have some therapeutic benefits.

It contains a variety of important minerals. It is particularly high in iodine, and is a good source of calcium along with other nutrients. Its versatility is another draw for consumers. It can be cooked, blended into drinks, or simply eaten raw. Health benefits include regulating thyroid function and reducing inflammation.

1. Improving Skin Health

Finding sea moss or seaweed in skincare products may come as no surprise. There are no specific research studies on sea moss. However, like other seaweeds that support skin health, sea moss may help improve conditions like dermatitis, varicose veins, rashes, and inflammation when used topically or in baths. Sea moss is packed with minerals and vitamins that nourish the skin.

Sea moss has antimicrobial properties, which could fight skin infections, and high amounts of antioxidants, which can help reduce skin inflammation. Sea moss also has collagen that helps skin retain moisture and fill out fine lines due to aging.

2. Boost The Immune System

Sea moss is rich in antioxidants. It also contains sulfated polysaccharides (SP), a bioactive compound. This compound appears to have a strong stimulating effect on immune responses, which can be beneficial to fighting infections.¹ZY;, Chen D;Wu XZ;Wen. ‘Sulfated Polysaccharides and Immune Response: Promoter or Inhibitor?’ Panminerva Medica, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18607341/.

Consuming sea plants like moss as a dietary supplement can improve cell mediated and humoral immune response. One study conducted in test tubes has shown that sea moss can protect the body from contracting salmonella by stopping the growth of the bacteria.²Kulshreshtha, Garima, et al. ‘Red Seaweeds Sarcodiotheca Gaudichaudii and Chondrus Crispus down Regulate Virulence Factors of Salmonella Enteritidis and Induce Immune Responses in Caenorhabditis Elegans.’ Frontiers, Frontiers, 16 Mar. 2016, www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2016.00421/full. Clinical trials are need to confirm this benefit.

3. Improves Mental Health

Being high in iodine, potassium, and magnesium, sea moss can positively affect brain function. All of those minerals are vital for maintaining the mental and emotional health of a person. Deficiency in those minerals has shown to be one of the most preventable causes of mental impairment.³S;, Redman K;Ruffman T;Fitzgerald P;Skeaff. ‘Iodine Deficiency and the Brain: Effects and Mechanisms.’ Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25880137/.

Supplementing with sea moss can increase these necessary minerals that can lead to better management of mood swings and crankiness along with having a positive impact on mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.⁴Guo F;Huang C;Cui Y;Momma H;Niu K;Nagatomi R; ‘Dietary Seaweed Intake and Depressive Symptoms in Japanese Adults: a Prospective Cohort Study.’ Nutrition Journal, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31590668/.

4. Treats Respiratory Disorders

Sea moss can be helpful in treating respiratory disorders such as coughs, colds, and bronchitis. It has even shown the potential to lessen the respiratory issues due to certain infections.⁵AT;, Pereira L; Critchley. ‘The COVID 19 Novel Coronavirus Pandemic, 2020, Seaweeds to the Rescue? Why Does Substantial, Supporting Research about the Antiviral Properties of Seaweed Polysaccharides Seem to Go Unrecognized by the Pharmaceutical Community in These Desperate Times?’ Journal of Applied Phycology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32836796/. This is because along with all its other nutrients, sea moss may have antiviral properties.

These properties, lectin griffithsin, phycocolloid carrageenan, and sulphated polysaccharide, are all unique to sea moss and may reduce the mucous created by some respiratory illnesses.⁶CA;, Lusvarghi S;Bewley. ‘Griffithsin: An Antiviral Lectin with Outstanding Therapeutic Potential.’ Viruses, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27783038/.

5. Helps Aid Digestion

Because of its relaxant properties, sea moss may be a helpful digestive aid. The high magnesium content works as a stool softener and its fiber content also works to improve gut health.

There have also been studies that show sea moss can be counted as a prebiotic.⁷JP;, Chater PI;Wilcox MD;Houghton D;Pearson. ‘The Role of Seaweed Bioactives in the Control of Digestion: Implications for Obesity Treatments.’ Food & Function, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26416783/. Prebiotics act as foods for probiotics, the friendly bacteria in the gut that support the immune system function and overall health.⁸Liu J;Kandasamy S;Zhang J;Kirby CW;Karakach T;Hafting J;Critchley AT;Evans F;Prithiviraj B; ‘Prebiotic Effects of Diet Supplemented with the Cultivated Red Seaweed Chondrus Crispus or with Fructo-Oligo-Saccharide on Host Immunity, Colonic Microbiota and Gut Microbial Metabolites.’ BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26271359. In addition, it’s thought to coat the stomach and may help alleviate acid reflux.

6. Thyroid Function

Without just the right amount of iodine, the thyroid can’t function properly. This can lead to hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid, and symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and constipation among others.⁹‘Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid).’ National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/hyperthyroidism.

Sea moss is naturally high in iodine. This makes it a good source of the nutrient which is vital to the production of thyroid hormones. It’s always important to check with a doctor before using supplements to treat a health condition.

7. Libido Function

Sea moss has properties that are comparable to a multimineral supplement that people take daily. Its anti-inflammatory properties can even work to improve circulation around the body, including the reproductive organs.¹⁰‘A Species of Red Algae Found to Improve Circulation and Protect against Blood Clots.’ Heart Disease News, heartdisease.news/2019-12-11-red-alga-improves-circulation-protects-against-blood-clots.html.

Sea moss is also rich in magnesium, which supports brain health and has anti-anxiety effects. A better mood will always have a positive impact on libido. It is also thought to improve energy levels and act as an aphrodisiac.

8. Maintain a Healthy Metabolism

Metabolism involves special biochemical processes in the body that are needed to sustain life. Metabolism turns the food consumed into energy for the body to use. Because of sea moss’s high levels of iodine and other essential nutrients, consuming it regularly may promote a healthy metabolism.

A healthy metabolism helps promote healthy weight. It may also improve healthy digestive processes and promote proper absorption of important nutrients. It’s important to consult a doctor before adjusting iodine consumption.

9. Reduce Joint Pain

Arthritis is one condition that causes joint pain and stiffness with swelling. Sea moss or red seaweed may help to alleviate those symptoms also.¹¹Post author By Hugh Butler. ‘Seaweed Reduces Arthritis.’ BioSea Health, 8 Apr. 2020, bioseahealth.com/seaweed-reduces-arthritis/. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties it can reduce the swelling in joints. Sea moss is a natural source of collagen production, which is another component needed for joint health.

Studies have shown that sea moss is rich in antioxidants, which play a role in helping reduce the symptoms due to arthritis.¹²Kerschenmeyer, Anne, et al. ‘Anti-Oxidant and Immune-Modulatory Properties of Sulfated Alginate Derivatives on Human Chondrocytes and Macrophages.’ Biomaterials Science, The Royal Society of Chemistry, 16 June 2017, pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2017.

10. Great For Post-Workout Recovery

Athletes at any fitness level may benefit from including sea moss in a healthy, well-balanced diet. During strength training, muscles work harder than usual. Sea moss, being rich in antioxidants and collagen proteins, works to repair those muscle fibers. This creates a quicker recovery time for athletes and may improve mobility, too.

The increased mental health from supplementing with sea moss, along with the clean energy it helps to create, can all be beneficial for pre and post-workout recovery.¹²Kerschenmeyer, Anne, et al. ‘Anti-Oxidant and Immune-Modulatory Properties of Sulfated Alginate Derivatives on Human Chondrocytes and Macrophages.’ Biomaterials Science, The Royal Society of Chemistry, 16 June 2017, pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2017.