11 Benefits of Irish Sea Moss You Need to Know

With our nutritionally deplete diets, any single food source that promises to pack a nutrient punch in such a small package is worth investigating.

And that’s exactly what we’ll do today!

Irish sea moss boasts many benefits, but does it really measure up to the hype?

Let’s take a look.

What Is Irish Sea Moss?

 

Sea moss is a red algae technically known as chondrus crispus. It grows naturally along the  Atlantic shorelines of Europe and North America.

Being incredibly nutritious, it became known throughout Europe as the superfood of the sea.

 

11 Little Known Benefits of Irish Sea Moss

 

1. Enhances Thyroid Function

Irish moss is a potent stimulator of thyroid function. Studies show that this benefit is thanks to the way sea moss enhances an important hormone known as thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).

TSH is naturally released from the pituitary and acts directly on the thyroid gland, leading to the synthesis and release of thyroid hormone. As a result, it can be used to manage a variety of conditions affecting the thyroid such decreased production of TSH.

Irish sea moss also contains iodine and selenium, both of which are essential to the synthesis of thyroid hormones. It is these precursors that provoke the release of thyroid stimulating hormone in the first place.

2. Eases Joint Pain

The combination of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties naturally found in sea moss provide an effective remedy for joint pain. Joint pain relief by sea moss is thanks to potassium iodide and potassium bromide, which are natural components of moss plants.

3. Boosts Metabolism

There are many metabolic regulators in the body, most of which are hormones. In this category, thyroid hormones play a key role. As mentioned previously, Irish sea moss significantly boosts the synthesis of thyroid hormone due to its rich iodine content, thereby boosting metabolism as well.

Not only that, but the iron content of this red algae facilitates rapid and efficient transport of oxygen to tissues to help meet metabolic demands. Iron also augments the metabolic activity of certain enzymes responsible for digestion.

4. Supports Immune System (And Fights Infection)

Good news during flu season - Irish moss also contains bioactive compounds with potent antimicrobial effects. The most notable are sulfated polysaccharides (SP).

As to the nature of its effects on the immune system, this study showed that Irish moss supports the three major subcategories of immunity:

• cell mediated immunity
• humoral immunity
• immune related gene responses

According to the study, it does so by increasing the count of almost all blood cell types. On top of that, it supports certain physiologic barriers to infection such as lysozymes and defensins.

5. Supports Heart Health

Disorders of the heart and cardiovascular system in general are due to some sort of issue in regulating blood flow. Moss seaweed reduces the possibility of suffering from heart conditions such as angina due to its ability to boost blood flow and improve oxygen delivery to tissues.

It also contains antioxidants that help prevent oxidative destruction of blood vessels and tissue cells by free radicals.

6. Helps Control Appetite

By suppressing our appetite centers, Irish sea moss helps control cravings, decreasing the chance of eating too much. It’s also very low in calories while still providing an array of nutrients.

7. Provides Remarkable Nutrition

Speaking of nutrients, recent studies have shown that Irish moss contains 92 out of the 102 essential minerals required by the body. However, the most outstanding component of Irish moss is its sulphur-containing amino acid called taurine.

So far according to current studies, it is the only seaweed that offers such a rich source of taurine. This is especially welcome news for vegetarians and/or vegans whose diets tend to lack taurine.  

Besides that, Irish moss also contains an abundance of beta carotene, pectin, proteins, fiber, sulphur, almost all the necessary minerals, plus vitamin C and B vitamins.

This incredibly varied and rich nutrition is what makes sea moss so beneficial for various illnesses. It can almost go without saying, but then again, it’s too important of a point to pass up:

Irish Sea moss is among the world’s best options for reversing malnutrition as quickly and easily as possible.

8. Promotes Mental and Emotional Well Being

The mental health support of Irish moss is attributed to its dense amount of potassium. Generally, the cells of the body have no definite mechanism of conserving potassium, yet they cannot survive without it.

Using potassium supplementation from products like Irish sea moss has been studied and proven to be beneficial, especially in children with conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Besides ADHD, potassium supplementation has also been proven to benefit mental healthy conditions like anxiety, depression, moodiness and agitation.

9. It’s a Natural Decongestant

Being rich in potassium chloride, sea moss is also effective in breaking down excess mucus caused by conditions that inflame the mucus membranes.

Thanks to this characteristic, sea moss is able to naturally alleviate congestion in the sinuses and lungs, being especially helpful in cases of the common cold, pneumonia or bronchitis.

10. Soothes The Digestive Tract

Products rich in fiber are the most beneficial for the digestive system, and sea moss is a perfect example of this. Ideally, it works by eliciting mild laxative effects while also managing inflammatory disorders of the gut. Common gastrointestinal conditions such as gastritis, indigestion, heartburn and nausea can be effectively managed with simple Irish sea moss.

11. Supports Sexual Health

Zinc and other minerals play an important role in healthy reproductive systems. Since this type of red algae boasts a superior mineral profile, Irish moss is great for improving sexual desire and alleviating feminine dryness.

How to Supplement with Sea Moss

 

To reap its many benefits, some people simply add cooked Irish moss to their salads and such. It’s also great blended in a smoothie!

Still others don’t like the taste in which case an Irish sea moss supplement is preferable.

You can usually find it available in powder form or capsules as well as tinctures like our Organic Irish moss tincture.

Whichever form you choose, be sure to read directions carefully to ensure proper preparation and/or administration.