{"id":76221,"date":"2023-03-01T07:30:00","date_gmt":"2023-03-01T05:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.faithful-to-nature.co.za\/blog\/?p=76221"},"modified":"2023-03-01T00:04:26","modified_gmt":"2023-02-28T22:04:26","slug":"all-you-need-to-know-about-sea-moss","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.faithful-to-nature.co.za\/blog\/all-you-need-to-know-about-sea-moss\/","title":{"rendered":"All You Need to Know About Sea Moss"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Most of us in the world of wellbeing have heard about\u00a0sea moss<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 there has been nothing short of a buzz in recent years regarding the nutrient density this phenomenal marine vegetable offers.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Also known as\u00a0Irish Moss<\/strong>, this medicine is a collection of different kinds of seaweeds that contain the same medicinal, nutritive, and overall benefits. A few species belong under the term \u2018sea moss\u2019, such as Chondrus crispus, Eucheuma Contonii and Gracilaria, each specific to different regions and marine climates.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Chondrus crispus<\/em>\u00a0is a red algae which grows abundantly along the rocky coastlines of the\u00a0Atlantic and Pacific<\/strong>\u00a0oceans \u2013 some of the most well-known and notable shorelines being those in the Caribbean, Java, Europe and along the British Isles. This humble little seaweed looks somewhat like a red leaf of lettuce but comes in various colours, including yellow, green, purple and maroon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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HISTORY<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is evidence that Irish sea moss has been used as a medicine and nutritional ally in China dating back as far as 600-400 B.C.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The name\u00a0\u2018Irish moss\u2019<\/em>\u00a0isn\u2019t due to where the seaweed comes from but rather has a far more intricate and relational story: During the Potato Famine in the 1840s, the entire Irish population faced catastrophic disease and starvation, which continued for almost a decade. Due to this, people turned to what is commonly referred to as \u2018famine foods\u2019 \u2013 it was then that the Irish peoples discovered sea moss as a phenomenally nutritious and sustainable food source, allowing for them to not only have a source of food and nutrients but also consume an incredible medicine to keep them disease free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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AS A MEDICINE:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c[Sea moss] is rich in iodine, among other vital nutrients. As a result, it may offer health benefits including improved heart health, improved blood sugar regulation, and reduced risk of cancer,\u201d says\u00a0Kristin Gillespie, RD<\/a>, who is based in Virginia Beach, Virginia.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Nutrient, vitamin and mineral dense<\/strong>, sea moss contains 92 of the 102 essential minerals which we need daily to promote and aid in maintaining health. In addition, it provides a whole food source of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper and iodine, a micronutrient essential for the health of the thyroid. It is also rich in amino acids, Vitamins A and C and omega-3s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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It is also a wonderful source of\u00a0antioxidants<\/strong>\u00a0that protect the body from the negative side effects of oxidative stress and damage on organ tissues and cells.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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It contains a powerful amount of\u00a0primary metabolites<\/strong>\u00a0which promote mucilage – this thick substance is water soluble and, therefore, easily processed by our gut microbiome. When digested, this mucilage travels through the bloodstream, providing skin elasticity, joint support, healthy digestion, and even easing a sore throat. In addition, these chemical constituents are also beneficial in improving immune response and facilitating wellbeing.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Other health benefits include\u00a0thyroid support<\/strong>\u00a0which in turn aids in balancing endocrine function and weight management, modulation of immunity, supports the metabolic process, reduces cholesterol levels and supports cardiovascular health and blood sugar levels and traditionally has been used to improve fertility.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Topically<\/strong>\u00a0it aids in easing eczema, acne, and psoriasis and can promote skin elasticity and even tone. It is also used as a hair treatment to bring moisture and softness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture lists the following nutrition facts for 2 tablespoons (tbsp) of sea moss:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n