Sea moss is a species of red algae that grows near the coastline in rocky areas of the Atlantic coast. In its natural state, color varies between brownish-purple to greenish-yellow. Below we have listed and explained some reasons why you should be consuming sea moss regularly.
Promotes regular thyroid function
The thyroid is a gland found in the neck below Adam's apple. This gland secretes hormones known as triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4). These hormones are known as T3 and T4 based on the atoms of iodine per molecule. T3= 3 iodine atoms per molecule, T4= 4 iodine atoms per molecule. These hormones have effects on the majority of the body's tissues and increase BMR (basal metabolic rate). Here are just a few examples of what the thyroid is responsible for:
- Increases blood flow by directly increasing the rate and strength of the heartbeat.
- Increases the growth rate of the developing brain cells in the fetus.
- Increases the growth rate of young children.
- Plays a major roll in thought patterns, sexual function, and sleep.
- Regulates central and peripheral nervous system function.
- It regulates the menstrual cycle.
- Control cholesterol levels.
The most common cause of thyroid abnormalities is iodine deficiency. Iodine is one of the many minerals found abundantly in sea moss. By consuming sea moss regularly, you are directly feeding the thyroid.
Improves metabolism
What we refer to as our metabolism is really the process of chemical transformation that occurs within our cells. After food is consumed, our metabolism is responsible for 3 functions.
- Converting food into energy for cellular functions
- Converting food into building and recovery elements for cells
- Discarding waste after enough food has been processed for the above-mentioned conversions
Improves circulation
Filters out germs and other bacteria during blood circulation
Boosts immune function
Sea moss is known to have antiviral, antibacterial, anticoagulant, and antimicrobial properties.
Promotes digestive regularity
Sea moss is known to ease many digestive issues such as indigestion, gastritis, ulcers, and constipation. It is said due to the jelly-like consistency of sea moss, it can provide relief to all inflamed mucous membranes by coating the intestinal wall and at the same time pulling toxins out of the body.
Suppresses appetite
Sea moss is a great appetite suppressant due to its high concentration of minerals and its nutrient density. Most of us experience uncomfortable sensations in our stomach when we have not consumed anything for a period of time. This discomfort may be coupled with weakness and cravings. This is the feeling that we know as hunger. Today we have many companies that create products to assist in the regulation and suppression of this hunger. Do your due diligence in researching what works best for you should you go that route. However, for the people that are looking to suppress their appetite in a more natural and healthier way, sea moss should be considered. When you process sea moss into a gel form, it is easy to add as an ingredient with other foods and drinks. Due to its jelly-like consistency, when sea moss is consumed it passes through the intestines and soothes any inflammation as well as removes any toxins. Sea moss consumed regularly will help to eliminate cravings and as a result, bring the body back to its natural weight based on your level of activity and nutrition.
Promotes healthy sexual function
Due to the generous amount of zinc and other minerals that are vital for reproductive function and health, sea moss is great for anyone who desires an increased sex drive. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, sea moss promotes circulation throughout the entire body especially our reproductive organs. For male readers who are experiencing difficulty with sex-related drive, stamina, erection, and other abnormalities, then you should consider consuming sea moss regularly. For female readers who are experiencing a lack of desire, painful sexual experience due to dryness, feminine irritation, and anything else related to this particular topic, then a regular dose of sea moss may improve this situation.
Rich in vitamins and minerals
Sea moss is loaded with nutrients that are vital to the human body such as bromine, sulfur, calcium, iodine, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, potassium, beta-carotene, selenium, protein, pectin, zinc, vitamin-C and B-vitamins just to name a few.
Recovery
Sea moss provides relief from muscle and joint pain. Whether you are a professional athlete, fitness enthusiast, or perform any kind of heavy lifting at work, sea moss can help replace the minerals that you deplete the body of when performing these activities.
Skin.
Used topically as a skin and hair toner and nourisher.
Aside from internal consumption, sea moss can be applied directly to the skin. It works great on sunburn, dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema. The best application we have discovered is what we call “The Sea Moss Soak”. To perform this soak you simply fill up your bathtub with water and add the sea moss gel.
Irish Moss Gel Recipe - This recipe makes half a quart or more of gel.
Ingredients:
- 1C dried whole Irish moss (unsoaked)
- 2-3 C pure water (used for blending)
Directions:
- Thoroughly rinse 1C of the dried whole seaweed in pure water by soaking it for 20 minutes.
- Rinse again to remove any sand or debris.
- Place the Irish moss into a quart jar and fill with pure water.
- Soak overnight or at least 8 hours (so it will be easier to blend smoothly) and strain.
- Add the moss to a high-speed blender (like a Vitamix or Blendtec) and add just enough water to cover it, usually 2C works well but it can vary depending on the seaweed consistency.
- Blend until smooth, which may take a few minutes and will turn a cream color. It is pourable at this point but will solidify when chilled.
- Pour into a glass jar and place a lid on top.
- Store in the refrigerator for on-hand use in drinks and recipes.
How to Use Sea Moss Gel.
Again, the gracilaria variety is a very popular ingredient these days in raw dessert recipes as it creates a thick consistency perfect for shakes, raw cheesecakes, non-dairy ice cream, sauces, dressings, jams, puddings, and chutneys.
The blended gel can also be added to miso soup broths along with other seaweeds. Likewise, the whole or dried pieces can be simmered and strained to create a thick nutritious soup stock.
Its skin softening and healing properties provide an excellent facial mask, using the gel recipe above straight from the blender.