When it comes to adding flavoursome natural supplements to your diet, seaweed is perhaps not the first substance that springs to mind. However, these organic aquatic plants are packed with nutrients, vitamins and minerals that could potentially bring several significant health benefits. Here’s a look at what they are and how to include it in your diet.
Irish sea moss, also known as Chondrus crispus or carrageen moss, is harvested from the coast of Ireland as the name suggests. It may also simply be referred to as sea moss. It’s gathered in a completely raw state, so be warned you may even find small sea beasties such as molluscs and crustaceans in it, which can be easily rinsed off.
- A nutrient-dense product
A serving of sea moss contains many essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals. It is particularly rich in iodine and selenium, which play a key role in the production of hormones in the thyroid. Therefore it’s potentially helpful to support the healthy functioning of the thyroid.
Sea moss is also plentiful in magnesium, calcium, and potassium, which can help to maintain good blood pressure. Most people get enough of these through a regular healthy diet. However, strict vegans or busy people who eat a lot of convenience foods may run the risk of a deficiency and could benefit from taking a supplement.
The presence of vitamin C, zinc, and B vitamins may also help to support a healthy immune system. In fact, sea moss contains 92 of the 102 minerals present in the human body, so it is an excellent all-round supplement for anyone who is concerned that their everyday diet is not currently as well balanced as they would like.
- It may support healthy skin
Sea moss contains all the main vitamins that help to maintain the skin, including vitamins A and K. It also contains omega 3 fatty acids, which support the turnover of skin cells, and could help to prevent the premature appearance of fine lines, jowls, and age spots.
- It may support digestion
Sea moss has traditionally been taken to ease digestive discomfort, because it contains soluble fibres and live bacteria, which are gut-friendly substances. It may also help to manage blood sugar levels and guard against the risk of diabetes, because it contains the compound fucoxanthin.
- It is an excellent natural thickening agent
Yet another benefit of this supplement is that it works as a natural thickening agent, so it’s perfect for adding to soups, stews, and sauces. It can also be used in salads, dips, and as a pasta topping. However it’s important to thoroughly wash the product before use, because it’s 100% organic and unprocessed and may contain small particles from the sea.