Benefits of Sea Moss | Starwest Botanicals

Sea Moss is a type of algae or seaweed, which is usually found growing on rocky coasts but seems to be easier to find on your social media feed these days. And with so much information out there, it’s hard to know what to trust. You might be wondering what are the actual benefits of sea moss, and why should you be taking it?

Sea Moss is an edible plant that comes from the sea and has a very similar nutrient profile as other seaweeds and algaes including kelp and dulse. Sea Moss comes in many different colors. You can find green, red, yellow, purple and brown.

What’s the hype around sea moss?

Let’s get into it. One of the things that has this particular plant trending as a superfood is the fact that it contains 92 of the 102 minerals that our bodies need. Many of which we are not getting in our modern diet for reasons like; nutritional choices, processed and fast foods, access to healthy foods and soil mineral depletion. And these minerals are essential to our health and the functions of our bodies.

Sea Moss is rich in mucilaginous polysaccharides which give it that gel-like texture. Sea moss contains amino acids which are the building blocks of protein, along with a variety of essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, copper, manganese, iodine, selenium, omega 3s, vitamin C and many more.

It is also a good source of antioxidants and is rich in iodine, polyphenols, fatty acids, and carotenoids.

Because of Sea Moss’s rich nutrient composition, it may be very beneficial in supporting our bodies' different systems in getting the nutrients they need to do their jobs effectively.

How Sea Moss Supports Our Bodies Functions

Gut Health

Sea Moss and other seaweed contain beneficial prebiotics that can help support a healthy gut microbiome. Sea Moss is also rich in fiber, and may help aid in healthy digestion. Sea Moss’s mucilaginous properties can also be beneficial in soothing the delicate tissue of the gut lining and can be particularly helpful for people that suffer from digestive conditions.

Cardiovascular Health

Sea Moss has an ability to help support a healthy inflammatory response which can be beneficial to our cardiovascular system and may help support a healthy blood pressure response. Sea Moss also contains vitamin E and zinc which may also aid in blood sugar support.

Skin Health

Our skin needs balanced amounts of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants to maintain skin health. Sea Moss is rich in all of these and can help to support optimal skin health because of this. Giving our skin those essential nutrients that are sometimes lacking in our modern day diet. These same nutrients are also beneficial for our hair and nails.

Immune Health

Sea moss contains important nutrients that help support a healthy immune response.

Bone Health

Sea Moss contains vitamins and minerals that help to support bone health. Such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamin D.

Muscle & Soft Tissue Health

If you are an athlete or someone who frequently does vigorous exercise, taking Sea Moss after workouts can help with muscle recovery. Sea Moss contains the amino acid taurine, which may be linked to muscle building.

Sea Moss Protein Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of Sea Moss Gel
• 1 banana
• ½ cup fresh or frozen fruit of choice (mango, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, peaches, etc)
• About ½ cup ice
• 1 ½ cups milk of choice
• 2 scoops of protein powder of choice

Add ingredients to blender in this order. Blend until smooth!

Who should not take sea moss?

With so many influencers singing the praises of Sea Moss to their large followings, we need to remember that sea moss is not for everyone. Let’s talk about who should use caution when consuming Sea Moss and who should avoid it all together.

• If you have a pre-existing thyroid condition, are currently on thyroid medication or have a sensitivity to iodine you probably want to stay away from sea moss. Sea moss is high in iodine levels, and though iodine can be beneficial to the thyroid gland, excessive amounts of iodine can lead to a condition called Jod-Basedow phenomenon. People with thyroid conditions should speak with a knowledgeable practitioner before adding sea moss or other sea vegetables to their daily routines.
• Sea moss may have blood thinning properties, so people who are taking anticoagulant medications should speak with their healthcare provider before consuming sea moss.
• Sea moss may impair the absorption of prescription medications. If you are taking any prescription drugs, speak with your healthcare provider before consuming sea moss.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should avoid sea moss as well. There isn’t enough research to suggest it is safe.
• Sea Moss contains phytoestrogens, people with a history of or family history of estrogen positive cancers should avoid sea moss.

Where can you source high quality certified organic sea moss?

Here at Starwest Botanicals we provide certified organic sea moss in both a powder and dry cut & sift. When ordering herbs from Starwest Botanicals you can fully trust the product you are ordering is high quality. Shop with confidence and peace of mind today. Are you looking to add Sea Moss to your business? Apply for a wholesale account here to save 40% on retail prices.

References

• An Overview to the Health Benefits of Seaweeds Consumption
• Iodine, Seaweed, and the Thyroid
• Prebiotics from seaweeds: An ocean of opportunity?
• How Much Iodine is in Sea Moss: Numbers that Matter!
• Seaweed, Irish Moss USDA
• Immunomodulatory effects of seaweed extract nutrient complex

Bio

Danielle Caster is a Clinical Herbalist who uses her knowledge of herbalism along with a holistic approach to support women in achieving a more embodied way of living.

Danielle specializes in Women’s Reproductive & Hormone Health from Preconception through Menopause, and everything in between.

Through one on one Herbal Wellness Sessions, Danielle curates custom holistic protocols for her clients, addressing the root cause and restoring balance to the body.

A mother of three and avid gardener. Danielle also enjoys growing a multitude of medicinal plants and vegetables, spending time with her family, traveling and reading.

For more information about working with Danielle please visit her website or follow her on Instagram.