Rich in Essential Vitamins and Minerals
The human body itself is made up of 102 minerals and nutrients, which help to maintain its overall health and well-being. Sea moss is packed full of over 80 essential vitamins and minerals that the human body needs to function properly.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, sea moss contains significant amounts of the following 12 vitamins:
- Vitamin C: 3 mg
- Thiamin 0.015 mg
- Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): 0.466 mg
- Niacin (Vitamin B3): 0.593 mg
- Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5): 0.176mg
- Vitamin B6: 0.069 mg
- Vitamin B9 (folate): 182 µg
- Choline: 12.9 mg
- Beta carotene (converted into vitamin A by the body): 71 µg
- Vitamin A: 118 IU
- Vitamin E: 0.87mg
- Vitamin K: 5 µg
Sea moss contains traces of vitamin B12, vitamin D, and bio-available vitamin A in the form of retinol.
A 10 g serving of sea moss is packed with 12 essential minerals (with slight variation depending on the strain of sea moss and where it was harvested), including:
- Calcium: 72 mg
- Copper: 0.149
- Iron: 8.9 mg
- Manganese: 0.37 mg
- Magnesium: 144 mg
- Phosphorus: 157 mg
- Potassium: 63 mg
- Selenium: 0.7 µg
- Sodium: 67 mg
- Zinc: 1.95 mg
While more studies do need to be conducted on sea moss to determine its exact health benefits, due to its high mineral and vitamin count, it has been used as a superfood to help with the following:
Supports Thyroid Function
Sea moss contains iodine, a mineral that’s important for thyroid function. Consuming sea moss may help regulate your metabolism and support thyroid health.
Aids with Gut Health
According to a study conducted by the National Library of Medicine, “seaweeds are rich in bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, sterols, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, etc.” These bioactive compounds provide a high nutritional value for humans which may alleviate gut issues, bloating, gas, and constipation.
May Boost Your Immune System
Vitamin C and antioxidants found in sea moss may help strengthen your immune system and protect against illness. Sea moss also contains fucoidan and raw carrageenan which both have antibacterial and antiviral properties.
Has Potential Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Sea moss contains fucoidans which exhibit antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effects. In fact, seaweed-based foods are considered nutraceutical products, or a food or element of food obtained from earth with significant medical or health benefits, due to the positive effects they have on human health.
Chondrus crispus sea moss has been used as a medicinal drug against diarrhea, dysentery, gastric ulcers and as a component of numerous health teas for colds. Gelidium cartilagineum has been used in Japan for colds and swollen lymph nodes in pediatric medical science.
Promotes Skin Health
Some individuals incorporate sea moss into their skin health or beauty routine as it is believed to have moisturizing and nourishing properties. The vitamins and minerals in sea moss may support overall skin health and promote a clear complexion, soothing conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
May Support Cardiovascular Health
Sea moss contains potassium, which helps maintain healthy blood pressure levels. Consuming sea moss as part of a balanced diet may help reduce the risk of heart disease.
May Help Maintain Strong Bones
Chondus crispus also contains more calcium than milk, making it an excellent source to get adequate amounts of this mineral and maintain strong bones.
May Help Prevent Neurodegenerative Diseases
During the past decade, studies have suggested using seaweeds to prevent neurodegenerative diseases. The most common are Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
