7 Surprising Health Benefits of Sea Moss
Sea moss has been making waves recently for its array of health benefits, and online searches for it have exploded over the last few years.
Are you wondering, "What is sea moss?" It's a type of aquatic algae or seaweed. Also known as carrageen, sea moss comes in a variety of colors and grows in various parts of the world.
Traditionally, sea moss was boiled down into a gel consistency that has almost no taste. However, the gel is now commonly made without boiling to maintain maximum benefits, this tasteless sea vegetable is packed with nutrients and potential health benefits.
Are you wondering what is sea moss good for? Don't want to miss the boat on this new superfood?
If yes, continue reading to find out the primary sea moss benefits.
1. Sea Moss Is Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
One of the overarching benefits of seas moss is that it's high in vitamins and minerals, containing 92 of the 102 minerals the body needs.
For a start, sea moss contains roughly twice the amount of potassium as one regular-sized banana. It also contains notable levels of zinc, iron, phosphorous, and magnesium, as well as beta carotene, and b vitamins.
Along with a high vitamin and mineral content, sea moss also contains a variety of antioxidants and phytonutrients.
2. It’s Great for Gut Health
Besides being a powerhouse source of nutrients, sea moss can also be beneficial for gut health.
The reason for this lies in the prebiotic qualities of sea moss. Sea moss is rich in soluble fiber. Soluble fiber is one of the substances that probiotic bacteria in the gut feed on.
By ingesting prebiotics, like those contained in sea moss supplements and gel, you can effectively feed the good bacteria in your gut, which will crowd out undesirable bacteria.
Besides this, sea moss gel also has a smooth, thick texture that can have soothing effects on the membranes of the digestive tract. Similar to aloe, sea moss can also have anti-inflammatory effects, which are also beneficial for gut health and gut ailments.
3. The Natural Iodine Content of Sea Moss Can Be Beneficial for Thyroid Health
Another way that sea moss can benefit that body is by having a positive effect on thyroid health.
The thyroid is responsible for a myriad of vital functions, including your metabolism and body temperature. The hormones produced in your thyroid are also involved in brain development, bone maintenance, and digestion.
Disruption in thyroid function can cause unexplained weight gain, weight loss, anxiety, thinning hair, vision changes, and more.
Although iodine is added to most brands of table salt, there are still roughly 2 billion people with iodine deficiencies globally.
Sea moss is an excellent source of iodine, and although exact levels can fluctuate, it contains roughly 47 mcg of iodine per ounce. This is equal to 31% of the recommended daily intake for adults who are not pregnant or breastfeeding.
Thanks to its high levels of iodine, sea moss might be useful for supporting healthy thyroid function. One study also found that sea moss supplements can be effective at speeding up thyroid treatments.
4. Sea Moss May Support Immunity
Besides containing valuable levels of iodine, sea moss pills, gel, and supplements can also boost your immunity.
Roughly 70% of the immune system resides in the gut, and a lot of it comprises beneficial probiotic bacteria. The bacteria in your gut play a frontline role in fighting off invading pathogens.
Because sea moss contains high levels of prebiotics, it can play an active part in supporting the beneficial probiotic bacteria in the gut. Probiotic bacteria can't live without prebiotics. Making sure you're taking in prebiotic fiber is essential for gut health and immunity.
A study done on rats in 2015 showed that the prebiotic effect of sea moss gel improved the rats' gut microbiome, which in turn triggered heightened immunity.
5. It’s Rich in Fiber
Speaking of fiber, the prebiotic soluble fiber in sea moss gel isn't just good for the probiotic bacteria in your gut.
Soluble fiber has a number of positive effects. It can make you feel fuller, improve stool consistency, and lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels. It can also reduce your body's ability to absorb fat, and may reduce the risk of heart disease.
6. It’s Low in Calories
Not only is sea moss a powerhouse source of soluble fiber and key nutrients, but it's also low in calories.
While two tablespoons of sea moss contain only 5 calories, it has roughly:
- 7.2 milligrams of calcium
- 15.7 mg of phosphorous
- 14.4 mg of magnesium
- 6.3 mg of potassium
- 0.9 mg of iron
- 0.2 mg of zinc
- 0.02 mg of copper
- 0.04 mg of manganese
Along with packing a nutritional punch for very few calories, sea moss supplements and gel can also help you to stay full. Because of its high soluble fiber content, it increases feelings of fullness and satiety.
Lastly, if you're trying to lose weight, then don't forget about the potential ability of the soluble fiber in sea moss supplements for reducing the absorption of fat in the gut.
7. Sea Moss Can Help Rectify Low Iron Levels
Like we mentioned above, a mere two tablespoons of sea moss gel can provide you with 0.9 mg of iron. This is roughly 9 times more iron than what's found in chicken.
If you are suffering from low iron levels, sea moss pills can be a valuable addition to your diet.
While you might not be able to supply all your iron needs through a sea moss supplement, it can still be a very good plant-based source of this vital mineral.
Wondering Where to Buy Sea Moss?
Sea moss has been used for centuries in traditional folk medicine. Now, science is investigating this nutrient-rich sea vegetable and revealing that its age-old prestige as a health food isn't unfounded.
If you're wondering where to buy sea moss, you have come to the right place. Happy Fox Health is a leading brand of sea moss supplements.
All our products go through rigorous quality control measures, and we're involved in various programs to offset our carbon footprint.
Want to start reaping the benefits of sea moss? Head to our online storefront today.